George ‘Sarge’ Sargent

Let’s start with a bit of background — tell us about your roots and how life brought you to the Mid North Coast.
I've always had a thing for entertaining people — whether it was doing magic tricks for show and tell at school or dragging my siblings in to watch my homemade movies. I kicked off my radio journey in 2017 with Bathurst Broadcasters while juggling life as Head Prefect at Stannies. I picked up a few leadership awards along the way, including the ADF Long Tan Leadership Award and Youth Citizen of the Year.

From there, I bounced around the media world hosting drive shows, reporting the news, and even producing podcasts for Grant & Chezzi Denyer. Then Triple M Mid North Coast came calling. I’d been holidaying here for years, so when the chance came up to actually live here and call it work — I couldn’t say no. Now it feels like I’m on a permanent holiday!

You’ve been doing breakfast radio for almost a year now — how’s the ride been so far? How are you finding the early mornings?
It’s been a wild ride from the moment the first alarm went off at 3am. Honestly, it’s hard not to be pumped when you’re starting your day chatting with the Mid North Coast. I love every bit of it. Between Anthony Maroon’s NRL takes, 13-year-old Blake Herbert’s fishing reports (he’s a star in the making), and the popular Secret Sound competition, there’s never a dull moment. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s honestly the best job in the world… it doesn’t really feel like work at all!

You’ve thrown yourself into the community in a big way — including dancing in Stars of the Hastings this year! Tell us about that experience.
Blame The Wiggles! They sparked the performer in me early on. I was that kid who never stopped singing, dancing, or putting on a show. I even had dreams of studying at a performing arts school before life threw a curveball — like a global pandemic. That’s when I shifted from the stage to the studio and found my groove in radio and podcasting.

But now… the stage is calling again! I’m teaming up with the amazing Meg for a rock theatre number in the Stars of the Hastings Dance for Cancer. I’m dancing for a cause that’s incredibly close to my heart. My mum’s battled melanoma more than once, and I lost my pop to leukemia. He told me to follow my dreams, and I reckon he’d get a real kick out of seeing me bust a move on stage.

You’re a familiar voice to many, but outside of the studio, what do you get up to when the mic’s off? Any hobbies or favourite local spots?
Carly (my amazing wife) and I go beach crawling — think pub crawl, but swap out the beer for sunscreen. We jump from beach to beach in Port Macquarie, trying to body surf. It’s good for a few belly laughs.

We’re still exploring the Mid North Coast, but so far, Lighthouse Beach Lookout is our favourite spot. There’s just so much to love about this part of the world.

You’ve made a strong impression in the local community — what do you love most about life in Port Macquarie?
The beaches are stunning, the people are welcoming, and the lifestyle is just so chill. Mates who come to visit instantly want to uproot their lives and move here! I love the cute restaurants, grabbing a coffee, strolling the breakwall, and planning camping trips. After three years up in cane toad territory, it feels good to be back in NSW.

And finally, what’s one song you never get sick of hearing on the air?
King of Wishful Thinking by Go West absolutely slaps. We blast the studio speakers every time it plays. Thanks, Sarge!