In memory of Eric Cellistino REYS “The REYS Family is a well known and respected Old Pioneering Family of Cairns”. Eric the 13 th child of a family of 16 children was born in Cairns in1938. Eric always said that he was born under a lucky star.
It was a time in Australian History when the little fishing village and sea port of Cairns had no Commercial Airport or traffic lights and when kids walked to school, rode their horses or, if they were from a privileged home, might have a “push bike”.
Eric attended St. Joseph 's School then St.Augustine's Marist Brothers College to Grade 7. He followed his older brother Frank to become a jockey and moved to Melbourne . His next career move was to Canberra to become an official government driver. He was appointed to drive for the then Federal Treasurer later to become the Prime Minister of Australia - Harold Holt. His appointment as Officer in Charge of Decimal Currency Changeover (February, 14, 1966),
Eric as Manager of Bumma Bippera Media and the Presenter of the popular Indigenous Talk Back Radio Program “Across Australia” were some of Eric's great contributions to Australia … the lucky country .
In 2000 a t an interview with the then President of Cairns Community Broadcasters Inc., Eric recalled the events that were to change his Life and Career focus …
In 1995 my Grand Niece “Theresa Remedio” who is the daughter of CBF National Committee Member “Big Jim Remedio” asked me if I would consider entering the Media Field … I signed on with Bumma Bippera Media to do a 3 year Course in Broadcasting /Journalism at Bachelor College in the Northern Territory. I graduated from Bachelor College in 1998 with a Diploma in Broadcasting/ Journalism, Certificate in Work Place Health and Safety, Certificate in Training.
In 1997 I was accepted to be the Manager of Bumma Bippera Media 98.7 FM, Cairns , Queensland .
1999 my yearning to increase my knowledge and my audience to the wider community led me to apply for a position with Cairns Community Broadcasters Inc. “ Cairns FM 89.1”. I was accepted and Billy Lee Long encouraged me to present a program to cater to a multicultural audience … it allowed me to deal with topics that I was passionate about which included issues on health, housing, employment, tourism, etc. …
Radio is a powerful medium and if used in the correct manner it can achieve many positive results for all of the people who live in our beautiful tropical Region of Cairns …
Editors comment: Eric had a wonderful, friendly, caring personality with a deep compassion for people, especially the under privileged … Friends and family will always remember Eric when they sit back and relax and listen to some good 60's and 70's music … “what a wonderful world”.
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