Richard Morecroft, the veteran presenter who anchored ABC's flagship 7pm news bulletin for nearly two decades, has died at the age of 70 following a cancer diagnosis. He passed away on the south coast of New South Wales at a time of his choosing, with his partner of 36 years, Alison Mackay, at his side. His death marks the end of a broadcasting career that made him a familiar and trusted figure in Australian households.
A statement from Morecroft's family confirmed that he had been diagnosed with cancer earlier in the year and expressed gratitude for his peaceful passing. The family described him as "a warm, generous and caring human" and hoped that those who knew him—whether in person or through television screens—would remember him with fondness.
A Broadcasting Legacy Spanning Decades
Morecroft's career in journalism began after he migrated from England to Adelaide with his family at age 10 and later studied English and drama at the University of Adelaide. He started his broadcasting work at the university radio station before joining the ABC as an announcer. Over his professional life, he presented nightly television news bulletins across multiple Australian cities, beginning in Adelaide before moving to Canberra and eventually Sydney, where he became best known.
His tenure reading the ABC's Sydney 7pm news bulletin lasted almost 20 years until 2002, during which he became a fixture on Australian screens. Beyond his primary role, Morecroft co-hosted the ABC's nightly current-affairs program The National with Geraldine Doogue in 1985, demonstrating his versatility as a broadcaster. Later in his career, he hosted the SBS quiz show Letters and Numbers between 2010 and 2012, introducing him to new audiences.
Environmental Passion Beyond the Newsroom
Morecroft was widely recognised for his deep commitment to environmental conservation and animal welfare. His advocacy extended beyond public statements into active involvement with major conservation organisations. He served as a WWF trustee, a Taronga Foundation governor, a director of the NSW Zoological Parks Board and a WIRES patron, roles that reflected his genuine passion for protecting Australia's natural heritage.
One of the most enduring stories about Morecroft involved his care for a baby flying fox. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese recalled this detail with warmth, noting that Morecroft would keep the infant animal safe beneath his desk while presenting the news. This anecdote became emblematic of his character—combining professional dedication with genuine compassion for living creatures. Morecroft wrote Raising Archie, the story of the flying fox he raised, and later published the memoir 20 Years from the Waist Up, sharing his experiences with readers.
Tributes From Colleagues and Leaders
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his sadness at Morecroft's passing in a formal statement, describing him as
"the face and the voice of the news of the ABC"and a
"beloved part of Australian life."Albanese highlighted Morecroft's distinctive blend of professional skill and human warmth, noting that
"combining a consummate professionalism with an unyielding humanity, Richard was a figure of absolute trust, a warm and familiar presence who guided us through the good times and bad."
Michael Rowland, a fellow former ABC journalist, paid tribute on social media, describing Morecroft as
"a superb newsreader and a lovely man."Speaking to the ABC, Rowland identified Morecroft as one of his professional role models, calling him the
"newsreader's newsreader."He reflected on what made Morecroft's delivery so compelling, explaining that
"when he said something, you absolutely believed him because it was heartfelt and that was something that he took with him until his final days."
Leigh Sales, another prominent ABC journalist, remembered Morecroft as
"a kind, warm and generous colleague, as well as being a consummate professional."Sales recalled her early days in the Sydney newsroom as a junior reporter, noting that Morecroft
"went out of his way to welcome me … touch base with me and to make sure that I was going OK."She described seeing him a month before his death, observing that he was
"dealing with bad news in a very stoic way and dignified manner."Sales added that
"he was full of life, he adored nature, he loved art, he loved people, he was just kind and caring, through and through."
Hugh Marks, the ABC's managing director, issued a statement calling Morecroft
"one of the great broadcasters of his generation."Marks emphasised that
"his intelligence, warmth and professionalism, beamed into homes across Australia for almost two decades, made him a trusted presence in the lives of Australians and an enduring part of the ABC's history."
Jeremy Fernandez, the current ABC NSW 7pm news presenter, remembered Morecroft as
"affable, generous, and clever as he appeared on-air."Fernandez reflected that
"Richard was a model of how to wear success and popularity with grace and humility,"and observed that
"he didn't let the business of news and media dim his love and enthusiasm for people, art, the environment and the world."
Key Facts
- Morecroft presented ABC's 7pm news bulletin for almost 20 years until 2002, becoming a trusted figure in Australian households
- He hosted SBS's Letters and Numbers quiz show from 2010 to 2012 and was a passionate environmental advocate working with major conservation organisations
- He died at age 70 on the south coast of New South Wales, with his partner of 36 years beside him
- His broadcasting career spanned multiple Australian cities including Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney, and he authored two books reflecting his life experiences
