Radio DJ Robbie Buck wasn’t born in Sydney but has embraced it as his home

Radio DJ Robbie Buck may not have been born in Sydney but the father of two has embraced the Harbour City as his home and loves the community vibe of his inner west neighbourhood where he has lived for two decades.

Radio DJ Robbie Buck may not have been born in Sydney but the father of two has embraced the Harbour City as his home and loves the community vibe of his inner west neighbourhood where he has lived for two decades.

You were born on the north coast but have lived in Sydney a long time. What made you move?

The official reason was work. But love played a part too. At least I thought it was love as I followed a girl who moved … turned out it wasn’t love at all. Thankfully the work panned out.

Sydney would have been vastly different to the north coast, what did you love or hate at first?

To say it was a culture shock was an understatement. It was a long way from the laid-back vibe of the north coast. But I just loved the vibrancy of Sydney — the range of people, the night-life and the sheer scale of the place had me hooked.

What parts of the city do you like to show off to visitors?

You’d be nuts not to show off the Harbour. I usually jump on a ferry at some stage and with a sweeping arm gesture proclaim: “Check that out.” It usually has the desired effect. I’ll also visit some of our great green spaces, like Centennial and Sydney Parks.

Radio DJ Robbie Buck shares what he loves best about living in Sydney Picture: Tim Pascoe

What’s your favourite venue to see live music?

We’ve lost so many great venues — the Hopetoun, The Sando, The Annandale. Places that hold so many great memories. I still love the Enmore Theatre — beautiful art deco features, good sight lines and a great room for sound. Thankfully it’s still going strong.

Do you have a favourite Sydney music memory?

Wow, so many. But to pick just one, I’ll never forget standing side of stage watching Al Green perform at the Domain for the Sydney Festival. He delivered an incredible show to a rapturous crowd. And then almost collapsed back stage from exhaustion. He’d given it his all. To witness it all close up was a real treat.

What’s your favourite place to get a coffee?

A little cafe called Shenkin just around the corner from my place, which was started by some brothers from Israel. It’s got great coffee, a lovely ambience and pastries to die for.

Radio DJ Robbie Buck with his children, Sophia, 15, and Oscar, 13. Picture: Tim Pascoe

What’s your pet peeve about Sydney?

Like everyone else, it’d be the traffic. Especially on Saturdays.

What do you miss most when you’re away?

My neighbourhood. What surprised me the most about moving to the big smoke was how community-minded parts of it could be. I’ve been in my area for over two decades and there are so many faces that are familiar.

What’s your favourite thing to do with your kids in Sydney?

Get them to finally clean their room! Nah, just kidding. We’ve recently acquired our first dog (Billy the whippet) and we love taking him for walks in the local park. Well, we walk, he tears around at great speed.

What’s your favourite season in Sydney and why?

Spring. The first day that the jasmine pops out on the fences in my street is one of favourite moments.

Originally published as Radio DJ Robbie Buck wasn’t born in Sydney but has embraced it as his home