Sun sets on weatherman's career
THE sun is about to set on the career of arguably one of Rockhampton's most recognisable television personalities, Peter Byrne.
The popular WIN News weather presenter will make his last broadcast on Friday night.
In typical Peter style, WIN viewers were the first to know of his decision as he made his announcement on Monday night.
WIN State News director Phil Hind said Byrne had helped shepherd communities through some of the worst Mother Nature had dished up since he started his television broadcasts in 1990.
"Peter has become a part of our lives," Mr Hind said.
"Peter is something of a rarity on Australian television, a weather presenter with a thorough understanding of his subject.
"He has never sensationalised his forecasts. He has always known that what the people of regional Queensland need more than any-thing is the unvarnished facts."
Before setting foot inside a TV studio Byrne spent 30 years with the Bureau of Meteorology.
During his time in television, Byrne has helped mentor generations of young journalists, among them some of the biggest names on television today.
"Those who work with Peter all agree that what they'll miss most is the generosity of an old-school gentleman," said WIN Queensland and New South Wales general manager Andrew Vautier. "He will be greatly missed and we all wish him well in the future."
Although Byrne's last appearance on WIN will be on Friday, the people of Rockhampton will have one last opportunity to say goodbye at the WIN Television Beef Ball gala on Saturday, May 12.
He is set to entertain the crowd as master of ceremonies as part of Beef Week.
An announcement on a new weather presenter for WIN will be made in the near future, until then Kathryn Doyle will present the weather.
