On Sunday, veteran TV host Mike Whitney hosted his final Sydney Weekender, retiring after 27 years. Sydney Weekender follows Whitney as he travels around Sydney and NSW, exploring the best places to eat, stay and visit – helping viewers make the most of their weekends.
Beginning in 1994, Whitney took the reins after retiring from professional cricket. He has since hosted shows including Who Dares Wins and Last Chance Learners.
“Twenty-seven years! To do anything for that long is a very long time,” Whitney said.
“I had the best hosting job in Australia. I got to travel everywhere in NSW, meet the most amazing people, and do the most amazing things. People pay to do the stuff that I got paid to do. I’m very grateful that I got the opportunity to work on this show.
“People ask me if I’m going to miss it. Sure, I am going to miss it. It feels a bit surreal. But I had an incredible cricket career as well and I had to retire from that. And who gets to retire twice from two wonderful careers?”
Taking over from Whitney is former Olympian and Seven News sports presenter, Matt Shirvington. Speaking about stepping into Whitney’s shoes, he said that it was a massive responsibility.
Matt Shirvington
“Taking over from a TV legend like Mike Whitney, who’s graced our Sunday afternoons showing us around our beautiful state for more than two decades, is a huge responsibility. Mike leaves some very big shoes to fill. I feel honoured and excited to be given the chance,” said Shirvington.