Renowned 2GB Sydney broadcaster Brian Wilshire has passed away at 81 following an illness. Wilshire’s career in radio began in November 1969, eventually leading him to become a prominent voice at 2GB. He was best known for hosting the Australia Overnight program from midnight until 3:30 a.m., and he remained a fixture at the station for over 30 years, consistently topping the ratings and winning over listeners.

The announcement of his passing came via 2GB, with fellow host Michael McLaren expressing regret over their last interaction. McLaren admitted, “I’m ashamed to say I didn’t even know he had been unwell. In fact, I don’t think too many people did.” He recounted sending Wilshire a message a month prior, updating him on his life, including becoming a new father, and hoped that all was well with Wilshire, his wife Ruth, and their children.

McLaren mentioned inviting Brian to meet if he ever visited Sydney. He recalled, “A day or two went by without a response from Brian, so I thought I might have the wrong number. But then, at 11:30 p.m., my phone buzzed… I let it go to voicemail and now wish I hadn’t, as it was Brian reaching out.”

McLaren had planned to call Brian at the beginning of the new year but reflected, “Just after midday yesterday, I realized I’d missed my chance, and it’s something I’ll regret for the rest of my life.”

Colleagues remember Brian as a “lovely man and one of the gentlemen of the radio industry.” Jason Morrison, a former colleague, described him as a “major figure” at the station, adding, “Brian probably never got the recognition he deserved – but no one has held the air on the station for as many years as he did.”

While his career was glowing, his career wasn’t without controversy, and in 2005 he was forced to issue an apology after comments he made on air about Lebanese Australians after the Cronulla Riots. He told listeners at the time: “Many of them have parents who are first cousins whose parents were first cousins.

“The result of this is inbreeding – the result of which is uneducationable people… and very low IQ.” He later apologised for his remarks and said on air: “I understand that those comments may have caused offence to some members of the Lebanese community and I unreservedly retract those comments and I apologise for any offence that might have been caused.”