SHE’S worked behind the scenes for almost 50 years, but those efforts haven’t gone unrecognised with Stephanie Camplin this year named as an Order of Australia Medal recipient as part of Australia Day celebrations.
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Mrs Camplin, currently in Queensland with her husband Ron, said it was a huge surprise to receive the letter asking if she would accept the honour.
"I was in total shock," she said.
“I found out two weeks ago when I received a letter in the mail …. I was very very humbled – gobsmacked, in fact."
Mrs Camplin said she understood the award is the culmination of 48 years in radio and reflected on a career which has brought her such happiness.
“I started in 1969. I was studying law at the University of Sydney and was working part time for Ron’s brother in a publishing company,” she said.
“At the time I just thought to myself, radio is so fascinating.
“I never finished my law degree, we moved to Bathurst and the rest is history.
She said working alongside Ron has been amazing and she has the support of many great colleagues.
“We have a little saying at 2BS; good people doing good things.”
Just a quick look at some of the projects that Stephanie has been involved in through 2BS include the Christmas Miracle Appeal, which is coming into 47 years.
“The station helps raise the $35,000 to $40,000 needed each year to purchase the food.
“And then the wonderful people of Bathurst come together to help pack all those hampers and deliver them across the city,” she said.
She is equally proud of the other community contributions involving 2BS, including the junior sports awards, where 2BS with the help of great community partners support all Bathurst kids representing their state at national competitions.
“It all started when our own son was chosen as a field hockey representative for state, one of the boys who was selected, was looking really glum, so Ron went up and spoke to him.
“He said Mum and Dad can’t afford to send me; it’s nice to be selected but I won’t be able to go.”
With that the junior sports awards were born, with each recipient receiving $400 to help cover the costs of getting kids to the national championships.
“We haven't done it on our own, there are some wonderful businesses in Bathurst.”
She said looking back at everything she’s done over the years, she was just the “back ground girl doing background things.”
“ I would send the letters or help raise funds; this is something I never expected. I’m flabbergasted,” she said.
