Phil was the alternating presenter of the “Cowboys and Outlaws” program on Saturday afternoons for more than seven years. 

But Phil first came to the station as a carpenter working for CSU when we needed a new studio desk to be specially built to fit our broadcast panels. 

Phil made us that studio desk with great skill, care and attention to detail, and that desk will stand in our studio and remain a testament to Phil’s work for many years to come. Community radio is all about people. 

The people – our presenters - who come into the studios weekly to present programs shape our station. 

These people come from various backgrounds. They are retirees, students, mums and dads, business owners, shop assistants, farmers, carers, teachers, musicians and entertainers. 

Our people are involved with 2MCE because of their love for music and their desire to connect with their community through the airwaves.

Phil Ross was one of our people. He started presenting a program called “Forgotten Tracks” in 2009 on 2MCE, playing the hits from his vinyl collection that had been stored away for years in his shed. 

Not long after, Phil moved time slots and music genres to co-present “Cowboys and Outlaws” on Saturday afternoons, which he continued to present until recently. 

I will remember Phil as a good person. He was gentle, kind, friendly and would do anything to help you. He took great pride in his work and it shows in that desk he built in our studio all those years ago.

Wayne Hockings presented a tribute show of “Cowboys and Outlaws” on Saturday in memory to Phil. Many listeners phoned into the studio and sent messages to express sadness for Phil’s passing.

Wayne says “Phil was a much loved part of the “Cowboys and Outlaws” team where his knowledge and appreciation of wonderful lyrics, history of artists and insightful interpretation of songs was legendary.” 

Wayne and Phil mostly alternated weekly to present the show, however Wayne added “some of my favourite memories are of the programs we hosted together. Above all else though, I will miss Phil as a great friend. We spent a lot of time together and I treasure every minute we had.”

The 2MCE community sends best wishes to Phil’s family at this time, his wife Karen and daughters Lily and Julia.

Phil’s funeral was held yesterday at the Bathurst Crematorium Chapel and was attended by many of his friends from 2MCE.