His new role allows Gareth to use more of his Bachelor of Media Studies degree, obtained from Murdoch University in 2008. Gareth says he wasn’t expecting to land a job in the news department, but is pleased to be a part of the team and looks forward to interviewing many interesting people. Gareth’s interest in radio goes back to the early 1990’s when he was just a boy. He would get hold of newspapers or school newsletters and put his own little news bulletin together, or wander around with a tape recorder doing mock interviews. Over the years, his “bulletins” got put on the backburner, but visits to both the Channel 7 and Channel 9 studios kept the flame flickering.

By the time high school came around, and thoughts of what to do when school was over were at the forefront of his mind, radio became less of a dream and more of a reality. His voice had become deeper, which would hold him in good stead to get a job. He just needed an opportunity.

Sonshine provided that opportunity in 2004, when he inquired about doing some training and was accepted. Despite being young, and at times thinking he knew better than those around him, he eventually picked up the late Sunday night shift in 2007. From there more nights were given to him, culminating in doing five nights a week in 2008 and 2009. Eventually, the strain of doing so many night shifts took its toll, and he moved on to the greener pastures of the newsroom. Gareth says it was a difficult decision to leave announcing, but he’d like to keep his hat in that ring from time to time if needed. When Gareth’s not working, he likes to spend time with his family and in particular his girlfriend Jessica. He goes to Yangebup Baptist Church where he’s heavily involved in leading and youth ministry, along with audio recording. From time to time he also visits his friends at West Coast Family Church in Claremont.

Gareth is a mentor to a young child at Yangebup Primary School, helping him with schoolwork and social skills, but most important of all being a friend and spending time with him.

The greatest moments of his life include his graduation from university, and being best man at his friend’s wedding, but working at Sonshine FM is also up there. Gareth says he can’t imagine working with a nicer group of people, who have a genuine concern for their peers and most importantly love God deeply and show His love in their lives.