He pressed the wrong buttons, played several wrong CDs and was generally nervous.

His second week was better and, as he gained more confidence, it all became a piece of cake.

Now his program Rock and Roll Rarities on Wednesdays between noon and 2pm attracts a big listening audience but will come to an end on Wednesday week, October 22.

Mr Powell lives at Mt Victoria and has driven the four-hour return trip each week to do his FM107.5 program.

“The drive has become a bit of a chore and when you reach that point it's probably time to call it quits,” he said. 

“I realised that two more programs will take me to 200 and that seems a good number to stop for a break.

“I have enjoyed my time at the station and made some good friends and my wife Susanne and myself will continue to stay in touch.”

Mr Powell said there had been a number of changes at FM107.5 in recent years and, to some extent, the station seemed to be heading in a different direction than it was when he began presenting his program five years ago. 

“Hopefully this will prove to be the right direction and I certainly wish  FM107.5 every success for the future,” he said.

Mr Powell said he would be doing his best to prepare two more great programs to see him out.

“I would like to thank all our listeners for their great support over the years,” he said.

Mr Powell had all the right credentials to present a radio program.

He was in the music industry in Sydney for more than 30 years, working in publishing and record companies.

The likes of Johnny O’Keefe, Digger Revell and Col Joye were all old mates of his, so he has given them plenty of air time.

Rock and Roll Rarities pretty much describes Mr Powell’s program.

It’s 50s and 60s rock and roll music, but he’s tried not to always play the obvious. If there was a different version of a hit song that might be less known but was just as good as the original, he played that.

He also played old American rock and roll 50s stuff like Johnny and the Hurricanes, Conway Twitty and Buddy Holly.

Give his last two programs a try.  Wednesdays between noon and 2pm.