The Iconic Voice of Sale of the Century Brings Nostalgic Joy to Mayflower

Pete Smith, an Australian TV legend, recently paid a memorable visit to Independent Living Residents at Mayflower Brighton. Known to generations of Aussies as the booming voice behind ‘Sale of the Century,’ Pete’s presence brought a wave of nostalgia to the room.

Pete Smith’s voice, which boomed through Australian living rooms for over 21 years on what was once ‘The World’s Richest Quiz’, still resonates with viewers today - from Generation X to Millennials who fondly remember watching the show after school with their grandparents.

During his visit to Mayflower Brighton, Pete treated residents to a special performance, sharing video clips from his illustrious career and reminiscing about now-obsolete technology.

Reminiscing with Pete Smith

One of the highlights was his story about the very first true mobile phone, which cost thousands back in the day—a far cry from today’s pocket-sized smartphones. Pete also shared the serendipitous story of how he became the voice of ‘Sale of the Century,’ a role he shares “really happened by accident!”

An Illustrious Career on Australian TV

Pete’s career began in 1964 when he joined Channel 9, home of ‘In Melbourne Tonight.’

Over the years, he presented commercials and appeared in comedy sketches, becoming a familiar face on Australian television. He was also an on-camera host for numerous specials and served as a National Nine newsreader throughout the 1970s.

In 2004, Pete’s contributions to the entertainment industry were recognised with an OAM, and he even performed in cabaret with comedians Tony Martin, Mick Molloy, and Judith Lucy.

Time to Get to Know Everyone

At Mayflower Brighton, volunteering his time, Pete Smith not only entertained but also engaged with residents, taking the time to meet and greet everyone after opening the floor to a lively Q&A session.

Residents and our team enjoyed his stories and insights, with some even sharing their own memories of watching him on TV.

The evening was capped off with a delightful supper, complete with a glass of vino or two, making it an event to remember for all who attended.

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