Regional Victorians will wake up to local conversations on Saturday 27 January, with the ABC launching dedicated statewide Breakfast and Mornings Saturday radio programs.

The programs will focus on local news, sport, arts, and events and will be heard on stations across regional Victoria.

The ABC’s regional radio network and reporting team in Victoria will all contribute to the statewide programming.

ABC Regional Editor, Victoria Hugh Martin says “The ABC is committed to regional audiences and these programs are a significant addition to the ABC’s regional output.”

“We are very pleased to be able to launch a new program for regional Victorians that will connect our communities to all the exciting things that happen across the state on weekends, whether it’s festivals and other events or regular sporting occasions.”

Gavin McGrath will host Breakfast from 6 to 9am with the program airing on ABC Ballarat, South West Victoria, Central Victoria, Gippsland, Mildura Swan-Hill and Wimmera. Gavin has held several reporting and presenting roles with ABC Ballarat, most recently filling in as host on Victorian Country Hour.

Of his new role, Gavin says “It looks like I’m going to have to get used to being an early bird! There’s so much happening around regional Victoria on a Saturday and that’s what this show is all about.”

Matt Tribe will host Mornings from 9 to 11am with the program airing on all ABC regional Victoria stations.

Matt has been the host of Central & Western Victoria Saturday Breakfast since 2020 and prior to that hosted Mildura/Swan Hill Breakfast between 2015 and 2018.

“I’m thrilled to help establish a Saturday Morning program dedicated to sharing the stories, events, talents and passions of all Victorians,” Matt says “It’s an exciting time for ABC Radio and I can’t wait to get started.”