Trailblazing Australian TV personality Hugh Cornish died in a Queensland retirement village earlier this week aged 90.
The iconic presenter earned a place in Aussie TV history as he was the first person to ever speak on Queensland television back in 1959.
Cornish was one of the first newsreaders for Channel Nine and told viewers, ‘Good evening Brisbane, welcome to television,’ during the states inaugural TV broadcast.
He was born in Queensland in 1934 and began his media career as a radio presenter at 4IP in Ipswich.
Cornish’s son Tim confirmed the heartbreaking news of his passing on social media.
‘Last night we lost one of the remaining burning stars. He was the greatest gentleman you could ever hope to meet,’ Tim wrote.
Trailblazing Australian TV personality Hugh Cornish died in a Queensland retirement village earlier this week aged 90. Pictured
Meanwhile, managing director of Nine Queensland Kylie Blucher said Cornish’s contributions to the media landscape were second to none.
‘His face and voice became a trusted presence in countless homes,’ Blucher said in a statement.
‘For decades, he brought warmth, professionalism, and dedication to Channel Nine’s screen.’
Veteran newsman Brett DeBritz joined the chorus, and said many working in Australian media today ‘owed their careers’ to Cornish.
‘Everybody who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the guy who brought local current affairs to Channel Nine, and he was also an entertainer.
‘A lot of people owe their careers to him.’
Throughout his seven-decade long career in the media, Cornish worked as a TV and radio presenter, series producer, program manager voice over artist and composer.
In the ’60s, he was the host of a popular Channel Nine variety show called Brisbane Tonight.
The iconic presenter earned a place in Aussie TV history as he was the first person to ever speak on Queensland television back in 1959
Throughout his seven-decade long career in the media, Cornish worked as a TV and radio presenter, series producer, program manager voice over artist and composer
He was also a keen philanthropist and raised millions of dollars for various charities through his participation in telethons and benefit shows.
Cornish received many awards In recognition of his long contributions to the media industry.
In 2001, he was awarded the Centenary Medal from the federal government, which recognises ‘people who made a contribution to Australian society or government.’
Three years later, he was named a Queensland Great from the state government.
The energetic entertainer semi-retired from his profession in the early 2000s and spent his remaining years having a well-deserved rest in a retirement home.
Cornish is survived by his son Tim and several grandchildren.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk