Tributes flow for Adrian “Mozza” Morrisby

Hobart is mourning the death of a beloved father, mechanic and keen angler who was always willing to share his fishing tips.

Hobart is mourning the death of Adrian “Mozza” Morrisby, a father, a mechanic, and a keen angler who was always willing to share his fishing tips.

Mr Morrisby ran the family business Moonah Auto Parts, where he was known for his encyclopedic knowledge of everything automotive.

Adrian Morrisby with his boat, Rocket Science PICTURE: Luke Bowden

Mozza had a weekly slot on 7HOFM radio, where he gave his Hot Bite tips for the best fishing spots around Tasmania.

He participated in competitions around the state and attracted thousands of followers on his Facebook page Fish Selfies, where fishermen send photos of themselves with their proudest catches.

Whenever he wasn’t fishing or tinkering around with cars he was supporting his son’s kart racing ambitions, which was a shared passion between the two of them.

Mr Morrisby was a champion gokarter himself in his youth, and he solidified many firm friendships that have withstood the decades.

One is with Jason White, a rival gokarter and “arch nemesis” who eventually became his best friend until his final days.

In their youth the two of them formed “The Maxboost Crew”, an informal group of mates who could always be found trackside.

“He was my best mate. When we made the Maxboost Crew it was all about mates sharing racecars, doing motorsports together, and having a good time,” Mr White said.

“Moz was the glue for all sorts of things, from fishing, to motorsports. He was always the one that kept us together. He was a community man, no doubt about it.”

The Maxboost Crew will be reuniting in Hobart in order to reminisce about the good old days spent with their ringleader, Mozza.

Another member of the Maxboost Crew is Kelly “Hooch” Hunt, who would go on to become Mr Morrisby’s inseparable fishing partner later in life.

Moz and Hooch would compete in fishing competitions around the state and reel newbies into the sport through their hilarious commentaries and sage words of advice.

They would spend days at a time on the water, and Mr Hunt said Mozza was always able to show mainlanders that Tasmania had the best fishing spots in the country.

Above all, Mr Hunt said he would remember Mr Morrisby for his big personality, his even bigger heart, and his unwavering dedication to helping others.

“His attitude was always positive, and he was always helping other people and making sure their needs were met before his own,” Mr Hunt said.

“He was always eager to help, and he could see when someone was struggling well before they even knew it. That’s the kind of bloke he was.”

Social media is overlowing with tributes to the much-loved Tassie icon, including from 7HOFM content director Mark Johnson who posted the following on his page:

“My condolences to Mozza’s family and friends. Working at 7HOFM I always found him to be a super positive guy and a great bloke to be around. I loved the treats he used to bring into the studio on Thursday mornings. No doubt Mozza will be the #1 fishing guru and good guy in heaven… ‘and surrounding suburbs!’”

Hobart driver and 2008 Targa entrant Adrian Morrisby with his Holden Gemini.

Denise Cresswell said “so many feel the loss”.

“Thank you Mick for those great words about our Legend Mozza. I am his Aunt and yes the family are devastated as are so many of his colleagues and friends.”

Helen Gray said: “Such sad news, for someone not interested in fishing I loved his segment each week, so full of fun, love and laughter. To all who loved Mozza, sincere sympathies, RIP great man.”

Bek Jones said Mozza was “such a character, an encourager, someone that found a need and tried to find a way to fill it, someone that made your life richer for meeting him”.

Originally published as Tributes flow for Adrian “Mozza” Morrisby