Peter Waltham Obituary: It is with profound sorrow and great respect that we come together to remember and honour the life of Peter Waltham, a cherished figure whose voice and presence were deeply woven into the fabric of Western Australian media and community life. For nearly 60 years, Peter graced our radios and television screens, offering comfort, clarity, and connection through every phase of our lives.
Tonight, Perth mourns not only the loss of a broadcaster, but the loss of a friend. A companion. A constant. Peter Waltham wasn’t just a man behind a microphone or sitting at a news desk—he was the voice of Perth. His name carries the weight of a legacy that shaped generations of viewers and listeners across WA. From his early beginnings in the 1960s to his final broadcasts with Curtin FM, Peter gave himself wholeheartedly to the stories, the people, and the city he so dearly loved.
Peter’s broadcasting journey began in a golden age of television, a time when the newsreader wasn’t just a reporter—they were a trusted family member beaming into our lounge rooms each evening. He was one of Channel Seven Perth’s original stars, helping to define an era when news anchors became household names, not through glamour, but through trust and consistency. And trust Peter, we did.
Night after night, year after year, Peter delivered the news with warmth, dignity, and integrity. His voice—calm, distinctive, and reassuring—was one you welcomed into your home. In times of celebration, in moments of tragedy, and through all the everyday stories that shape our lives, Peter was there. He didn’t simply read headlines; he told stories. He didn’t speak at us—he spoke with us. In a time when the media landscape was ever-changing, Peter remained a constant. A true professional, yes—but more than that, a humble and genuine soul who never let the spotlight distract him from what mattered most: people.
Perhaps nowhere was this more evident than in his decades-long commitment to Telethon. Peter wasn’t just a presenter—he was a powerhouse of generosity and goodwill. Each year, his enthusiasm and heart shone through as he helped raise millions for children in need. He brought laughter, compassion, and a gentle presence that made even the most emotional moments bearable. He gave of himself completely, and Western Australia responded with love and admiration. In the 1980s, Peter made a bold move, crossing over to Channel Nine—a shift that caused quite the stir at the time. But the public didn’t care which network he was on. They followed him. Because Peter Waltham was more than a logo on a screen. He was a trusted voice, a familiar face, and a friend to so many.
In his later years, Peter found a second home on Curtin FM 100.1, where he became the beloved host of Down Memory Lane and the Mornings program. These shows weren’t just about music—they were about connection. For 25 years, Peter continued to do what he did best: bring people together. Listeners from across the state tuned in not just for nostalgia, but for comfort—for that familiar voice that had walked with them through life’s many seasons. To Curtin FM, he wasn’t just a colleague—he was a mentor, a friend, and a cornerstone of everything the station stood for. His presence, both on and off air, was uplifting and grounding. He had time for everyone, from interns just starting out to long-time staff. Always a kind word. Always a smile. Always Peter.
And that’s what made him so special. He never rushed a conversation. Never brushed off a fan. I still remember the first time I met Peter—just a kid visiting Channel 7 because a mate’s family was appearing on Family Feud. Peter walked past, towering in stature but humble in spirit. He stopped, smiled, and shared a moment with us. That deep, familiar voice now speaking directly to me was something I never forgot. In that moment, I met the same man we saw every night—kind, gracious, and down-to-earth. Peter was more than a broadcaster. He was a historian of the heart. A keeper of memories. A gentleman in every sense of the word. He brought music, news, and comfort into people’s lives—and he did it with class, consistency, and a quiet brilliance that never demanded attention but always earned it.
To Peter’s beloved family, we offer our deepest condolences. We know how much he meant to you, and we want you to know how much he meant to us. He wasn’t just a colleague, a broadcaster, or a celebrity—he was a part of our lives, our routines, and our memories. May you find some comfort in knowing the joy and comfort he brought to thousands upon thousands of people across the decades. To his colleagues at Curtin FM and those who worked alongside him in newsrooms and studios over the years—thank you for walking with him, supporting him, and helping bring his work to life. His legacy is shared by all of you.
To the viewers and listeners, young and old, who tuned in day after day, year after year—hold his memory close. Let us keep sharing his stories, replaying those golden moments, and cherishing the sound of a voice that became part of our families. Peter Waltham wasn’t just a newsreader—he was the newsreader for generations of Western Australians. A true professional. A pioneer. A friend. A legend. We won’t see his like again, but we will always hear his voice in our memories, guiding us gently down our own memory lanes. Peter, thank you. For everything. For every story, every smile, every generous act. For being a light in the hearts of so many. Vale, Peter Waltham. Rest well, dear friend. And if you can, give Peter Dean and Max Kay a big hug from all of us.
