Legendary broadcaster Graham White has died peacefully on Sunday, September 21, aged 93. After an incredible TV career with ABC which spanned 30 years, he helped create and broadcast some of the public broadcaster's most iconic shows. He was appointed general manager of ABC Television in 1973 and worked in the role for over a decade. He was the brains behind huge shows in Australia, Countdown, Rush, and A Big Country.

Before that role, he was head of rural broadcasting from 1953 before being made controller of TV programs from 1971. White created the groundbreaking rural documentary program in 1968, which focused on the lives of outback Australians, raising awareness to city audiences.

The award-winning show ran until 1991 and paved the way for Landline, which airs to this day. His daughter Leanne said the show was White's crowning achievement.

In his memoir, White wrote: "I had seen a wonderful series on Canadian television titled This Land Of Ours. I copied it in many ways.

"A Big Country became a big hit … it painted country people larger than life."

Former colleague Ian Doyle paid tribute as he said: "He got the government to provide a satellite service, which then made the footprint even wider, giving the remotest areas of outback Australia TV."

He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1981 in recognition of his work in television.

In a heartbreaking final move, he left a handwritten note for his family shortly before his death that read: "Enjoy life. Have no regrets."

He added: "No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there, but death is the destination we all will share. No one has ever escaped it, and in a way, it is as it should be.

"It is referred to as the change agent, it clears out the old among us and makes way for the new … you."

The veteran broadcaster died on September 21, surrounded by family, just weeks after passing his driver's licence test. His daughter confirmed it was a peaceful end at home with palliative care provided during his final hours.