Matty and Trace make final for Best Breakfast Show

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Two of Bundaberg’s most recognisable voices Matty and Trace have been named as finalists in the Best Breakfast Show category (country) for the 2019 Australian Commercial Radio Awards ACRA.
Two of Bundaberg’s most recognisable voices Matty and Trace have been named as finalists in the Best Breakfast Show category (country) for the 2019 Australian Commercial Radio Awards.

Two of Bundaberg’s most recognisable voices, Matty and Trace, are finalists in the Best Breakfast Show category (country) for the 2019 Australian Commercial Radio Awards.

Tracey Sergiacomi and Matthew Ambrose co-host HitzFM’s morning show and it’s not the first time either of the radio personalities have been nominated for the Australian Commercial Radio Awards.

What it’s like being on-air so long for Trace

Trace is an experienced hand when it comes to rising before the crack of dawn to ensure the Bundaberg Region has its hit of morning laughs and tunes, after starting her on-air career in Bundaberg a decade ago.

“It does make me feel very old, haha, and no way at all did I think this was a possibility 10 years ago,” Trace said modestly.

“I was a receptionist, not a radio announcer, and I remember my first day on air. I was so nervous and felt sick to my stomach and that feeling stayed with me for a fair few shows!”

During the 10 years Trace said she had heard some extraordinary stories but there were a few that left a deeper impression.

“One moment always comes to mind,” Trace said.

“One day we were doing an outside broadcast at one of the schools and one of the mums came up to me and said ‘I just want to thank you, I suffer from depression and don't often leave the house but I came out today to meet you and to say thanks for being my friend every morning and making me laugh’.

“I was speechless, and I thought from that moment on if I can just make one person feel better, I must be doing a good job.” 

Trace says there’s not much left to know about the woman who has been heard by thousands of people before 9am each weekday morning.

“I am pretty honest and share a lot of my life on air — from relationships, break-ups and even becoming a grandma so I think listeners would know a lot about me,” she said. 

When it comes to Matty, there may be a little more listeners don’t know, as he has graced their ears for just shy of three years.

Before the days of Hitz 939's morning radio

“I was on-air at a place called Port Augusta in South Australia, a very, very hot part of the country. Forty-degree summer days were the norm!” he said.

Matty said the weather in the Bundaberg Region was a big drawcard and the beaches just topped it off.

“It blows me away at how under-used they are; it’s like an amazing secret!” Matty said.

“The water is so warm you can almost swim all year round!

“It’s like holidays all year round.”

It’s not just the weather for Matty

“The people are great too, super friendly! I wish they got a bit better at roundabouts though!” Matty laughed.

Matty said there were too many stand-out moments about being live on the radio in Bundaberg, but said two touched his heart just that little more.

“We have worked with the RSPCA and I love doggos so that’s been great!” he said.

“Racing dragon boats with Samuel Johnson was a special day!

“During winter I had been driving into work (on my scooter) with socks on my hands.

“A sweet older gentleman brought me some gloves out of nowhere. What a legend!”

ACRAs to be held in October

Trace has been a finalist three times and walked away an Australian Commercial Radio Awards winner for the for best station promotion in 2014 for Apple for The Teacher.

“I was a two-time finalist in 2016 for Best on Air team and Best Music Special,” Trace said.

“If we win this year, this will be the first time I have won an announcer award.”

Matty says this is his second chance at becoming a Australian Commercial Radio Awards winner and he has a plan if it doesn’t go his way on the night.

“Umm I’ve been twice. The first time was my very first year on radio, that’s a long way back!” he said.

“Somewhere between the Mesozoic and Jurassic era. That was for best newcomer.

“This is my second crack at best on-air team. I’m yet to leave with a trophy so I’ll probably just steal someone’s if we don’t win!”

Matty and Trace will be up against some serious competition from New South Wales and Victoria, but it's hoped the Hitz 939s breakfast duo can take out the big Australian Commercial Radio Award for Bundaberg and Queensland.

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