Coffs Harbour radio host Michael “Moffee” Moffett will sign off from the Triple M Coffs Coast breakfast show on Friday, 6 November, before heading to Canberra to join 2CA.
Capital Radio Network has announced that Mr Moffett will host Forever Classic Workdays on 2CA. He starts in mid-November and takes over from Rob Duckworth, who has been doing multiple on-air roles across the network.
Mr Moffett revealed his Coffs Harbour exit to listeners on Friday, 16 October, after keeping it quiet for some time. He said there would be 15 more shows.
Capital Radio Network Group Content Director Mike Byrne said Mr Moffett had set a high standard for local radio.
“Moffee is the gold standard when it comes to local radio. His ability to immerse himself in a community and become part of the fabric of a market is second to none,” said Mr Byrne.
Mr Moffett said he was excited about the move.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be joining Canberra’s original radio station and broadcasting from the nation’s capital,” said Mr Moffett.
He recalled walking up the stairs at the station’s original studios on Peterson Road and being welcomed by the city from day one. He said the attitude he found was always about removing barriers and making things happen.
He moved to Coffs Harbour more than 11 years ago to take on the breakfast role. He said the job had reignited his love of radio and of talking with people.
“I’m not going to lie to you. The past year has been a difficult one for me,” said Mr Moffett.
He said the support of close friends and family had changed the way he looked at things.
“The time has come to reignite that excitement for me,” said Mr Moffett.
Mr Moffett said he did not want the next three weeks to be about his departure. He said the show would carry on with plenty of laughs, fun and animal noises.
His family in the United Kingdom and Brisbane were listening on the morning of the announcement. A caller also rang the show as soon as the news broke.
“You’re too important to the community,” said the caller, “I live for your show every morning – “I’ll miss you”
“I’ll miss you too,” said Mr Moffett.
Tributes have also come from the region’s political leaders. Cowper MP Pat Conaghan said on Facebook that Mr Moffett was known on air as “Moffee in the Morning”. He said he had enjoyed chatting with him on and off air for the past seven years, even when he was put in the hot seat.
“Moffee has been a familiar voice and a great advocate for our region, never afraid to ask the tough questions, have a laugh and give locals a platform to have their say,” wrote Mr Conaghan.
Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams also paid tribute to Mr Moffett on Facebook, calling the news the end of an era.
“You’re so much more than a voice on the radio. You’re a mate to so many, a champion for those who need one, an absolute larrikin and someone who genuinely loves this place and its people,” wrote Mayor Williams.
“As Mayor, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve given our community. But as your friend, I’m absolutely gutted to see you go,” wrote Mayor Williams.
“Coffs won’t be the same without you,” wrote Mayor Williams.
There has been no announcement as to who will take over the morning radio spot in Mr Moffett’s place.
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