De’Arne Marshall is a veteran radio presenter on 979fm Melton Community Radio who loves all things rock and roll, especially Elvis. She spoke to Eddie Russell about her connection to the local community.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
I have been with 979fm for 25 years, and in the entertainment business since I was 17 years old. My mum and grandmother were professional singers and years ago I promoted up and coming entertainers. I retired from work this year and am looking forward to the next chapter of life – there are so many things I still have to explore and I will make one more trip to Graceland to say my farewell to my idol Elvis Presley, the King.
What is your connection to Melton?
I worked for Bunnings for 25 years, including 19 years at Altona, and then transferred to Melton as my best friend, John Forbes, found out he had prostate cancer. He was a well respected figure and it was too much for him to travel to Ballarat Hospital after work, so I nursed him right til the end and honoured his request to die at home. I have presented Memories of Elvis for many years and have been on air for even longer.
What do you like about where you live?
I love Melton. It has progressed so much since I first came here 15 years ago, there are so many restaurants, businesses, and shopping outlets for all. We have the best community radio station in the west with great presenters bringing you all genres of music, talkback, and news.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
I live in Harkness and it would be good to have a supermarket as I am up near Toolern Vale.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
My favourite place to be is our local radio station presenting “Jukebox Memories” on Saturday mornings from 8–10am, “RnR Heaven” Saturday nights from 6–8pm and then “Memories Of Elvis” from Saturday 8pm-10pm.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
I have been to Graceland 15 times and will go one last time next year. On one of my many visits a few years ago, I was walking through taking photos and when I got to the ‘Jungle Room’ my camera was going crazy. When I developed the photos, they all came out beautifully except that one in the ‘Jungle Room’ – it looked like there was a piano in the air and two pairs of arms. When I returned, I placed a framed copy in one of the studios at 979fm and the presenter before me told me he had a medium as a guest on his show who jumped three feet back when he saw the picture. The medium said he saw Elvis and his twin brother Jessie playing the piano!
