Channel 7’s longest-serving weatherman retires after 41 years—with surprising revelation

Some faces on television become so familiar that viewers feel like they are part of the family.

For Tasmanians, Peter ‘Murph’ Murphy was one of those rare presences, guiding them through unpredictable forecasts with warmth and humour.

Now, after more than four decades, his final bulletin has arrived.

Murphy’s story began in Moree, New South Wales, where he worked in radio before moving to Tasmania in 1982 to join station 7EX.

Two years later he took on the role that defined his career, stepping in front of the TNT9 cameras as a weather presenter.

From those first forecasts to his final appearance on 22 September, Murphy became Australia’s longest-serving commercial television weatherman.

Alongside his career, Tasmania became the backdrop to his personal life.

Around the time he entered television, he met Donna Howard, who later became his wife in 1992.

Together they raised two sons, Jack and Lewis, and welcomed two granddaughters into their family.

While viewers saw him on-screen, Murphy also built a second career in financial services from 1991, most recently with Tasplan.

He managed to juggle both roles with ease, reflecting his dedication and discipline.

His work outside television also extended to the stage, where he entertained as a nightclub DJ and acted as master of ceremonies at countless community events.

Murphy’s colleagues often laughed at his fierce support for the Sydney Swans, which became part of his on-air personality.

Whether celebrating wins or lamenting losses, his enthusiasm connected him to fans who shared the same passion.

That authenticity made him stand out in a world where forecasts were usually delivered with formality.

The tools of his trade also changed dramatically over the years.

He began with magnetic weather maps, which would often slip off mid-broadcast.

By the end of his career, Murphy had transitioned to advanced digital forecasting.

Through it all, he observed how Tasmania’s climate shifted, remarking that weather events had become more extreme and the state’s East Coast had grown unusually dry.

His nightly rapport with anchors Kim Millar and Jo Palmer became a cornerstone of Tasmanian news.

Their chemistry delivered countless light-hearted moments, while their support for each other was evident during more serious broadcasts.

Murphy himself acknowledged the endurance of his co-presenters, joking that they deserved an award for putting up with him over the years.

Even abroad, Murphy found that Tasmanians recognised him instantly.

He once recalled hearing someone call out in Venice, only to discover they were from Devonport or Hobart.

His familiar face had become a kind of litmus test for Tasmanians scattered around the globe.

The torch will now pass to weekend presenter Kiah Wicks, who said the role had been her dream since childhood.

She admitted it was impossible to replace Murph’s legacy but promised to bring her own energy and knowledge to the job.

His farewell broadcast featured a special tribute, ensuring his final forecast was as memorable as his first.

Retirement, for Murphy, looked simple yet fulfilling.

He joked that his wife Donna might not be ready to spend every waking moment with him, though after 41 years of late-night bulletins, the adjustment seemed well deserved.

With more time for his granddaughters, the next chapter of his life promised new rhythms beyond the studio lights.

As Seven Tasmania’s Director of News Gavin McDougall put it, ‘Peter Murphy is more than a weather presenter—he's part of the fabric of Tasmanian life. His commitment, professionalism and connection with viewers have set an extremely high standard. His departure marks the end of an incredible chapter in our television history.’

Stories like Peter Murphy’s farewell remind us how deeply connected we can feel to the people who deliver our news and weather over the years.

When a familiar face steps away, it can stir memories of other trusted voices who have also left a lasting mark on television.

If you’d like to revisit another example of a beloved broadcaster’s departure, here’s one worth reading.

Read more: Farewell to familiar face who brought news into homes for decades

Do you have a favourite memory of Murph’s forecasts or his role in community events?