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Tributes flow for beloved ABC radio host Russell Woolf after his shock death

Angie RaphaelNCA NewsWire
Russell Woolf during his days as a presenter on the ABC television news, pictured with Karin Carvalho and Rebecca Carmody.
Camera IconRussell Woolf during his days as a presenter on the ABC television news, pictured with Karin Carvalho and Rebecca Carmody. Credit: News Limited

Comedian Wil Anderson and Premier Mark McGowan have led tributes for beloved ABC radio host Russell Woolf, who died suddenly overnight aged 57.

Woolf has been with the national broadcaster for more than 20 years and was most recently the presenter of ABC Perth’s breakfast show, having previously hosted the drive program.

He was also the weather presenter for the ABC’s West Australian television news from 2007 to 2011, and was once a political candidate for a WA Senate seat.

Presenter Geoff Hutchison made the shocking announcement on air, describing Woolf as “our beloved friend and colleague.”

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“It has come as a huge shock to us,” Mr Hutchison said on Tuesday.

“We have only just learnt of his passing in the last few hours and it’s still sinking in.

“Everyone here at ABC Radio Perth is in shock and trying to make sense of it.

“Russell, as you know, is a much loved and much cherished part of our ABC family, and we’re going to battle to find words for a little while this morning.”

Pictured are Karin Carvalho , Russell Woolf and Rebecca Carmody at the ABC studios in east perth .
Camera IconRussell Woolf during his days as a presenter on the ABC television news, pictured with Karin Carvalho and Rebecca Carmody. Credit: News Limited

Tributes have been pouring in for Woolf, who has been widely described as a “character” and remembered for his big, warm hugs.

Mr Anderson wrote on Twitter that he had spoken to Woolf regularly for years to promote his various projects.

“He was generous, supportive and funny, and I considered him a friend and always looked forward to our conversations,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’m shattered by this news and send my love to his friends, family and colleagues.

“Russell was the only radio host who had me on every week to plug Question Everything.

“He was always so supportive of new talent. He’ll leave a huge hole.”

Premier Mark McGowan said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Woolf’s passing, describing him as a “local media legend”.

“He had a long and storied career in Western Australian journalism,” the Premier said.

“His unique and iconic voice, wit and personality made him beloved by countless Western Australians.

“For many of us, whether we knew him personally or not, it will feel like we’ve lost a friend today.

“My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

ABC colleague Nadia Mitsopoulos wrote: “My heart is broken. I love you Russ. I’ll miss your hugs. Privileged to have shared a studio with you.”

On air, Mr Hutchison recalled his first day presenting in June 2006 in the studio.

“I saw this big, lumbering galute come up the stairs at 11.50am ... and he was carrying a single stubby of Coopers pale ale, and he brought it straight into the studio to me and said ‘have that, you’ve deserved it.’

“That was pretty much the first day I met Russell Woolf in person, and that to me has said plenty about who he is, who he was and how we’ll remember him.

“Just the most beautiful, beautiful friend.”

The West Coast Eagles described Woolf as a “great Eagles man”.

“Russell’s energetic and passionate support of the club will be sorely missed,” the team wrote.

Federal Perth MP Patrick Gorman said it was “devastating news”.

“We have lost someone who joined us for breakfast and got us ready for the day,” he said.

“It feels like just yesterday I was sitting with Russell at the ABC Book Bank.

“All Western Australians and ABC listeners send our thoughts and condolences to his family.”

Ashleigh Gillon from Sky News Australia said her thoughts were with Woolf’s family, friends and colleagues.

“A top operator who, in my experience, was always generous with his kindness and encouragement for people across the spectrum of WA’s media landscape,” she said.

“We will all miss his beautiful, warm voice on our airwaves. Vale.”

Woolf is survived by his wife Kylie and young daughter Bronte.

Originally published as Tributes flow for beloved ABC radio host Russell Woolf after his shock death

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