We’re incredibly proud to have Peter Gee as the Patron of Muscular Dystrophy Tasmania. Many Tasmanians will remember Peter as the familiar and trusted face of ABC News for two decades, but his impact extends well beyond the television screen.
Peter started out in country Victoria radio, inspired by legendary cricket commentator Alan McGilvray. After training at Clarke Sinclair’s radio school, he got his start at 3CS Colac before joining the ABC in 1980. Over the next 18 years, he became one of the ABC’s most respected sports commentators, covering the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, cricket, golf and even sheepdog trials. One of his career highlights was calling Kieren Perkins’ gold medal swim at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.
In 1998, Peter made the move to television news and became the senior presenter of ABC’s 7pm bulletin in Tasmania. He guided us through major national and international events with calm authority and integrity, becoming a trusted voice in countless Tasmanian households. He signed off in 2018 after 38 years with the ABC, described by colleagues as a generous and deeply respected broadcaster.
Since retiring, Peter has remained actively involved in the Tasmanian community. In 2023, he completed the full length of the UK on a bike, riding from Land’s End to John o’Groats – known as LeJog – alongside his close friend Adrian Smith. The self-funded ride raised money to help provide a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for a young Tasmanian boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The journey was also documented in their podcast Pushing It Uphill, where they shared the challenges, reflections and human stories behind the ride.
For regular attendees of MDT functions and sports days, Peter has become a familiar face. Long before he officially became our patron, he was already part of the MDT family. Quick with a smile, an encouraging word and a helpful demeanour, Peter has quickly endeared himself to our volunteers, clients and supporters.
He brings to MDT not just his public profile, but a genuine commitment to helping Tasmanians living with neuromuscular conditions. His support helps shine a light on the challenges our community faces and the practical support that makes a real difference.
