Triple R Celebrates 50 Years with Courtney Barnett, Party Dozen and KAIIT at Fed Square

Melbourne community radio institution Triple R will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a free, all-ages concert at Fed Square on Thursday, November 12th, featuring Courtney Barnett, Party Dozen and KAIIT.

Presented by Fed Square and Triple R, the event will bring together three acclaimed Australian acts for an evening of live music, with Triple R presenters and DJs also taking part in the celebrations.

Established in 1976, Triple R has spent five decades championing independent music, supporting emerging artists, and providing a platform for voices and perspectives often overlooked by commercial broadcasters. 

The not-for-profit station has played a significant role in shaping Melbourne's music and arts communities, while providing generations of aspiring broadcasters with opportunities to develop their skills. 

Triple R Station Manager Dave Houchin said the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise the thousands of people who have contributed to the station's longevity. 

“It's an incredible privilege to be able to celebrate 50 years of this underground Melbourne icon, Triple R, beside the Birrarung, right in the heart of Naarm at Fed Square,” he said. “It's thanks to so many people that Triple R is thriving at 50 years old. I hope the many thousands of people who have contributed as Triple R volunteers and subscribers over the last half-century feel the pride that I do in the results of their efforts.”

Headlining the November 12th celebrations is Courtney Barnett, whose career has taken her from Melbourne's independent music scene to international acclaim. The singer-songwriter released her fourth studio album, Creature of Habit, earlier this year. 

She will be joined by Sydney experimental noise-rock duo Party Dozen, comprising saxophonist Kirsty Tickle and drummer Jonathan Boulet, who recently released their fifth album, 21 Bum Salute. 

Rounding out the lineup is Papua New Guinea-born neo-soul artist KAIIT, whose combination of soul, hip hop and jazz has earned her national recognition, including a 2019 ARIA Award and a 2025 APRA Award. 

The concert is part of a broader anniversary celebration, with another special 50 Years of Triple R event scheduled for Fed Square later in November. Further details are expected to be announced soon.

The November 12th event begins at 6.15pm on the Fed Square main stage, and is free for all ages.