Pioneering Australian television personality Hugh Cornish died in a Queensland retirement village earlier this week aged 90.
The iconic presenter earned a place in Australian television history as he was the first person to speak on Queensland television in 1959.
Cornish was one of Channel Nine’s first newsreaders and told viewers: “Good evening Brisbane, welcome to television”, during the state’s inaugural television broadcast.
He was born in Queensland in 1934 and began his media career as a radio presenter on 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.
Pioneering Australian television personality Hugh Cornish died in a Queensland retirement village earlier this week aged 90.
Meanwhile, Nine Queensland CEO 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 the Channel Nine screen.”
Veteran journalist Brett DeBritz joined the chorus, saying many of those working in the Australian media today “owe their careers” to Cornish.
“Everyone who grew up in the sixties and seventies knew his face. He was the guy who brought local news to Channel Nine and was also an entertainer.
“A lot of people owe him their careers.”
Throughout his seven-decade career in media, Cornish worked as a radio and television presenter, series producer, program director, broadcaster and composer.
In the 1960s, he was the host of a popular Channel Nine variety show called Brisbane Tonight.
The iconic presenter earned a place in Australian television history as he was the first person to speak on Queensland television in 1959.
Throughout his seven-decade career in media, Cornish worked as a radio and television presenter, series producer, program director, broadcaster and composer.
He was also an enthusiastic philanthropist and raised millions of dollars for various charities through his participation in telethons and charity shows.
Cornish received numerous awards in recognition of his long-standing contributions to the media industry.
In 2001, he received the federal government’s Centenary Medal, which recognizes “individuals who have made a contribution to Australian society or government.”
Three years later the state government named it Greater Queensland.
The energetic artist partially retired from his profession in the early 2000s and spent his remaining years enjoying a well-deserved rest in a nursing home.
Cornish is survived by his son Tim and several grandchildren.