Last Friday night saw most of the newsroom assemble for a farewell dinner for The Spez, our news director for the last two years. It was such a fun night, and endeared my colleagues to me even more than they already were. In that spirit, I wish to write a few words about each of them, fairly confident they'll never read them, but as a way of quietly thanking them for the positive influence they've had on my life.
G-Watt: The strait-laced, no-nonsense exterior hides a devilishly wicked sense of humour. The ultimate professional, G's a trailblazer, and someone in whose wake I will gladly paddle.
Jazz-man: Such a beauty, with her hippie ways and easy smile. I can't but help feeling relaxed around her - she oozes positivity and fun, but is efficient and always does anything you ask.
Waldo: the original news hound. I thought him abrasive when I first started, but it's just a healthy dose of cynicism after so many years in the "biz". It's a cliche, but I've learnt so much.
Big W: A big man with a bigger voice, W surprised me with a love of British comedy that rivals my own. He's the sweetest guy, and I wish him all the best with his current upskilling.
Bulldog: The brash exterior hides a sensitive soul, and I empathise with his desire to feel involved and appreciated. His varied and entertaining voice reports have inspired me to try different things with mine.
Mr T: A surrogate "Dad" at work, T is old school radio. He doesn't take any of my whingy Gen-Y crap, and I'm all the better for it. It's been a privilege to get to work with and learn from one of the "legends" of Brisbane radio, even if he himself thinks all that stuff is bollocks. ;)
And finally, Spez himself: How can I ever say how grateful I am to the Spez? He hired me, gave me a full-time position, understood and even encouraged my need to be creative, supported me through tough times, gave me feedback, taught me about soccer (even if I didn't quite get it) - all the while remaining the calmest, most tolerant boss I've known. For all this and more, Spez makes my list of people to thank when I win an Oscar. ;)
There are many wonderful others at the station, and I will no doubt gush over them at a later date. But for now, this has been my little newsroom tribute. I look forward to adding compliments about my new boss to the list.
Cheers all, Natalie.
