Vale: Frank Warrick
Legendary Queensland newsreader Frank Warrick has died.
- Published by David Knox
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Legendary Queensland newsreader Frank Warrick OAM has died, aged 76.
He died early on Tuesday morning surrounded by family, after a five-year battle with dementia.
Warrick had a 40-year career in television news after joining Seven in 1976.
He presented Seven News Brisbane between 1976 and 2001 before weather on Nine News.
Long-time co-presenter Kay McGrath, “My sincere condolences to Frank’s wife Lyn and family.
“We had a very successful 13-year, on-air relationship during the ‘80s and ‘90s when 6pm news was a ritual for viewers.
“Live TV can be a challenging environment at times, but we always had each other’s backs.
“Frank was the consummate professional – I never saw him fazed or flustered on air.
“He taught me a lot and I’m very saddened to hear he’s left ‘this world around us’.”
Her reference is to former show Frank Warrick’s The World Around Us. He also hosted quiz show Million Dollar Chance of a Lifetime
“Frank changed the way TV news was delivered in Queensland, going live on air for hours on end with breaking news and putting himself at the centre of big stories,” Seven’s Brisbane news director Neil Warren said.
“He was the ultimate news man and what he pioneered back then, continues with our team today.”
Network Director of News and Public Affairs, Craig McPherson said: “On behalf of the entire team at 7NEWS, we extend our deepest sympathies to Frank’s wife Lyn and the Warrick family. Frank was one of the greats. He forged an on-air partnership with Kay that became appointment viewing, setting up a golden period for the 6pm news and the Seven Network in Queensland. A wonderful presenter and tremendous mentor to so many.”
Warrick was also famous for his visits to Queensland schools, when he would arrive via the Channel 7 helicopter.
“Frank was a welcome guest in thousands of Queensland homes for many decades as a newsreader and as a journalist,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk told parliament today.
“His love for this state was on show in a documentary series called, The World Around Us, especially the part he loved best – Queensland.
“Our sympathies go to frank’s wife Lyn and their family.”
Former colleague and Seven News sports journalist Pat Welsh said, “He was the consummate professional, I’ve never met someone so single-minded about the job that he did.
“He was a very professional news gatherer as well, he broke several big stories around Queensland at the time.
“His talents and passion extended much further than the news desk, too.”
Seven News Brisbane will present a tribute tonight at 6pm.
Source: Seven News, Brisbane Times, ABC
4 Responses
I’m so glad you mentioned his visits to Queensland schools. I still remember the day he came to my primary school and the excitement at seeing the channel 7 chopper flying in and then him emerging out of it. And then watching the news that night to see if you made it on the telly. RIP sir.
How very sad. I remember him from decades ago as well. Rest in Peace Frank, sorry to lose you so soon.
Frank and Kay were the anchors I grew up with when my parents switched from ABC to Seven at 6pm every night, and I’m sure I had a couple visits from him in the chopper too over the years.
Very sad. Wonderful newsreader and lovely gentleman. RIP Frank