Trevor Chappell’s first night on ABC Overnights, in 2000, was terrifying by his own account. Everything was scripted down to the minute, with no room for nerves. Then Pamela, his first talkback caller, rang in, and the fear passed. “From that moment everything was okay,” he said.
Twenty-six years later, Chappell is leaving. His last program goes to air on 30 July.
The ABC says it will name a new presenter in the coming weeks.
A route to the microphone
Chappell grew up in Western Australia and tried plenty of work before radio: mines and wheat bins in the far north-west, building sites, a pub in Broome. He started in broadcasting as a producer at Perth’s 6PR, then came back to Melbourne in 1995 as a casual producer with the ABC. Four years as a producer and roving reporter for 774 ABC Melbourne and Victorian Regional Radio followed, before Overnights came his way.
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer paid tribute to him. “For 25 years, Trevor Chappell has been a trusted companion to Australians through the quietest hours of the night,” Latimer said. “His warmth, humour and genuine curiosity have made Overnights a place where listeners feel heard, connected and welcome.”
Who kept him going
Chappell says nobody does shift work for that long alone. He named producers Michael Pavlich and Mick James, colleagues Helen Richardson and John Standish, the regular callers, and his partner Cathy at home. “That support has made a 25-year career possible,” he said.
He had thanks for the audience too. “The kindness and generosity of listeners made that first day, and the 26 years since, so rewarding and a joy.”
A send-off from the museum
On the night of 28 July, Chappell will host a live Overnights broadcast from Melbourne Museum, running from late night into the early morning. Listeners can apply to attend through the ABC Melbourne website.
Lynley Crosswell, CEO and Director of Museums Victoria, said the institution was proud to host it. “There are few voices Australians have spent more late nights with than Trevor Chappell,” she said.
Sources
- Trevor Chappell to leave ABC Overnights after 26 years
- ABC's Longtime Overnight Presenter Trevor Chappell to Leave After 26 Years
