Pricey’s over the moon to be honoured
TOWNSVILLE’S outstanding residents are receiving the country’s highest honours for their service and contribution to the community.
Among the 10 recipients recognised in today’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List is breakfast radio king Steve Price, who was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia ( OAM) for his service to the broadcast media, and to the community of Townsville.
“It’s the greatest thing that could happen to you, apart from switching on the mic every morning and sitting on the beach. This is sensational,” Pricey said.
“I haven’t been able to sleep since I was told. It just means the world to me.
“What radio did was give me an opportunity to give back to the city ... it opened many doors … the most important people in the world are those happy souls who listen to me.”
Pricey said his late father would have been over the moon with the achievement, and he would be placing the golden wattle medal around his “amazing” mother’s neck.
Pricey said despite the decades that had passed his job “hadn’t changed at all”.
“There’s still a reason why people listen to you, they want company and friendship, silliness, a happy look at life,” he said.
“My real love is my city and I’ve got a job that I can help a bit … I’ve added a bit to people’s lives. If you make one person happy it’s worth it.”
The popular announcer has graced our airwaves for “35 mango seasons” ever since he arrived after leaving Melbourne.
“It was stinking hot in February and I just fell in love. You know that straight away you feel like a local when you love the place,” he said.
The Governor- General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC ( Retd) approved the awards to be announced today and said we were fortunate as a community to have people working for the betterment of the nation.
“To all recipients, I offer my deepest congratulations, admiration and respect for your contribution to our nation,” he said.