Tim Gavel commentated on his first game in 1988. Photo: Daniella Jukic.
One of the biggest voices in local sports radio will hang up his headphones for the last time at the end of this season.
For 36 years, Tim Gavel has been the one bringing to life all sorts of sports for his listeners on ABC Canberra radio – from NRL to basketball, football, rugby union, even rowing and kayaking – enough to give him the nickname among colleagues of ‘Tireless Tim’.
He’s also commentated for seven Olympic and seven Commonwealth games in his time, as well as the 2000 Sydney Paralympics.
He made the announcement to his followers on social-media platform X this week, to a salvo of well-wishes.
“Earlier this week, I informed the ABC that this year would be my last as a commentator,” he wrote.
“36 seasons is enough. V grateful for the opportunity.”
Technically, this isn’t the first time.
Mr Gavel retired from the ABC as a full-time employee in 2018, but has continued working as a contractor ever since – taking up the job again for occasional games.
“Growing up in Condobolin in country NSW, all I wanted to be was a radio announcer,” he wrote in an ABC story back then.
“My bedroom was often redesigned into a makeshift studio, complete with used egg cartons to improve the sound.
“I joined the ABC’s Sports Department, as it was then known, in December 1988 after six and a half years working as a disc jockey and journalist in commercial radio and television.
“I had always had an interest in sport but had never actually called a moving sport, except for a horse race in Mount Isa, before joining the ABC as the Canberra-based sports commentator/broadcaster.
“Given my lack of experience, it was ‘sink or swim’, and the only way I knew how to overcome my shortcomings as a sports commentator was to work harder than anybody else.”
Tim Gavel speaking with Brumbies’ coach Dan McKellar during a Region interview. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
While this really is the last time Mr Gavel will enter the ABC radio studio, he’ll continue writing regular sports columns for Region.
“Sport is a big part of the Canberra community and I have tried to give it a platform over the past 36 years with both the ABC and Region,” he told Region.
“It wasn’t an easy decision to finish commentating after 36 years – in fact, it was probably one of the toughest decisions I have ever had to make, but I wanted to go out on my terms and for it to be my decision.
“At 63, it is time to have some options in winter for the first time since my 20s. It also opens the door for a younger commentator with an opportunity like I was given in 1988.”
He’ll always look back with fond memories on his time calling the Olympic and Commonwealth gold medals – including the time one of the runners in the men’s marathon collapsed from exhaustion right in front of him.
“It was a huge build-up, but just as I was about to ask him my first question, he collapsed from dehydration and was ushered into the medical centre,” Mr Gavel wrote in 2018.
“My big moment had disappeared before my very eyes.”
Another aspect that’s “given me just as big a thrill” is reporting on local athletes from all sports who have gone on to perform well on the national and international stage.
“The best part is the relationships you develop with the people you work with and the listeners,” he told Region.
Tim Gavel’s ID card collection from seven Olympic Games and seven Commonwealth Games. Photo: Jennifer Andrew.
But he leaves with some words of advice for both local sporting clubs and aspiring young sports reporters and commentators.
“The main advice I have given sporting clubs is to develop strong ties with the community,” he said.
“It is the community that will support you back and provide a solid foundation. The Raiders are a case in point at the moment with Ricky Stuart’s work in establishing a strong bond with the community paying off.
“My advice to aspiring young reporters and commentators is to make sure you leave nothing to chance when it comes to preparation. I wasn’t the most natural commentator, so I had to work harder than most to bring what was happening in front of me to life.
“When it comes to advice to reporters, make sure you back yourself, but be fair and thorough. Developing strong relationships is also important.”
Enjoy next winter, Tireless Tim.
