Koalas, Kangaroos & Kiwis – The Australian Radio Listener Clubs

by David Ricquish

A social phenomenon of the early days of radio was the listeners club that many stations established. As a means to build a loyal audience they were highly successful, and usually developed around women listeners, and children.

In Parkes, local listeners to 2PK joined the Koala Club, in South Australia, 5AD and its country network had the famous Kangaroo Club, and in Far North Queensland, 4TO had its Kiwi Club.

Announcers used on air names such as ‘Uncle Richard’, ‘Auntie Peggy’ and many more like them, as the children’s clubs took on a family like tone to their activities. Most clubs were local in nature, just in the city or town where a local commercial radio station broadcast. Nationally, there was the famous Argonauts Club of the ABC which merits its own history, with many famous people today still able to tell you which boat crew they were assigned to on joining.

More social clubs than listeners clubs, their activities were mind-boggling. As well as the usual run of dances, social events, charity fund raising and so on, some clubs funded entire rest homes and school rooms. They held talent quests, beauty pageants, went on grand tours by car and train across the country and fulfilled an important social role in many country areas.

The children’s clubs were full of sports and cultural events, short story and poem writing, recitals in the radio station studio, art exhibitions, days out to the zoo, boat rides, and other activities to keep the children entertained, educated and occupied.

During WWII, these listener clubs often led local fund raising activities for clothing, food supplies, fully outfitted ambulances and mobile canteens, as well as money for guns, munitions and war bonds.

Through the 1950’s and into the mid-1960’s, these clubs continued to prosper and many not so old listeners will still remember listening to their favorite ‘Uncle’ or ‘Aunt’ on the radio, wearing their club badge with much pride, and the friendships they formed whilst attending club activities.