Telegraph and Communications, Published 20 February 2026
Did you know Brisbane’s radio story began with a “Hello, hello…” over 100 years ago?
Let’s rewind to July 1925, when Queenslanders gathered around their brand new wireless sets to hear the very first local broadcast from Station 4QG, the trailblazer that kicked off Brisbane’s radio era. Initially, it operated on a frequency of 779.2 kHz, before changing to 760.5 kHz on 30 June 1931.
Where was it broadcast from?
Right from the heart of the city! 4QG operated out of the State Insurance Building, perched on the corner of Elizabeth and George Streets, Brisbane’s first ever high rise government building, and still standing tall today.
Back then, the Courier newspaper called this new marvel of public broadcasting the “eighth wonder of the world”. And honestly? For 1925, it kinda was. Imagine hearing a voice magically appear in your living room for the first time, no Bluetooth, no Wi‑Fi, no “you’re on mute” moments.
Fun fact: The giant radio aerials stayed on the building’s roof until 1945, long after 4QG had become the foundation of what we now know as ABC Radio Brisbane.
So next time you stroll past George Street, give a little nod to the birthplace of Brisbane broadcasting, the spot where local radio first crackled to life and changed how Queenslanders connected forever.
B&W Images - Building & Radio Station Members in a recording room - Public Domain, QLD State Archives - All other images: Dave & Malou Channel.
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