Western Syd Icon Beverly Buttercup Retires From Queer Community Radio After Nearly 30 Years
Image: via Beverly Buttercup's website.
A significant chapter in community radio history is coming to an end, with Western Sydney’s beloved radio presenter, Beverly Buttercup ending her show after nearly 30 years.
Her show on 89.3FM, CampAir, has been a platform for LGBTQIA+ voices, stories, and issues for Western Sydney.
The final CampAir program aired this week, produced by Glenn Whitfield and Buttercup, with presenters Justin Scott, Pomara Fifth, and Marilyn Mootrub.
In a press release, Buttercup thanked and acknowledged the many volunteers, producers, presenters, and listeners the show has had over the years.
“Every single person who has been part of these programs has helped create a very special part of Western Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community history,” she said.
Her LGBTQIA+ community radio programs included Queer Out West, Queer Radio, Pride Radio, and CampAIR.
Queer Out West won the DIVA Award in 2007, and was nominated for media and volunteering in 2011, 2023, and 2026.
Who is Beverly Buttercup?
Beverly Buttercup started her drag career in 1992 and quickly established herself as one of the most popular acts in Western Sydney.
Her accomplishments include winning the ACON Community Service Award in 1998, World Aid Day Partnership Award in 1999, and is a three-time DIVA Awards winner.
She was the only drag queen in Western Sydney to be a part of the Sydney 2000 Olympic closing ceremony.
Beverly is the founder/coordinator of Heaven Social Dance, and through the event has raised over $59,000 for charity. The Heaven Social Dance celebrates its 19 birthday this year.
The Heaven Social Dance Awards Night is taking place on Wednesday, 8 October 2026.
Beverly is now stepping down from her presenter role at 89.3FM because she hopes to make way for new LGBTQIA+ voices to come forward.
“Moving forward, I would love to encourage people from the LGBTQIA+ community and the wider community across Western Sydney, Liverpool and Fairfield who have something to contribute to consider getting involved with 89.3FM 2GLF.
“You don’t have to have a radio background. You might have an idea for a program, a passion you’d like to share, music you love, a community organisation you’d like to promote, or simply something you think people would enjoy hearing about.
“Anyone can put forward an idea for a program.”
She asks that the new generation pitch their radio program ideas to reach out to office@893fm.com.au.
What’s next?
Beverly Buttercup says she is looking forward to a long, much-deserved break, and spending time with family.
“Thank you to every single person who has been part of this incredible 26-year journey,” she said in her press release.
“Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the friendship. Thank you for the support. And most importantly…
“💜 THANK YOU FOR LISTENING. 🏳️🌈📻”
She also teases a potential return to radio in 2027. We will just have to wait and see!
You can continue to listen to 89.3 FM on the radio or online.
You May Also Like
Support the Star Observer… while you still can
LGBTQIA+ media is under threat. Queer content is censored by tech conglomerates who amplify bigotry and push out AI slop — so we receive less financial support than ever.
When our community is muzzled and intolerance intensifies, we need queer media more than ever. Your donation means we can continue paying queer journalists to write queer news.
Don’t rely on the straight lies of big tech – support Star Observer instead and donate now.
Leave a Reply