Michael Prevedello retires from Goulburn radio station 2GN

"This will be the best apprenticeship you'll ever do," he had said.

That was back in 1973 and as Mr Prevedello told The Post, the advice proved to be correct.

"I fell into this game but it gave me a sense of purpose and developed traits I never thought I had," he said

"I was never very confident as a kid but with development, exposure and age, it taught me to be more assertive."

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The longtime news journalist reflected on his career following his retirement on March 25. It came after two stints at the station from 1973 to 1986 and 2017 to present.

His 'made for radio' voice and deep local knowledge has flowed through the airwaves over 18 years.

But now the newly elected councillor says as he approaches 70, it's time to spend more time with family, travel and enjoy all life has to offer.

The memories came flooding back of a career Mr Prevedello says he fell into one day.

There was the memorable Allens store fire. Peter Watkins was on the air when the Auburn Street blaze broke out mid-afternoon. Fellow journalist Jim Patterson and Mr Prevedello were soon on the scene and, without the benefit of mobile phones, relayed reports back to the station from a corner telephone box.

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He met and interviewed a string of prominent people, including Bob Hawke before he became Prime Minister, and singer Kamahl. A polaroid snap of the two is a keepsake.

"One of the first things Ray Williams told me was that you have to be organised and lucky to get the story. Those two things, having a reasonably good interest in the community and keeping up contacts are essential to being a good journalist," Mr Prevedello said.

He also lists former station manager John Powell as a mentor but saves most praise for wife, Jill, whom he describes as his greatest supporter and critic, and a "wonderful person."

Mr Prevedello took a break from radio in 1986 following a two-year posting at Canberra's 2CA. He managed the family's Mulwaree Inn boarding house and then Goulburn's Magnet Mart for 14 years before being lured back to 2GN in 2017.

Such was his impact that in 2019 he took out the Best News Presenter in the country category of the Australian Commercial Radio Awards.

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"In this second stint in the media I've discovered my love of writing and this is from a guy who didn't do too well at English," he said.

"I love the investigation, the inquiry and the people I meet, which is also focused in a reasonably hard way in the term I'm serving on the council."

Mr Prevedello hopes to further pursue the craft amid completing his Theology degree.

The last five years has also brought challenges, including new technology and social media, the latter of which required a delicate balance in news reporting. Similarly, highly controversial issues called for impartial presentation.

The decision to retire came suddenly but a lifestyle change had been on his mind for some time.

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Colleagues were surprised but farewelled him in style. They greeted him with a party and well wishes on his final day, while presenter Craig Prichard took him on a trip down memory lane on-air with people from his past like Mr Williams, Peter Verhoeven and Warren Purchase.

"Those three hours felt like 10 minutes," Mr Prevedello said.

The early morning starts will be replaced with a more relaxing lifestyle, and time to breathe.

"I'm nearly 70 but you're only as young as you feel," he said.

"Nevertheless, there comes a time. I have an amazing family and a new granddaughter and I want to spend more time with them....I have plenty to do and I love life."

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