Beloved 9News host Georgie Gardner has announced she’s leaving Nine after 25 years with the network.
A perfectly timed statement and social media announcement from the host herself was sent out just after lunch on Friday sharing the news of her shock departure.
“Nine has today announced respected journalist and presenter Georgie Gardner has called time on her near 25-year career at Nine,” the network’s statement read.
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“Since 2002, Georgie has been a constant presence in the living rooms of millions of Australians turning into Nine across the day. After starting at 9News presenting 6pm weekday weather with Brian Henderson and reading the Morning news, Georgie joined the Today Show in 2007 as newsreader and fill-in host – a role she held until 2014.
“In 2018 she rejoined the Today Show as host for two years. For the better part of 17 years, Georgie has anchored 9News Sydney’s 6pm weekend bulletin.”
Gardner referred to her resignation as some “exciting news” in her post shared on Instagram.
“After 34 yrs of broadcast journalism, I’ve decided to call it a day. Just shy of 24 yrs at Nine, my resignation has been accepted – which conjures up a fair bit of trepidation & exhilaration in equal measure,” she wrote, along with a picture of her sitting behind the famous 9News desk. A spot she will no doubt miss.
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“So time now to embark on a new chapter & not yet sure what that looks like, but I’m open to new opportunities & I’m excited. So much still to learn & discover in the world, and at age 55, so much still to contribute.”
Gardner took the opportunity to take fans down memory lane, sharing how she started out her fabulous career in news reporting.
“Starting out at 2NX Newcastle in 1992 as a wide-eyed 21 yr old from Perth, little did I realise my career path would be so rich & rewarding. Opening my mind to new ideas, satiating my curiosity for news & current affairs, highlighting causes for positive change, and accommodating my passion for communicating & connecting with people … broadcasting has been a great gift,” she said.
“And then there are the countless colleagues who’ve enriched my journey, along with all those I’ve interviewed. They are the reason why the decision to resign has not been made lightly.”
She ended her post thanking her colleagues and viewers, claiming she felt “immensely grateful” for their support.
And the support certainly continued in the Instagram comments.
“Georgie, you will be so missed! Loved working with you. Wishing you all the very best for your next chapter,” fellow reporter Natalia Cooper shared.
“One of the best, Georgie. Long time admirer. All the best and I will miss you on 9,” one fan wrote.
And another added: “Loved watching you for many years, especially the first two female co hosts of today with the lovely Deb Knight, enjoy your next chapter!”
When Gardner famously left co-host Karl Stefanovic and her Today show family in 2014, she was thrilled to be spending more time with her husband Tim and their two children – daughter Bronte and son Angus.
“The children actually jumped into my arms and said ‘Mummy that’s great news’ and I’ve got to tell you, I’ll never forget how that feels,” she shared during her televised farewell.
No doubt, they’ll be happy to have her back again.
Gardner’s final Sydney news bulletin with Nine will be at 6pm on Friday 17th April.