Olympic champion turned radio presenter Susie O’Neill has shocked listeners after revealing her decision to resign from the popular Nova 106.9FM breakfast show.
Following a successful swimming career, O’Neill joined Nova in 2013 as a sports reporter before jumping on board with David “Luttsy” Lutteral and Ashley Bradnam in May 2016 as part of the breakfast team.
On Friday, October 18, a tearful O’Neill announced “with a very heavy heart” her decision to resign, telling listeners that the decision to leave “wasn’t easy”.
“Ash and Luttsy are like brothers to me, they brought me into their world a little over a decade ago and they have always been my biggest supporters,” O’Neill said.
“We have formed an incredible bond over the years, which made this decision even harder. I’m proud to call them my friends, as I am the entire Nova breaky team.
“It’s hard for me to articulate exactly why I’m leaving. I think turning 50 last year I realised I’m at a whole new stage in my life. Our kids have grown up and I just feel the next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally.
“I feel like I want to get back to the grass roots of sport, and to involve myself more in the wider community. And while it’s going to be an emotional final day on November 28 saying goodbye to everyone, including our listeners, I do know whatever this next chapter brings, that my Nova family won’t be far away.
“Nova has been amazing to me – a huge shout out to all of you who helped me navigate my way from the very beginning of my radio career, I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to front such an awesome show.
“Both on and off air, it’s been a privilege and honour to learn a whole new set of skills and for people to get to know me beyond the sporting world.
“And to our listeners, you are who I am going to miss the most – I’ve loved my time with you and nothing pleases me more than when one of you comes up and recount a story I have shared on air. You are the reason we get up at the crack of dawn, so thank you for the hundreds of wonderful memories.”
O’Neill’s final broadcast with the Nova 106.9 breakfast show will be on Thursday, November 28.
While listeners were sad that they would no longer be waking up to O’Neill’s voice each morning they were equally excited for what was next for the beloved radio and sports star, wishing her all the best.
“Good luck Susie. Enjoy your new stage of your life. May it be everything you hoped for. Here’s to turning a new leaf and may it be extraordinary,” one wrote.
“I grew up watching her swim, and my kids have grown up listening to her laugh. What a great impact she’s made.”
“Noooo 😢, sad but excited for you. Good luck with your new challenges I’m sure we will see you around on the TV or media,” commented another.
“Susie you are amazing!! How exciting for you! We will miss your happy, sunshiney voice!”
“I was so emotional listening to that! @susie_oneill1 what an end of an era. You’re going to be missed.”
O’Neill isn’t the only big name in radio hanging up the mic, following an impressive 70 years on the air, radio icon John Laws announced he will be retiring, recently telling loyal listeners that “it’s time for a rest”.
Prompted by fan mail from a listener who expressed how much they enjoyed hearing him on the radio each day, Laws delivered the surprise announcement during his Tuesday, October 8 broadcast.
“You’re not going to be hearing it for long, mate. I think it’s time for a rest,” he told listeners.
“I’ve done it for a very, very, very, very long time. And I think that I’ll just call it a day, and call it a day pretty soon.
“I would have done it for 71 years, the first week of November will be 71 years since I started on radio.
“I don’t want to be greedy, I had a fantastic 71 years. Loved almost every minute of it.”
Unlike his first retirement announcement in 2007, Laws assured listeners that this time he was going off air for good.
“I still feel young, I still feel healthy. When I call it a day it will be a day, I’m not going to go away and come back again and say it was all a mistake,” he said.