Bill Kirk remembers a slippery customer as he says it’s ‘time to go’

Bill Kirk stepped down from his popular Breakfast Coffee Niche show on Thursday 2 May.

“I won’t miss getting up at 5am,” he says.

Mr Kirk moved to Sunbury in 1983 and began volunteering at the station in 2005, working behind the scenes as well as fronting numerous shows over the years.

These include Showtime, Sunday Morning Concert, Rock ‘n’ Roll Dreams Come True, various folk and jazz programs, and Bill’s Music Smorgasbord to name a few. Over the years he’s presented almost 1,800 shows.

Among the performers he’s interviewed on-air include singer Marilla Homes, musician and singer James Rufatt, folk singer Dawn Barrington, and Brisbane singer & performer Aislinn Sharp.

During his final show Mr Kirk was joined in the studio by fellow station members who thanked him for his dedication to the organisation. Fellow presenter Dean Walker took to the air for a short while to play recorded messages from musicians, family, and friends who have enjoyed his shows over the years.

Mr Kirk shared the story of interviewing a snake…”Well, I was interviewing its handler, but the snake was taking a bit too much interest in me,” said Mr Kirk.

Mr Kirk has been an active member of station’s committee, helping write its constitution, and preparing business plans. He was the organisation’s treasurer, and took part in live broadcasts at events such as the Sunbury Show and Sunfest.

Last month Mr Kirk said it was time to let someone else “with a more modern touch” have a crack at his Thursday morning slot.

But it’s not the last listeners will hear of Mr Kirk. He will continue as a Sunbury Radio member, will feature on Ron Bourke’s Tuesday breakfast show offering horse racing tips, and may step in for presenters from time to time.

“I feel the station is currently at one of its highest levels for many years,” says Mr Kirk. “This is  especially in terms of community involvement and connections with the listening public within the Sunbury area.”

Jeff Mifsud, host of Monday night’s The Front Veranda also left Sunbury Radio this week having announced his retirement.

Words and main photo / Steve Hart