Hugh Riminton has been farewelled by his 10 News colleagues as he steps away from daily news after almost 50 years in the industry.
Riminton joined Sydney news presenter Sandra Sully in the Pyrmont studio last night, with Sully becoming emotional as she introduced a special package looking back at his long career, having most recently served as 10’s National Affairs Editor.
The farewell, following news of his departure revealed last month, took up almost eight minutes of the bulletin, before Riminton reflected on his career and the many stories he had covered, while thanking viewers for the connection they had shared with him over the years.
“You’ve done the dirty on me, you’ve surprised me on television, which is one of the rules,” Riminton told Sully, after she caught him off guard with the farewell.
He went on to reflect on the “extraordinary memories” and “amazing stories” he had experienced throughout his career, describing it as a privilege to have been a reporter during those moments.
“I particularly want to say to anyone watching who’s even watched just one report over nearly 50 years, thank you for that connection,” he said.
Riminton also paid tribute to Sully, describing her as “such a legend of the game” and saying it had been an “enormous privilege” to share so much of his career with her.
He then thanked his colleagues at 10, saying they had been “wonderful to work with” and a source of great pride, while acknowledging the lessons he had learned during his time at the network.
“The future is in extremely good hands, more history is coming at us, inevitably it will, I won’t be there to report it for you,” he said.
“I have other plans in my retirement from daily news, I can promise you that, but I know that the news business is in great hands with this team.”
Sully said the 10 News team had been “so incredibly privileged” to have spent time working alongside Riminton, acknowledging the influence he had had on those around him.
“He has taught us so much about journalism, hasn’t he team?” she said, becoming emotional during the farewell.
“On behalf of the team, it’s not a goodbye, it’s so long for now, we’ll lasso you back when we can, all the very best, always.”
Riminton was then joined on set by members of the wider 10 News Sydney team, including journalists and producers, who gave him a round of applause.
Sully also suggested the farewell would continue after the bulletin, telling viewers:
“And just so you know at home, the night’s not over here, we might play a little while a little later, after the show.”
