Nova’s 96.9 radio host Tim Blackwell has finally settled in Sydney

He’ll never be a polo player, but he’s still scoring goals out of the studio

Nova 969 afternoon host Tim Blackwell pictured at his Stanmore home wearing an 8th anniversary ring his wife had made for him. Pictures: Richard Dobson

• WHO: Radio host Tim Blackwell of Nova’s Kate, Tim & Marty

• WHERE: Stanmore with wife Monique and their children Bo, 5, and Alfie, 2

• FAVOURITE THING: My wife had this ring made for me for our eighth wedding anniversary. Brass for the eight years and a horseshoe for good luck

• INSPIRATION: Having kids limits the amount of nice and expensive stuff, which is probably for the best.

• HOME IS: Art Deco 1920s property with original features

COUNTING US shock jock Howard Stern and Australia’s John Laws as early influences, it’s no wonder Tim Blackwell found himself fronting a radio show.

Born in Hobart, he moved to Sydney in primary school, then spent his early high school years in Washington DC, before returning to Sydney.

“I got the Young Talent Time guitar, microphone and amplifier and ran the mic cord under my bedroom door and read out the newspaper to my mum in the kitchen,” Tim says. “Mum always had John Laws on. Living in the US I got right into Howard Stern.”

When he did break into radio, his career kept him on the road, moving from Albury to Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane.

“I have found my way back to Sydney, which feels most like home,” he says.

Currently co-hosting Nova’s Kate, Tim and Marty show, he has interviewed many talents, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

AT HOME WITH CATHERINE HERAGHTY

“I interviewed them first at the Chateau Marmont in LA for the release of Stadium Arcadium,” he says. “Then in 2002 for the launch of Nova in Perth.”

Although happy to be settled in Sydney, Tim relishes his chance to have a stint on travel show Getaway.

“I went to Buenos Aires last year with the show. I played my first game of polo and they let me score a goal for TV,” he says. “I kept the match ball and the shirt.”

When not on radio or TV, he is happy for some down time with his family.

“My surfboard and guitars are covered in dust,” he says. “Having a five and three-year-old takes up every spare moment, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

More: nova969.com.au; 9now.com.au/getaway

Favourite thing: My wife had this ring made for me for our eighth wedding anniversary. Brass for the eight years and a horseshoe for good luck.

Red Hot Chili Peppers book: I read this on the trip over to interview Anthony Kiedis in LA. I never usually ask for autograph’s, but I asked him to sign it and I’m glad I did.

Libertines album: I’ve loved the Libertines for years. I saw them recently and Carl Barat gave me the guitar pick he used on stage. A little bit of plastic to remember their amazing Aussie tour.

Lark whisky: I started getting into whisky when I got into my 30s, because that’s the mature thing to do, My dad lives in Hobart and sends me a bottle of this every year for my birthday.

Hawks jumper: I’ve been a lifelong Hawks supporter. Both kids were born in premiership years so the club sent me the little jumper to remember this by. The big one is mine.

Enmore Theatre art: Until recently we lived right next door to the Enmore Theatre. I I counted over 50 gigs in one year. I’ve had some incredible times there and seen some amazing music.

Family picture: We had a photographer walk around Bondi with us and take some snaps and as you can see from my daughters tears, this is an accurate reflection of life in that moment.

Saint Laurent jacket: I saw Keith Richards wear this jacket at a Rolling Stones gig and when I saw it I though, ‘yeah, I could pull that off’. I bought it for way too much and have worn it once.

Polo shirt and ball: My most recent trip was to Argentina (with Getaway, the polo capital of the world. I played my first game last year, and it was terrifying but brilliantly fun.