(Photo: Double J)

Stuart Matchett, champion of Aussie music and a huge force in shaping triple j through the 80s and 90s has sadly passed away at the age of 67 after a battle with cancer. 

ABC’s Head of Music & Creative Development, Chris Scaddan has stated:

“Some very sad news this afternoon. Our colleague and friend Stuart Matchett passed away last night after a battle with cancer.”

“Stuart was a Double J and triple j legend, starting in 1978 and working his way up as a music programmer, presenter and producer. He led the triple j team as the Network Program Director in the 90s as it expanded into a truly national network. In the 2000s, Stuart started the ABC’s first forays into digital radio, with ABC DIG, Jazz and Country.”

“Stuart was a huge music fan whose knowledge and passion spread over so many genres. He gave so many of us our first start at the ABC and will be remembered as a warm, funny and genuine person. Someone with a huge heart and a huge love of music.”

“He’s one of the most influential people in Australian music you might not have heard of,” former triple j Breakfast host Mikey Robins explained to Double J’s Zan Rowe. “You almost got the feeling that the radio station had been built solely around Stuart’s office.”

“He was very hands on. Very much involved with every part of the station, not just hiring presenters, he was the most involved with the music of any Program Director I’ve ever met in my life.”

Over the coming days, Double J are set to pay tribute to Stuart Matchett’s life and legacy.