In the 1980s, Cumberland Community Radio was formed from the amalgamation of two groups attempting to set up community radio stations—one in the Hills and the other in the Parramatta/Holroyd region. Between 1987 and 1989, the organization began test broadcasts. In 1988, Baulkham Hills Shire Council allocated Building 9 in the Balcombe Heights Estate to the organization, and the station has remained at this location since. In October 1992, the organization was granted a community radio license, and on December 12, 1992, it began broadcasting on 90.5 FM.

In April 2009, Alive 90.5 commenced streaming its programs live over the internet. There are two internet streams: 128 kbit/s Joint Stereo MP3 and 64 kbit/s Stereo AAC, to support a variety of listening platforms.

The broadcast area originally served by Alive 90.5 included the City of Holroyd. In late 2017, Alive 90.5 updated its logo and expanded its broadcast area to include the newly formed Cumberland Council, which was created in May 2016 from the merger of the City of Holroyd with its neighbors.

Alive 90.5 celebrated its 25th anniversary on December 12, 2017.

Since 1992, Cumberland Community Radio has been broadcasting on 90.5 MHz FM. Originally branded on-air as ‘The Sound of Style’ and later simply as ‘2CCR’, the station has been known as Alive 90.5 since November 4, 2011.

The mission of Alive 90.5 is to serve its community by broadcasting a diverse range of programs that cater to all groups within the community. Alive 90.5 is a volunteer-run organization, funded through listener support, grants, and limited commercial sponsorship.

The station predominantly airs an Adult Contemporary music format on weekdays between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM local time, with public access programs scheduled from 6:00 PM to midnight on weekdays and at various times during the weekend. Overnight programming is a mix of Adult Contemporary and Oldies. Occasionally, live sports commentary may replace weeknight and weekend programming.

Recognition

On January 26, 1995, 2CCR was awarded an Australia Day Award for ‘Outstanding Community Service.’

In January 2017, Planet Country with Big Stu & MJ won a People’s Choice Award at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for the Most Popular Country Music Station or Program. Planet Country had also been finalists in 2016 and 2018.

In November 2018, the Alive 90.5 program Sunday Sports Roundup was announced as the winner of the ‘Troy Garner Excellence in Sports Programming’ award at the 2018 CBAA Awards, held on the Gold Coast.

In August 2019, Alive 90.5 continued its recognition at the CBAA Awards with two finalists announced. Former board member Matthew Brokenbrough was a finalist in the ‘Excellence in Technical Services’ category, while the program Mediterranean Mix was a finalist in the ‘Best Radio Program: Music’ category. The awards were held in Melbourne in October 2019.

In 2020, Alive 90.5 was again recognized at the CBAA Awards, with five finalists announced.

In 2021, Darryn Capes-Davis was a finalist in the CBAA Community Radio Volunteer of the Year – People’s Choice Award.

In the same year, Alive 90.5 FM returned to the winner’s circle at the CBAA Awards, with the station winning the Outstanding Small Station Award, and Darryn Capes-Davis receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Contribution Award.

Notable Past Announcers

Matthew ‘MJ’ Brokenbrough, currently the Workday Announcer on 96.5 Wave FM.

Brooke Taylor, Drive Producer for CADA.

Tim Wong See, Producer at ABC Sunshine Coast.

Scott Frappel, Traffic Reporter for the Australian Traffic Network.

Dan Jones, formerly an Announcer with i98.

James Preston, formerly the Workday Announcer for Triple M (Port Macquarie).

Mitchell Farrugia, Fox Sports