After nearly three decades on the airwaves, beloved Drive co‑host Todd ‘Toddy’ Widdicombe has announced his resignation from 92.7 MIX FM.
On his last show he revealed the reason for leaving: “At the end of September last year, one of my brothers, Joshua, he was 41 and he took his own life, and it broke my heart. And about three weeks later, a really old friend of mine, Marty… he did the same.. All we ever do is say, I missed you this time, but I’ll see you next time, then suddenly there’s no time. It’s a really personal thing, and I know that I speak to loads of people when I say this, when we lose people in our lives, My God, how hard is it when they make that choice themselves to leave you and I’m just not I’m not okay,” he said.
“I just can’t keep doing the radio show every single day and giving you my best without actually stopping and going, you know what? In the unlikely event of an emergency, the oxygen masks are falling from the ceiling, and apparently I’m meant to put mine on first.”
He has been a cornerstone of Sunshine Coast radio, first joining forces with Sami Muirhead on Hot 91 before reuniting with her at MIX FM in 2014.
Over the years, he’s championed everything from autism awareness campaigns to charity challenges with SunnyKids.
Whether cracking jokes or raising vital funds, Todd has consistently used his platform to support local causes and bring people together.
Off‑air, Todd is a devoted husband and father of four.
Reflecting on his journey, Todd told colleagues and listeners “I was 14 when I decided radio was for me. Over the years, I’ve done a kazillion mid-dawns and spent what feels like a billion hours uploading episodes of Take 40 Australia and Cactus from reels. I’ve handed out icy cold cans of Coke and copies of Who Weekly from the Black Thunders, and I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the greatest broadcasters to ever open a mic — Jamie Dunn, Bernie Brittain, Vic Davies, Fred Botica, Tracy Bartram … the list goes on. It’s been an incredible ride.”
“Radio is mint — I’ll always love it. While my journey has taken me from Perth to Bunbury, back to Perth, then to Cairns and the NSW Cenny Coast, the most epic days of my career have been right here over the last decade at MIX FM on the Sunny Coast. I’m so proud of the content we’ve created — ‘How’d Ya Lose Ya Finger?’ in particular — the causes we’ve supported, and the people we’ve met.”
“But as the cliché goes, it’s time for the next chapter. To all our listeners over the years — thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving us a go. YOU are what this job is all about. And to my old buddy Sami — tah muchly for calling ‘shotgun’ all those years ago at Hot 91 and coming on this cracking ride with me. I’ve been okay, you’ve been exceptional.”
“Not seeing me daily will surely be tough for you — which is why I’m leaving you with a fully framed, signed photo of me to treasure forever. Hang it in your dunny!”
“When it comes to media, in my opinion, radio is King people, so in the words of Journey circa 1981, “Don’t stop Believin!”
Todd’s departure also marks the close of a 19-year on-air partnership with co-host Sami Muirhead, whose tribute reflects the deep bond they share:
“Todd has delivered his magic, charm and kindness every single day of the 19 years I’ve had the privilege of calling him my friend. From our first beer at The Sands Tavern on day one, nearly two decades ago, I’ve never taken for granted working with such a special human. I’ve adored sharing the studio, and a wonderful friendship, with our Peter Pan.”
“The most common question I get is: ‘Is Todd as funny off-air as he is on-air?’ The answer is always: ‘Yes! He’s probably even funnier off-air because he swears more!’”
“I’ll miss our daily cup of tea at 3:00pm, as our microphones turn on to talk to the Sunshine Coast, his rock solid friendship and ability to make me laugh. One of my career highlights was covering the Royal Wedding in the UK with Todd, but what I’ve cherished most are the children, families and charities we’ve helped together. Todd has a rare power to make everyone he speaks to feel like the most important person in the world.”
“While my heart is so sad to see him go, I know he deserves all the love and light this next chapter brings. I wish my big-hearted buddy all the best things in life — he’s been nothing short of wonderful to me and truly irreplaceable. And hey, at least I’ll never have to do another ‘How Did You Lose Your Finger?’ segment again!”
Content Director Ben Erbsland also praised Todd’s lasting impact, saying “It has been an absolute privilege to work with Todd. The energy and fun he brings to everything he touches is contagious, and for that I want to thank him. He’s an incredible talent and just a great bloke that has truly helped MIX FM get to where it is today.”
92.7 MIX FM Managing Director Carla Vella added “Todd has been a much-loved voice in drive for over a decade, and his departure marks the end of a truly iconic era. We’re incredibly grateful for the energy, humour and heart he’s brought to MIX FM and the community.”
“With Sami continuing on air, we see this as a moment of reinvention — a chance to evolve the show and bring new energy to afternoons on MIX FM. It’s an exciting step forward in GSL Media’s ongoing growth and commitment to local content that truly connects.”
Todd’s final show will air on Friday 22 August. Plans are already underway to launch a brand new Drive show that continues the station’s commitment to being live, local, and at the heart of the Sunshine Coast.