Community
28 June, 2024
Headen calls time on career
RADIO personality Peter Headen has called time on an esteemed and distinguished career spanning almost four decades.
The ACE Radio Network has this week farewelled one of its longest serving general managers.
After starting his radio career in Horsham in 1984, Peter ‘Heado’ Headen began his journey on the Great South Coast in October 1996.
Nearly three decades later he leaves a lasting legacy on ACE Radio’s Warrnambool operations.
Peter oversaw major innovations during his tenure, including the launch of COAST FM in 2002 and 3YB FM’s switch from AM to FM in 2018, but critically he ensured the radio station prioritised community.
His efforts to support large-scale community projects, not-for-profits, sporting clubs and causes often saw credit deflected to the radio stations – a humility that saw him named Warrnambool’s Citizen of the Year in 2013.
“I think the radio station has to play that role of being a connection between the community,” he said.
“Whether it’s schools or kinders or fundraising events, we can play a role to inform the community and I’d like to think we’ve done that pretty well.”
As for retirement, Peter said while it’s tough to leave a workplace he loves, he looks forward to spending more time with his loving family.
“I’ve enjoyed the role for many years, loved coming to work and loved the staff but you’ve gotta go sometime and hopefully I can get some good years with my wife and family,” Peter said.
“My wife Philo has been a big supporter; without her I wouldn’t have been able to do what I did.
“I was away a lot and she’s been fantastic from my point of view and held the family together.”
ACE Radio chief executive Mark Taylor was among those to congratulate Peter on a decorated career.
“Peter has displayed exemplary leadership, driving continual growth and success in cementing the Warrnambool operation as the highest-performing in the ACE network,” he said.
“I congratulate Peter on an extraordinary career and thank him for his contribution over the last three decades, not only to the network but the industry in general.”
Network owners Rowly and Judy Paterson said the legacy left by Peter will be long lasting.
“As Peter retires, we congratulate him on an extraordinary career and thank him for his valuable contributions,” they said.
“He has been instrumental in creasing pathways for many young people and emerging talent. We recognise not just a career, but a legacy that has touched countless lives and uplifted the community.”
