THERE was no pomp, ceremony or fanfare, but on Friday popular Radio 2ST presenter Barry McCaffery completed his last shift at the station.
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The man known to listeners simply as Barry Mac started at the station in 1992 and apart from a three year period where he pursued other endeavors, has been a constant as a breakfast and morning announcer as well as being program manager.
For the past 18 months he has presented a one hour show each Friday morning, discussing local news, current affairs and events.
“Friday morning’s shift was so busy I didn’t get the chance to announce it would actually be my last,” he said.
“I’ve just decided it is time to go.
“It was good to be able to leave on my terms but I was sad I didn’t get to say goodbye to all the listeners who have been fantastic over many years.”
As for the future, he intends to spend some time with his family including his granddaughter who will shortly turn one, before weighing up his options.
“I won’t be retiring,” he said. “I can’t, I have no hobbies.”
He said a highlight of his time on air was the coverage of the Shoalhaven bushfires in 2001 with his great mate, journalist Graham French.
“I will never forget that. I’d hate to think how many hours we put in on that just to keep the community informed as to what was happening,” he said.
“And the way the community rallied to help each other. It was a special time.”
He said being able to “champion“ and push many local causes was also very rewarding.