Georgie Gardner marked the end of an era on Friday night, delivering her final 9News Sydney bulletin.
The veteran broadcaster, 55, was almost overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to viewers.
Weather presenter Sophie Walsh explained the influence Georgie had on her own career.
‘Tonight [is] a sad night for all of us here at Nine, as Georgie, you read your last bulletin. The place isn’t going to be the same without you – I’m going to get a little emotional here,’ Sophie said, fighting back tears.
‘You’re a legend of the industry. You’ve been a wonderful mentor to me and many girls in the newsroom. And tonight we’d like to celebrate your incredible career.’
Prior to her final farewell, a montage package played, showing highlights from Gardner’s long and storied career as Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss played the classic Georgia On My Mind over the footage.
Georgie Gardner marked the end of an era on Friday night, delivering her final 9News Sydney bulletin. The veteran broadcaster, 55, was almost overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to viewers
Sport presenter James Bracey was also full of praise for his co-star.
‘You’re the ultimate professional, the ultimate person, and we’ve been so lucky to live with you in this studio, and everyone at home I know would feel the same way,’ he said.
An emotional Georgie said that she was ‘blown away’ by her colleagues’ words before taking a self-effacing dig at her throwback package.
‘Watching that reel is a reminder of what hideous hair I’ve had over the years, but also how much fun I’ve had,’ she said.
‘And of course, covering the news. The pace and the complexity of the news cycle, and how delivering it to you, has been just such an enormous privilege for close to 25 years.
‘From that minute Brian Henderson welcomed me into the 6PM studio, it has never been lost on me that this role comes with duty – a duty to be accurate, impartial and informative, but also to be human and sincere and respectful.’
Continuing, Georgie said that it had been a privilege to be invited into Australian homes to deliver the news.
‘To be a guest in your home or wherever your viewing space might be is never taken for granted, and I thank you for investing your trust,’ she said.
Prior to her final farewell, a montage package played, showing highlights from Gardner’s long and storied career as Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss played the classic Georgia on My Mind over the footage
Georgie’s colleagues, weather presenter Sophie Walsh, and sport presenter James Bracey were full of praise for their co-star
An emotional Georgie said that she was ‘blown away’ by her colleagues’ words before taking a self-effacing dig at her throwback package. ‘Watching that reel is a reminder of what hideous hair I’ve had over the years, but also how much fun I’ve had,’ she said
‘Sitting in this chair is akin to being the tip of an iceberg. Below the surface or behind the scenes is a team of outstanding reporters, producers, editors, technicians, and artists, all of whom I hold in the very highest of regard.’
Georgie added: ‘I have cherished being part of the Nine News team and have learnt so much from my colleagues, past and present, but nothing lasts forever and for me, it’s time to move on.’
As Georgie went on to explain how humbled she had been by the outpouring of support following her announcement, she almost broke down in tears.
‘Such kindness, encouragement and goodwill feel particularly precious during these turbulent times, so thank you. I’ll miss you, but I’m also so grateful to have experienced something that makes saying goodbye so hard,’ she said, fighting back tears.
The consummate professional managed to hold it together as she threw to Allison Langdon and A Current Affair for the final time.
Gardner announced her departure in March, thanking Nine for her long and varied career, and expressing her gratitude to colleagues and viewers.
‘Some exciting news… after 34 years of broadcast journalism, I’ve decided to call it a day. Just shy of 24 years at Nine, my resignation has been accepted – which conjures up a fair bit of trepidation and exhilaration in equal measure,’ she wrote.
‘And then there are the countless colleagues who’ve enriched my journey, along with all those I’ve interviewed. They are the reason why the decision to resign has not been made lightly.’
‘To be a guest in your home or wherever your viewing space might be is never taken for granted, and I thank you for investing your trust,’ she told viewers
As Georgie went on to explain how humbled she had been by the outpouring of support following her announcement, she almost broke down in tears. The consummate professional managed to hold it together as she threw to Allison Langdon and A Current Affair for the final time
Gardner added that she was optimistic about starting the next phase of her career.
‘So, time now to embark on a new chapter and not yet sure what that looks like, but I’m open to new opportunities and I’m excited,’ she continued.
‘So much still to learn and discover in the world, and at age 55, so much still to contribute.’
Gardner joined Channel Nine in 2002, before eventually being appointed the primary presenter for the 6pm Friday and Saturday bulletins, replacing Mark Ferguson.
In 2006, she replaced Leila McKinnon on National Nine News Morning Edition and would go on to work on Today for eight years.
She left her role at Today in 2014 to spend more time with her family, before later returning to replace Lisa Wilkinson as co-host alongside Stefanovic.
She later co-hosted the show with Deborah Knight in 2019 before Stefanovic returned in 2020 with co-host Allison Langdon.
