Beloved Australian ABC radio star Tom Wyatt died on Wednesday, New Year’s Day, aged 78.
No cause of death was given and it is believed that he was in poor health following his retirement from radio in 2022.
The famous horticulturist was born in Queensland in 1946 and presented the iconic Gardening Talkback program on ABC Capricornia for forty years, from 1982 to 2022.
On his show, Tom has advised thousands of Australians over the years on gardening tips and advice, to make sure their gardens look as good 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 was passionate about gardening and is responsible for many of the beautiful green spaces we enjoy today,” he continued.
‘He also helped numerous listeners on his weekly ABC Capricornia segment with their gardening problems.
‘With his passion for the community, Tom will be remembered for dedicating his life to improving the region he loved for generations to come. Valley.’
This gardening expert worked as curator of Rockhampton Botanic Gardens in regional Queensland in the 1970s.
He got his big break in show business in the early ’80s, when ABC Radio decided to put him on the air as their resident gardener.
His show Gardening Talkback first aired as a weekly segment in July 1982 and lasted only ten minutes.
However, its huge popularity among the regional QLD community saw it quickly extended to half an hour and then a full 60 minutes.
Tom was ABC Capricornia’s resident gardening expert for four decades, helping thousands of listeners overcome a variety of gardening challenges.
The famous horticulturist was born in Queensland in 1946 and presented the iconic Gardening Talkback program on ABC Capricornia for forty years, from 1982 to 2022.
Tom has advised thousands of Australians over the years on gardening tips and advice to ensure their gardens look as good as ever.
He retired in July 2022 at age 76 after 40 years in office.
The star explained at the time that it was so she could enjoy a well-deserved rest.
Heartbroken fans quickly took to social media to express their sadness over Tom’s passing.
“He will be greatly missed, he always has a witty sense of humor,” one person wrote.
“I’ve enjoyed some great conversations and laughter over the years.”
‘Rest in peace Tom. “I’ll miss hearing your gardening tips,” added a second user.
ABC Capricornia chief of staff Chrissy Arthur paid tribute to Tom in 2017 in recognition of 35 years on the air.
At that moment, he revealed his secret to connecting with so many listeners.
“It’s amazing to see how he answers questions live – he has so much information in his head and seems to instantly know the solution to gardening problems.”
In addition to his talk show, Tom also wrote several gardening books that sold well across the country.
Tom received 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.