In 2012, the 8th generation Queenslander left her radio career in Sydney after a 28 year stint, claiming she was “burnt out” and “over it.” She was a host on Sydney’s “Mornings with Sammy and Jason”, Triple M Breakfast Show alongside Jason Bouman.
Tributes began flowing in from radio presenters, including Bouman, who wrote on his Facebook; “Rest in peace Sammy. Shocked and devastated. We were a great team, but even better friends – right to the end. I will miss our chats, texts and your straight shooting. You always had my back.”
Power studied at AFTRS (Australian Film, Television and Radio School) in Sydney and made her first break hosting breakfast on Mix 106.5 (Now KIIS)
She moved back to Brisbane and began managing the family’s markets at Mitchelton, Brisbane Powerhouse and Manly. Her mother, Jan Power, a self-described “foodie, commentator and city doyenne” was the founder of Queensland’s Farmers Markets.
Power subsequently took on the role of Chief Executive of the Farmers Market.
First Gary Ord and now Sammy Power. We’ve lost two Brisbane breakfast radio presenters within a week. Stunned.https://t.co/AxXhLJ0xak
— Spencer Howson 🍷🐈📻 (@SpencerHowson) December 16, 2019
In 2014, Power celebrated her 50th birthday by throwing herself a solo wedding. She encouraged other women to celebrate self-acceptance with or without a partner.
“I actually do love myself now, not in an up myself way, but I do think ‘Wow, I’ve achieved this, I can do this,” she told the Brisbane Times.
In 2017, Power graced the cover of the Brisbane News Magazine. In her interview with Kristy Symonds, she revealed that she had a difficult childhood after being sent to boarding school in the UK when her parents divorced. She also expressed her desire to return to radio to do a show about personal wellness and wellbeing.
Rest in Peace, Sammy Power.https://t.co/R4SsOpb5DR
— WSFM 101.7 (@WSFM1017) December 16, 2019
The colourful Australian icon will be greatly missed.