Share your stories and tributes to Woolfy
| | | | Today our hearts broke as we were given the news that our friend and colleague, Breakfast presenter Russell Woolf had passed away overnight.
He was loved by many, known for refusing handshakes and instead offering a warm bear hug, and making everyone feel special.
We'll have a tribute show for Russell tomorrow morning - Wednesday 27 October from 5am - with Nadia Mitsopoulos sitting in the chair sharing memories of Russell. Listen on 720AM, online or on the ABC listen app.
Some of our presenters share their fondest memories of Russell below.
Do you have story to share? We'd love to hear it.
Send your stories and condolences at the link below and read the other lovely tributes the community has shared. |
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| Radio legend dies suddenly in his sleep in Perth |
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| Long-time ABC presenter Russell Woolf has died at the age of 56. Woolf was the host of the breakfast program on ABC Radio Perth and had previously hosted the Drive program, over a career with the national broadcaster that spanned more than two decades. |
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| | Russ & Nadia's adventure to Esperance |
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Russ and I went to Esperance to broadcast the show. We were flying out on Thursday lunchtime and it was the only flight to Esperance.
He ducked out of the terminal to have a quick vape, and we started boarding. Everyone had boarded the plane… except Russ.
We were trying to call him but he wasn’t answering. The airline stewards were losing patience and we were really starting to panic.
Convinced he was going to miss his flight we were already Googling car companies thinking he’d have to drive to Esperance.
Then we saw him walking towards the plane with a big smile on his face… not a care in the world. He walked onto the plane and said, “It’s OK everyone, I’m here, we’re good to go.” The passengers applauded. Not one person was angry, such was the love for Russell Woolf.
- Nadia Mitsopoulos, Mornings presenter and former Breakfast co-host |
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| | How Russell welcomed Geoff on his first day on Mornings |
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A Monday morning in June of 2006. I am presenting the Morning Show for the first time. No one in the audience really knows me and by a quarter to twelve I’m convinced that none of them really like me either.
Fear filled and dry of mouth, I look away to my right to see a shambling figure in shorts and thongs charging up the ABC staircase.
It is Russell Woolf.
He is holding a stubbie of Coopers Pale Ale and at 12.01 he walks into the studio, puts the beer down in front of me and says “Well done mate, reckon you might need one of these.”
I was beyond grateful. And while it took me a few years to get used to his hugs, today I am holding fast to the memory of them. Their warmth, their inclusiveness, their encompassing affection.
- Geoff Hutchison, Drive presenter |
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| Christine plays a game of Spotto |
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One of my favourite games to play was ‘Russ Spotto’ on the Main Roads CCTV cameras.
Best known for his Milan scooter and double plugger thongs, I could always see his curly hair gliding through the wind as he rolled up on the East Parade camera with a cigarette in his hand.
Just seeing him made me smile but talking to him on air was another story. As a baby broadcaster he gave me everything.
It hurts so much to say goodbye like this.
- Christine Layton, Afternoons presenter |
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