The ABC is delighted to welcome Andrew Murdoch as the new presenter of ABC Mildura Swan Hill Breakfast.
Recently relocating to Mildura from Perth, Andrew will hit the airwaves on Monday 8 January 2024.
"I am excited to embrace everything this region has to offer, get to know the people that make it tick and put a spotlight on the issues impacting their lives," he said.
"If you are celebrating, we want to celebrate with you, if you want to say something, we are here to listen, if you have a story to tell, we want to hear from you.
"Although I grew up in WA, I have a swarm of relatives from Sunraysia and they will keep me on my toes and make sure I don't mispronounce Ouyen or Bealiba too many times."
Andrew's love for local storytelling stems from his upbringing in different regional towns in Western Australia. His family eventually settled in Perth where he studied journalism at Curtin University and obtained a graduate diploma in broadcasting from Edith Cowan University.
He started his media career with a job at the Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper and subsequently worked as a producer across Breakfast, Mornings and Afternoons at Perth Newstalk station 6PR.
Zain Nabi, Editor ABC Mildura Swan Hill and ABC Wimmera, said: "I am thrilled to kick off 2024 with a fresh voice for our region.
"Andrew has already proven to be a valuable addition to the dynamic ABC Mildura Swan Hill team. His infectious energy and relatability will elevate the listening experience and keep our audiences engaged."
Today Debra Pearce announced she will be finishing up as Breakfast host because she and her family are moving to Melbourne and thanked the audience for joining her for the last four years.
"It's been an honour to get to know the local communities all across the region," she said.
"I stepped into the presenter role at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic - it was a real baptism by fire, communicating vital health information and updating audiences on restrictions and lockdowns. It was a privilege to support and reassure the local community through this time.
"Since then, getting on the road for outside broadcasts has been a real highlight. Whether it was travelling to Swan Hill or Balranald, or setting up for a morning in Merbein, Red Cliffs or Wentworth - communities embraced the breakfast team and trusted us with their local news."
Speaking about Andrew, Deb had this to say: "Working with Andrew these past few weeks has been excellent. He has great ideas and already has a strong sense of what the Mallee-Murray region is all about. He'll bring a lot of fun to Breakfast."
Zain thanked Deb for her contribution to ABC Mildura Swan Hill: "I would like to thank Deb for her work. Her charming and comforting self, both on-air and behind the scenes, have left a strong impression on the team and our community."
