A local legend and a gentleman: Strawny hosts his last shift

After waking up the mid north coast of New South Wales for the past three decades, local legend Mark ‘Strawny’ Strachan from 100.7 and 106.7 Triple M has hosted his final Breakfast shift this morning.

The final stop on Strawny’s ‘Last Lap Tour’ of the Mid North Coast was the Port City Bowlo, where listeners rolled up to say their goodbyes and offer their well wishes.

Marguerite says she moved to the local area 20 years ago and didn’t know a soul.

“I loved listening to you, and your stories about the area, your family. Years later I met you a number of times through work, and you are a absolute gentleman. Thanks for everything.”

Strawny announced his impending retirement in October this year.

A much loved local identity, Strawny was awarded an Order of Australia media for services to broadcast media and the community of Port Macquarie.

He has been there through natural disasters and was the emergency broadcaster during the 2001, 2009 and 2013 floods, as well as the floods this year, along the way helping fellow broadcasters like Jason Bodger, who considers Strawny one of the all time greats.

“I can still remember the 2017 Beechwood fires, when you took us young broadcasters under your wing and showed us how to source and deliver important information across the airwaves.”

“By the time the insane 2019 Black Summer bushfires came around, when the sky was red for weeks on end and there was fire nearly everywhere, we knew what to do and how to show others.”

“That’s what radio is. That’s what community is. That’s who you are.”

Strawny also worked tirelessly for fundraisers and charity nights, raising more than $100,000 last year for the Give Me 5 For Kids charity.

The local Breakfast shift will maintain a special family connection, with Strawny’s son Alex taking over the program from this Monday, January 16.