Beloved Australian ABC radio star Tom Wyatt died on Wednesday, New Years Day aged 78.
No cause of death was given and it is believed he was in poor health following his retirement from radio in 2022.
The celebrity horticulturalist was born in Queensland in 1946 and hosted the iconic Gardening Talkback program on ABC Capricornia for forty years, from 1982 – 2022.
On his program, Tom advised thousands of Australians over the years on gardening hints and tips, to ensure they could get their yards looking as great as ever.
His death was confirmed by Queensland MP Michelle Landry in a heartbreaking statement on social media.
‘My deepest condolences to the loved ones of local legend, Tom Wyatt,’ Landry began.
Beloved Australian ABC radio star Tom Wyatt (pictured) died on Wednesday aged 78
‘Tom had a passion for gardening and is responsible for many of the beautiful, green spaces we enjoy today’ he continued.
‘He also helped numerous listeners on his weekly segment on ABC Capricornia with their gardening woes.
‘With his passion for community, Tom will be remembered for dedicating his life to making the region he loved better for generations to come. Vale.’
The gardening expert worked as the curator of the Rockhampton Botanic Gardens in regional QLD in the 70s.
He got his showbiz big break in the early 80s when ABC Radio decided to put him on the air as their resident gardener.
His Gardening Talkback program first went to air as a weekly segment in July 1982 and was only ten minutes long.
However, its enormous popularity among the regional QLD community quickly saw it extended to half an hour and then a full 60 minutes.
Tom was the resident gardening expert at ABC Capricornia for four decades and helped thousands of listeners overcome a variety of horticulture challenges.
The celebrity horticulturalist was born in Queensland in 1946 and hosted the iconic Gardening Talkback program on ABC Capricornia for forty years, from 1982 – 2022
Tom advised thousands of Australians over the years on gardening hints and tips, to ensure they could get their yards looking as great as ever
He retired in July 2022 at age 76 after 40 years in the role.
The star explained at the time it was so he could enjoy a well earned rest.
Heartbroken fans quickly took to social media to express their sadness over Tom’s passing.
‘He will be sadly missed, always a sense of witty humour’ one person wrote.
‘Enjoyed some great conversations and laughs over the years.’
‘RIP Tom. Will miss listening to your gardening tips,’ a second user added.
ABC Capricornia Chief of Staff Chrissy Arthur paid tribute to Tom in 2017 in recognition of 35 years on the air.
At the time, he revealed his secret to connecting with so many listeners.
‘It’s amazing to watch how he answers the questions live-to-air – he has so much information in his head and seems to know instantly the solution to gardening problems.’
In addition to his talkback show, Tom also wrote several gardening books which sold well across the country.
Tom was bestowed the Pride of Australia Award in 2006 In recognition of his long standing services to the Australian environmental sector.
He is survived by his daughter Lisa.
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