Colin Humphreys has died at the age of 94. He was a radio journalist working in various stations in Queensland and NSW from from the 1950’s to 90s’s alongside notable radio colleagues including John Tingle, John Pearce and John Laws.

Colin began his working life as a trainee pharmacist in Charleville. The wages were modest, and to make ends meet he took a night‑cleaning job at the local radio station. One evening, an unexpected opportunity arose: he was asked to fill in as an announcer. That single shift changed the course of his life, sparking what would become a long and distinguished career in radio.

Realising that pharmacy was not his calling, Colin returned to Brisbane to pursue his future behind the microphone. He soon secured a role at 2MW in Murwillumbah, followed by a move to Young to work at 2LF. It was in Young that he met Stephanie, a trainee nurse who would become his wife and partner for the next 69 years.

Ever forward‑looking, Colin set his sights on North Queensland and accepted a position as a newsreader at 4AY. He began in Townsville before relocating to Ayr, where he and Stephanie welcomed their first child, Carol Anne. Colin was later recalled to Townsville, and the family continued to grow with the births of Michael and then Anthony.

In 1964, a new opportunity drew Colin to Sydney. He packed up his young family and moved south to join 2GB, which at the time operated out of the old Playbox Theatre in Macquarie Street. His family grew again in 1969 with the birth of his youngest son, David. Throughout the late 1960s and 1970s, Colin worked alongside many of the era’s notable radio personalities and was present when 2GB relocated to its new premises in Sussex Street.

In 1983, Colin accepted a role with 2CH, where he remained until his retirement in 1995, finishing his career as News Editor after four decades of reading and reporting the news. He was also an occasional presenter on journalism at Macquarie University in the early 90’s.

Outside the studio, Colin had a deep love of classical music and, in retirement, became an enthusiastic gardener. He also devoted many years to research work with the Granville Historical Society. In 2018, Colin and Stephanie stepped back from all activities and moved to Palm Beach, Queensland. Colin spent his final years surrounded by music and keeping up with the news he had once delivered.

Image supplied by Colin’s family.