Susie O’Neill quits Nova 106.9 after a decade

One of Nova 106.9’s dream team breakfast trio “Ash, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill” has announced their departure from the popular show, after more than 10 years behind the microphone.

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Olympic swimming legend and Brisbane radio host, Susie O’Neill, has announced her decision to step down from Nova 106.9’s Ash, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill breakfast show after more than 10 years on air.

Fighting back tears, and struggling to speak, O’Neill shared how the radio show had “saved her life” during some of her most challenging times, as she confirmed she will bid farewell to her co-hosting role at the end of November.

“A bit over 10 years ago now, when I pretty much had nothing going on in my life, to be honest … I joked that it saved my life at the time, but it came at a really good time for me,” she said.

“I was horrible at radio, and I’d be upset and say, ‘I can’t do it.’ But you [Ash and Luttsy] would say ‘just keep going.’”

“For a lot of the time, it has been more than just a job. I’ve gone through some … I actually do have some hard times, even though it seems like I live a pretty good life. But when I’ve had really hard times, I’ve known that I can come in here and just be myself and be present and enjoy it.”

Call lines were flooded as fans expressed their sadness, with one emotional listener sharing, “You’ve got my six-year-old crying in the back of the car at the moment. It is like a tradition that we get in and listen to Susie O’Neill in the morning. This is just so upsetting.”

Formers superstar swimmer Susie O’Neill recently returned to the pool for the Masters World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan. Picture: Adam Head

The former Olympian, who became a household name through her record-breaking performances in the pool, joined the Nova breakfast team in 2013 as a casual sports reporter.

She soon became a full-time co-host alongside Ash Bradnam and David “Luttsy” Lutteral, solidifying her presence on Brisbane’s airwaves.

O’Neill explained that her decision to leave was a deeply personal one, sparked by her 50th birthday.

With her children Alix, 20, and Bill, 18, now adults, O’Neill said she feels ready to embrace the next phase of her life.

“I think turning 50 last year made me realise I’m at a whole new stage in my life. Our kids have grown up, and I just feel the next chapter will see me pursue other goals, both professionally and personally,” she said.

Susie O’Neill said turning 50 last year has had a big impact on her personal and professional goals. Picture: Claudia Baxter

O’Neill, affectionately nicknamed “Madame Butterfly” for her prowess in the butterfly stroke, expressed her desire to reconnect with her sporting roots.

“I feel like I want to get back to the grassroots of sport, and to involve myself more in the wider community,” she said.

She also took the opportunity to thank her Nova family, calling her co-hosts “like brothers” and reflecting on the strong friendships she’s formed over the years.

“Ash and Luttsy are like brothers to me, they brought me into their world a little over a decade ago and they have always been my biggest supporters,” she said.

“We have formed an incredible bond over the years, which made this decision even harder. I’m proud to call them my friends, as I am the entire Nova brekkie team.”

Nova Brisbane breakfast hosts Ash Bradnam, Susie O'Neill and David Lutteral.

Bradnam, who has shared the studio with O’Neill since her early days at Nova, spoke fondly of their partnership.

“As a cadet sports journalist at 4BC in the mid 1990s, I had the privilege of first interviewing Susie,” he recalled.

“Over the past 11 years I have watched on as Susie has developed into an outstanding broadcaster, an experience that has been one of the highlights of my career.”

David “Luttsy” Lutteral echoed the sentiment, describing their decade-long journey as a “wild adventure.”

“It’s been an incredible experience becoming great mates with Susie over the last decade. I know whatever is next for Suse is going to be fantastic,” he said.

Nova 106.9 breakfast hosts Susie O'Neill, Ash Bradnam and David "Luttsy" Lutteral. Picture: supplied.

Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor, acknowledged O’Neill’s impact on the station, calling her an “integral part of the Nova Brisbane broadcasting family” and hinting at potential future collaborations.

“We hope to continue to work with Susie in 2025 and beyond,” he said.

NOVA Entertainment CEO Peter Charlton also celebrated O’Neill’s successful transition from Olympic champion to a key figure in Brisbane radio.

“Seeing her transform from medal winner to consistent ratings winner has been an absolute pleasure,” he said.

Susie O’Neill’s final broadcast will air on November 28, with Nova expected to announce the future line-up for their breakfast show in the coming weeks.

“While it’s going to be an emotional final day on November 28 saying goodbye to everyone, including our listeners, I do know whatever this next chapter brings, that my Nova family won’t be far away,” O’Neill said.

Originally published as Susie O’Neill quits Nova 106.9 after a decade