Allan Wallett, a former shearer who built a decades-long career as a radio broadcaster and race caller in the Riverina, has died aged 82. He passed away on Monday 5 October, prompting an outpouring of tributes and memories across the region.
From shearing shed to airwaves
Wallett began life in the workforce as a shearer before moving into radio, where he became known for his laconic style, distinctive turns of phrase and deep knowledge of local life. Colleagues and listeners praised his local knowledge, his character and the many sayings that became familiar to audiences.
“It's unbelievable with the number of posts and the people,” long-time partner Ffiona Beverley said
His partner, Ffiona Beverley, said the volume of tributes had been overwhelming and reflected the wide reach of his audience. Their first meeting dated back more than 30 years while working together at station 2RG, and Beverley recalled that life with Wallett “was never dull”.
Regional identity and community connections
Wallett’s youngest son, Darren Wallett, described his father as memorable and entertaining: “He was one-of-a-kind,” he said. Former colleague Brad George, who worked alongside Wallett for more than a decade, emphasised his status as a local identity: “He was a local identity that everybody loved and adored on the radio,” George said.
Hundreds of social media posts and tributes noted Wallett’s reach beyond racing: listeners remembered his familiarity with outback pubs, sheds and local events, and his ability to engage with a broad cross-section of the community.
- Occupation: former shearer, radio broadcaster and race caller
- Region: Riverina
- Date of death: Monday 5 October
- Age at death: 82
Legacy
Tributes highlighted Wallett’s colourful personality and long service to the region’s airwaves. His style — candid, colloquial and often humorous — left a lasting impression on listeners and colleagues alike, and his background as a shearer remained part of the public narrative about his life and career.
Those remembering him pointed to the sustained interest in his broadcasts, the loyalty of his audience and the frequency with which listeners requested his return even after retirement.
| item | detail |
|---|---|
| death announced | Monday 5 October |
| age | 82 |
| former occupation | shearer |
Wallett’s passing has prompted reflections on the role of regional broadcasters who emerged from rural trades such as shearing and who maintained strong connections to local farming and sporting communities.
