Life and history

I grew up near a small town in rural southeast Queensland, and joined the Nine Network back in 1973. After stints at radio for 4BH Brisbane and the ABC I joined the ranks as a news anchor for Nine News Melbourne (1974) and I’ve been hosting the main weeknight bulletin since 1998.

I’m always on the move, supporting a number of community organisations, playing golf or following the action of the St Kilda Football Club (AFL) and Melbourne Storm (NRL).

1946

Born in Inglewood, Queensland and grew up on a grazing property

1959

Attended the Southport School as a boarder

1959

Attended the Southport School as a boarder

1966

Joined ABC Radio and Television

1973

Nine Network signing celebrating with Daryl Somers and Ros Wood

1973

Nine Network signing celebrating with Daryl Somers and Ros Wood

1973

Moved to Sydney, TV relief presenter for James Dibble

1980

Hosting Beautiful Music 3AK Breakfast

1980

Hosting Beautiful Music 3AK Breakfast

1990

Setting ratings records with Nine News weekends

1998

Retirement of Brian Naylor and Peter's appointment as weeknight host by John Sorell

1998

Retirement of Brian Naylor and Peter's appointment as weeknight host by John Sorell

2013

Celebrating 40 years with Nine

2015

Victorian Senior of the Year finalist

2015

Victorian Senior of the Year finalist

2017

Order of Australia Medal

2018

45th anniversary at Channel 9

2018

45th anniversary at Channel 9

2022

Crowned King of Moomba

2022

Moomba monarchs Fifi Box & Peter Hitchener at the Moomba Festival

2022

Moomba monarchs Fifi Box & Peter Hitchener at the Moomba Festival