Hope Mornings Farewells Long-Time Host Katrina Roe

By Hope 103.2Friday 25 Mar 2022Hope MorningsStation NewsReading Time: 6 minutes

After dedicating more than a decade to producing and hosting on-air shows for Hope 103.2, Katrina Roe has announced she will be moving on from live radio and heading to the countryside. But, she’s not completely hanging up her Hope 103.2 microphone just yet.

Speaking on behalf of Hope 103.2, content director Aaron Wright said Katrina would be greatly missed.

“Katrina has been an integral part of the Hope family for around 16 years, having made a significant contribution to Hope as the original Open House producer, Hope Mornings presenter, host of the Hope Book Club, Australia’s Invisible History, articles, interviews… the list goes on! What an impact Katrina has had through Hope 103.2,” Aaron said.

“We are excited for what’s ahead for Katrina and her family, and that Katrina will continue to produce and present the Hope Book Club and Australia’s Invisible History podcasts.”

“We are excited for what’s ahead for Katrina and her family, and that Katrina will continue to produce and present [Hope] podcasts,” – Hope 103.2 content director Aaron Wright

Katrina shared all about her decision.

Why 2022 is the year to move

“My husband and I both grew up in the country, he is from Bourke, I am from the Riverina, so we always planned to raise our kids in the country,” Katrina said.

“When we came to Sydney in 2002 for work, we expected we would be here for about five years. And now here we are, 20 years later.”

Katrina said Sydney had given them “some wonderful opportunities and some great experiences and friends”, but they were now keen to try a slower pace of life, again.

“Also, the pandemic has kept us apart from so many loved ones, so I want to give the kids a chance to spend some time with their grandparents,” she said.

“Also, the pandemic has kept us apart from so many loved ones, so I want to give the kids a chance to spend some time with their grandparent,” – Katrina Roe

“Also, let’s be honest, Sydney is a very expensive place to live.”

Moving to regional NSW

Katrina and her family are moving to Wagga in the Riverina area of New South Wales.

“It’s a lovely city in the country with a thriving cultural and arts life,” she said.

“My husband has a job there, so I will be looking for part-time work after we settle in. I am excited to get back into some unfinished writing and creative projects and the kids are also keen for a fresh start after a tough couple of years.”

Katrina reflects on her time at Hope 103.2

“I started at Hope in 2006 as the producer for Open House,” Katrina said.

“I had just quit my job to study international relations and was looking for a part-time job in radio. Sheridan Voysey rang me up to talk about his idea for a national talk show exploring ideas and culture from a Christian perspective.

“I think that first phone call went for two hours, we had so much to talk about. It was a very exciting opportunity, and I didn’t have to think too hard before I said yes.

There was a gap in her time working at Hope 103.2, as Katrina had her first child, Caillie, now 15, but the radio station was excited to announce her return in 2010.

“I came back as the host of Mornings when Joanne Lester (nee Traegar) went on maternity leave,” she said.

“It really was a dream come true for me to host Mornings. I stepped aside in 2011, when my second daughter, Molly, was born, and again in 2015 for Bronte’s arrival. I’ve been very blessed to enjoy six years on Mornings in this final stint. And what a crazy couple of years it has been to be on-air and sharing life with Sydney.”

“It really was a dream come true for me to host Mornings,” – Katrina Roe

When asked what she will miss about working at Hope 103.2, Katrina said “everything!”.

“I will miss talking to our wonderful listeners, interviewing some of the most intelligent, thoughtful and inspiring people, reviewing books and films and having a laugh with our Breaky team in the morning. It honestly has been the best job. I love it,” she said.

“Some hope listeners may remember the lip-synch video of Hope Can Change Everything by Mercy Me. That was a lot of fun to do.

“I try not to buy into celebrity culture, but it is always amazing when you get to interview some incredible artists and performers, actors and Olympians – people like Jimmy Barnes, Katie Noonan, Lucy Durack, Graeme Simsion, Libby Trickett, etc.

“But it’s also a privilege to talk to ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, like the recent floods. It feels like holding something very precious and fragile when someone trusts you enough to share their story and allows you to sit with them at a time of crisis.”

Hopeland is an incredible community to serve

Katrina said the Hope audience is an incredibly generous and kind group of people.

“I remember in the great toilet paper crisis of 2020 I mentioned I was running low, and more than one person dropped in toilet rolls for me,” she said.

“Around the time of the royal wedding, I mentioned offhandedly that I wanted a Megan and Harry tea towel and a dear listener who was going to the UK got me one and posted it in!  I was so chuffed. The same thing happened when I mentioned wanting one of those crocheted hand towels that hang in your kitchen. It doesn’t happen that often, but when it does, it blows your mind. If any of you are reading this, thank you!

“I also really want to thank the encouragers who text in when they appreciate something,” – Katrina Roe

“I also really want to thank the encouragers who text in when they appreciate something. I won’t name them, because I would be sure to miss somebody, but you know who you are. It has meant the world to receive your words of encouragement, especially at a time when there has been so much bad news in the world.”

Trusting God for the next chapter

“I hope I will have treated each listener and guest who is part of the show with respect, warmth and compassion, whether I agree with their point of view or not,” Katrina said.

“If I have, then I think it has been worthwhile. I’m sure the new host will continue that intention and make Hope Mornings a place for open and sincere conversation.

“It’s very hard for me to leave Hope Mornings because I love it so much, but it is important to know your limits. After the last two years, both personally and professionally, I need a rest. So I hope that I can leave a positive legacy and trust God for the next chapter.

“In order to grow, you do need to take risks and try new things, so I hope the next chapter will be one of personal, spiritual and professional growth.  Also, I’m a very impatient person, so I would like that growth right now please!”

A look back at Katrina’s time at Hope 103.2

Katrina Roe in Port Moresby Papua New Guinea

Author Katrina Roe and illustrator Leigh Hedstrom at the book launch

Psychologist Collett Smart and Hope 103.2’s Katrina Roe

Still heard on Hope Podcasts

You will still be able to hear Katrina regularly as she plans to continue hosting the Hope Book Club and Australia’s Invisible History podcasts.