John ‘Macca’ MacKenzie has announced his retirement from radio after 42 years with 4CA Cairns and it will be on the station’s 89th birthday. His final morning program will be heard on Friday May 30.

RadioInfo reports: This is actually Macca’s 52nd year in the industry. Dissatisfied while working as a cab driver in Sydney, a chance encounter with rock and roll and broadcast legend Johnny O’Keefe set him off toward radio. Within six months he had his first job on air in Gympie, where alongside roles on-air, in programming, sales and station management he also helped orchestrate the Gympie Muster. What began as a small celebratory gathering for a country music award win quickly grew into a major event. Macca initially hoped to get three to four entertainers, but in the end, 30 performers agreed to come. Organisers had to build two stages to accommodate them. The festival still flourishes and now draws tens of thousands of fans and artists from across Australia each year.

Then the move to 4CA and Cairns where Macca became an advocate for Far North Queensland. Often called “The Voice of the North,” he addressing the major issues affecting the community, including crime, airport development, and local progress. A highlight is the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. He passionately pushed the project on air with the advocacy and community support helping turn the idea into a reality, with local leaders securing the necessary funding to bring the Lagoon to life.

Macca has won multiple ACRAs throughout his time on air. In 2015, he was inducted into the Queensland Multi- Media Awards Hall of Fame, and in 2023, he received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the industry.

Macca announced on air:

“It’s been a dream come true to live and work in this incredible city since 1983, hosting a talkback show in one of the most diverse and passionate communities in the country. Cairns has given me so much – a beautiful place to call home, a wonderful community, and of course, my wife Kerryn, who’s made the past 29 years the happiest of my life. While it’s sad to say goodbye, I’m incredibly grateful for the support and connection I’ve had with listeners over the years.”

Michael Harvey, ARN Chief Regional Officer, said:

“John MacKenzie is a true legend of regional radio. For more than 40 years at 4CA, he’s been a trusted voice and a passionate advocate for Far North Queensland. We thank him for his incredible contribution and lasting legacy.”

Over the years, Macca’s guests have included Prime Ministers, Queensland Premiers and many entertainers. as he prepares to sign off for the final time, listeners can tune in to 4CA Cairns each morning from 9.00am in the lead-up to May 30 to hear highlights from Macca’s extraordinary career and special tributes from guests, friends and colleagues.