ABC Sydney will hold a public celebration of life for broadcaster and musician James Valentine AM at Sydney Town Hall on Friday, 29 May.
The event will honour Valentine’s life, career and contribution to Australian broadcasting. It will run from 12.30pm to 2pm, with registrations required due to limited venue capacity.
Registrations open on Friday, 15 May at 12.30pm, with further registrations to be released next week. The ABC said it would not be able to accommodate on-the-day registrations.
Attendees with accessibility requirements have been asked to include them when registering.
A public farewell for a Sydney radio figure
Valentine died in April aged 64, two years after being diagnosed with cancer. He had a 30-year career at the ABC and was best known for hosting Afternoons on 702 ABC Sydney.
The memorial will also be broadcast on 702 ABC Sydney and through the ABC listen app from 12.30pm to 2pm on 29 May.
702 ABC Sydney station manager Nick Lowther said Valentine wanted the memorial to reflect his love of radio.
“His great love of the radio medium was what this was all about,” Lowther said.
“He just wants to be able to have a chat through the people he’s organised to speak at his memorial.”
Former 702 ABC Sydney Drive presenter Richard Glover, who worked with Valentine at the ABC and shared a long friendship with him, will host the event.
Before his broadcasting career, Valentine was also a musician and saxophonist, performing with Australian acts including Models and Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons.
Top image: James Valentine AM A Celebration of Life