After 26 years of ABC Overnights, Trevor Chappell will leave the broadcaster in July, but not before one final special night for his listeners, spent at the Melbourne Museum.
Thinking back on his first nights on air Trevor said:
“My first shift was terrifying. Everything was scripted and organised to the minute, but there is no allowance for nerves. After a few early stumbles we finally took a call from Pamela, my first talkback caller, and from that moment everything was okay. The kindness and generosity of listeners made that first day, and the 26 years since, so rewarding and a joy.”
Delightfully, Trevor continued the connection with Pamela and has even visited her during a trip to Queensland.
He added:
“I got to know people over a period of time. You get to know their history, what makes them laugh. You can muck around a bit and not be too serious. By having that relationship, it encourages more people to call in as well.
“It is impossible to do shift work for as long as I have without support at work and at home. From producers like Michael Pavlich and Mick James, alongside colleagues including Helen Richardson and John Standish, our regular callers and my partner Cathy at home, that support has made a 25-year career possible.”
The role and responsibility of an overnight host is a special one. They form close and distinctive bonds in the dark of night, often shaped by conversations more open than those had in the day.
To farewell his sleepless fans, Trevor will host an intimate Night at the Museum event and broadcast his Overnights program live from Melbourne Museum, from late night to early morning on Tuesday July 28.
You can find out more, and attend here.
The event offers night owls the chance to experience the museum after dark and see live radio unfold against the backdrop of evening turning into morning in Melbourne.
Lynley Crosswell, CEO & Director Museums Victoria said:
“There are few voices Australians have spent more late nights with than Trevor Chappell. We’re proud to host one of Trevor’s final broadcasts live at Melbourne Museum. Like the ABC, Museums Victoria exists to spark curiosity and connect people through a compelling story. We look forward to welcoming Trevor and his listeners.”
Trevor is originally from Western Australia and, after leaving high school, worked from the mines to the wheat bins in the far north-west to building sites and a pub in Broome.
He began his radio career as a producer with 6PR before getting a casual producer role with 774 ABC Melbourne in 1995. He spent four years as a producer and roving reporter before taking on Overnights in 2000.
ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said:
“For 25 years, Trevor Chappell has been a trusted companion to Australians through the quietest hours of the night.
“His warmth, humour and genuine curiosity have made Overnights a place where listeners feel heard, connected and welcome. Trevor’s contribution to ABC Radio is remarkable, not only for its longevity but for the deep bond he has built with audiences across the country. We thank him for his extraordinary service and look forward to celebrating him with listeners as he signs off from the program.”
Trevor’s final program will be on Thursday July 30. The ABC will announce the new Overnights presenter in the coming weeks.