Sydney – A public memorial service at Sydney Town Hall honored the life of James Valentine, the longtime host of ABC Sydney's Afternoon show, celebrating his legacy of community engagement and the vital role of public broadcasting in fostering social connection. Valentine, who passed away last month at age 64, was remembered for his ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, embodying the spirit of accessible and inclusive media.

The service drew a diverse crowd, reflecting Valentine's widespread appeal and the importance of public media in reaching all segments of Australian society. Attendees included Governor-General Sam Mostyn, television personalities Richard Roxburgh, Julia Morris, and Gretel Killeen, and current ABC presenters Dom Knight and Hamish Macdonald, alongside everyday listeners who felt a deep connection to Valentine through his radio program.

Richard Glover, a former ABC broadcaster and close friend, hosted the event, emphasizing Valentine's commitment to representing diverse voices and perspectives on air. The service underscored the crucial role of public broadcasting in providing a platform for community members to share their stories and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Jacqueline Brewer, a devoted listener of ABC Sydney, spoke about Valentine's impact on her life as a “familiar voice” who made her feel heard and understood, highlighting the power of public radio in creating a sense of belonging. Brewer's description of herself as an “ABC Radio enthusiast, some might say ABC tragic,” reflects the deep connection many Australians have with their public broadcaster.

Margaret Throsby, another former ABC broadcaster, read excerpts from the thousands of text messages received by the ABC following Valentine’s death, showcasing the “overwhelming tidal wave of love and sadness” and demonstrating the public's reliance on the ABC as a source of comfort and community.

ABC managing director Hugh Marks praised Valentine as a “master of the art” of radio broadcasting, emphasizing his significant contribution to the ABC’s legacy of providing quality programming accessible to all Australians, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Chef Matt Moran shared his personal grief upon learning of Valentine's terminal cancer diagnosis, underscoring the importance of access to healthcare and support services for all members of the community.

Opera tenor David Hobson, a childhood friend, spoke about Valentine’s dedication to his family, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and the need for policies that support families and caregivers.

Valentine's son, Roy, described his father’s death as a reflection of his life: “open and honest, kind and warm, family-focused,” emphasizing the values of empathy, compassion, and community that Valentine embodied.

Ruby Valentine spoke of her father’s evolution into a natural and “overjoyed” father, underscoring the importance of challenging traditional gender roles and promoting shared parenting responsibilities.

James Valentine’s career at the ABC, spanning from his role as host of the Afternoon Show for kids on ABC TV to his 25-year tenure on ABC Sydney’s Afternoon show, represents a commitment to public service and the power of media to connect and uplift communities. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in public broadcasting and ensuring access to quality media for all.