Australian journalist and TV star Richard Zachariah sadly passed away on April 9, 2025.
He was 80 years old.
Richard was best known for co-hosting the ABC show The Home Show in the 1990s.
The late Maggie Tabberer was his co-host, and the two dated from 1985 to 1995.
In fact, The Weekly were the first to report that Richard and Maggie were dating; they graced the cover of our February 1986 issue together.
Richard began his career in 1964, working at The Age.
From there, he went on to write for The Sunday Telegraph, The Australian, and the Fairfax Rural Press.
After a short break from journalism – according to our 1986 cover story, Richard temporarily left the media business “to run a restaurant and a farm” – Richard hosted Channel Seven’s national current affairs program 11am in the mid 1980s.
And by the late 80s, Richard was co-hosting the Seven Nightly News with Ann Sanders.
More recently, Richard ventured into writing.
In 2017, his book The Vanished Land: Disappearing dynasties of Victoria’s Western District was published.
It explores the history and changing character of the Western District.
A funeral will be held for Richard on April 23, 2025 at the Eastern Park Chapel in Warrnambool, Victoria.
“A colourful character, respected journalist and writer, and lover of life,” the funeral notice read.
“Always remembered.”
