Community
3 July, 2025
Radio jock living the dream
THE ‘Goss’, in the past, has established that there are many amazing individuals in the Douglas Shire who have endless energy and enthusiasm.
There is no better example than Michael Joseph Rees, who has recently taken on the role as weekday ‘Drive Time’ presenter at Douglas FM, the Douglas Shire’s very own local radio station.
Michael’s unique and relaxed style of announcing is already attracting a significant audience across Port Douglas, Mossman, the Daintree and other parts of the Shire.
The show’s popular blend of music is combined with topical information for the area, plus some fun and laughter thanks to Michael’s dry sense of humour.
As if preparing and presenting a live radio show each day wasn’t enough, this is just part of the ‘Drive Time’ radio jock’s day.
When not on air, he is a very active councillor for the Douglas Shire Council and, similar to his radio work, gets the job done in a style of his own, which once again appears to be popular with locals.
It doesn’t end there, however, as Michael also finds the time to be an active member of the Port Douglas Surf Life Saving Group, putting his strong swimming skills to good use. Somehow, amazingly, there is yet another string to this man’s bow as a vital member of the SES in the Douglas Shire.
Michael’s life changed in April 2023, when he experienced the profound loss of a close friend, due to suicide. This was a friend with whom he had shared both travel and daily life. As with many tragic events, it brought a shift in perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.
Around the same time, Michael got to know locals Phil Leahy and his wife Annabel from Douglas FM and it was their encouragement that played a key role in two long-considered dreams becoming reality: running for the council and launching his own radio show.
Later that year, Michael also applied to become a lifeguard and by the end of 2023 he found himself standing in the same tower and patrolling the same beaches once watched over by his lost friend Mackenzie – a deeply meaningful full-circle moment.
After attending a local community meet-and-greet and, now in the role as elected councillor, he was inspired to join the SES in mid-2024.
“I saw firsthand how the best remedy for feelings of helplessness, especially in the face of natural disasters, is to be part of the solution and help others,” Michael said.
Michael has also returned ‘to the ocean’ in another rewarding way, teaching children how to swim, mostly in a pool, passing on both skills and a love for the water.
This is a truly amazing story and a great example to us all, I believe.
Anyway, I’m off to find more local heroes, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
