After more than two decades as Station Manager and 30 years of service with the ABC, the voice of the Riverland Bruce Mellett is set to retire next week.

Bruce has been a respected mentor and manager and played an active role in shaping the lives and futures of many up-and-coming content makers, reporters and managers.

He has presented thousands of hours of local content and has become one of the most trusted and respected voices in the Riverland and Mallee.

ABC Regional State Editor SA/NT Anthony Gerace said “Anyone who knows Bruce will attest to his unwavering commitment to the community – having hosted and attended thousands of local events while donating his time and expertise to countless community groups and boards.

“Bruce, your contribution to the ABC and the local community has been enormous and we thank you for your many dedicated years of service”.

When asked to sum up some of the key highlights and challenges of his 30 years at the ABC, Bruce said “Basically, the past 30 years have been a continuous highlight and in many ways it has flashed by so quickly”.

“There has been a heap of talented people step through these doors and it’s been a privilege to work with them. It hasn’t always been a walk in the park either; I’d say one of my most challenging weeks was covering the bushfires that were threatening not only the immediate community but my own property.

“I will miss the people most of all, on both sides of the microphone and I will miss that daily involvement, but I will still contribute to the Riverland community I love in other ways.”

Bruce’s last day, Wednesday 10th August, will be celebrated on air between 6.30 and 9.30am.

Listeners are invited to drop into the 1062 ABC Riverland station at Ral Ral Avenue Renmark between 9am and11am on his final day ‘in the office’.

Local Radio SA Evenings presenter Peter Goers will interview Bruce at 7.30pm on Monday 8th August.