John Tapp’s purpose became glaringly obvious as a child in the 1940’s listening to the legendary race caller Ken Howard.

This included painting paddle pop sticks in the colours of the well known racehorses of the era, and throwing them into the fast flowing current of a nearby storm water channel. Young John would walk for miles, calling the progress of the paddle pop sticks, as though they were real racehorses. He became well known to local residents who's backyards adjoined the storm water channel.

John has vivid memories of his first day at the races. His grandfather, a keen punter, took the excited youngster to Randwick for the running of the Sydney Cup. The big race was won by a horse called Talisman, ridden by Johns' favourite jockey Stan Cassidy.

Along with calling over 50,000 races, John was also well known to Australian sports fans tuning into the Nine Network, and radio stations across the nation. He was Channel Nines' Racing presenter for more than thirty years. He presented a Saturday night News Racing segment for 22 of those 30 years, and provided regular colour stories for programmes like Wide World of Sports, and Sports Sunday.

For seven years, John was co-host of the popular Lotto draw, alongside Karen Pini. His radio involvement began with 2GB in 1965, moving to 2UE in 1981. It was during his time at 2GB that John met his other love, wife Ann. For a decade he was official course broadcaster on Sydney’s' four metro racetracks. In 2015, John officially resigned from the world of Media after an astounding 50 years.

A CALL FROM THE HEART

There are not too many people who have maintained celebrity status in a time where we have witnessed unprecedented change in the technology used to deliver media into Australian homes. Whether it was wireless radio, Television, Pay TV or the Internet, there is one thing that stayed the same for 50 years. The voice of John Tapp.

In this presentation, John Tapp shares his journey of growing up in a working-class family where he left school at the age of 14 to support his mother, to go on to become one of Australia’s greatest race callers. Along with the obvious tales from the track, John shares memories of another time in media and reflects on the astounding changes he has witnessed and adapted to in a career that has spanned half a century. His core message reflects the courage and commitment it takes to pursue a dream, and what it means to truly know your gift to the world.

Audiences will walk away from this presentation inspired by a beautiful story of a young Aussie kid who lived out a very big and colourful dream. They will gain insights into the nature of integrity, humility, and the art of telling a great story. Whether we are the local butcher, banker or an Australian celebrity, we can all become legends in our field. All we need to do is follow a call from the heart.

Key Outcomes

• Gain insights into the changing nature of media
• Tools to adapt and change in a shifting environment
• Be inspired to Dream Big
• Gain insights into purpose and tapping into your unique gift.
• Insights into interviewing skills and storytelling.

MC AND HOST

Along with being one of Australia’s most famous sports media anchors John Tapp has acted as the MC for hundreds of events. Put simply you cannot buy the level of experience John Tapp brings to a corporate stage, and he will ensure the audience are not only entertained, and provided with relevant information with regards to the purpose of the event.

Again, John is known to be one of Australia’s finest interviewers and can facilitate a panel or conduct an interview with grace and ease. There were key racing celebrities who would only allow John to interview them, and quite simply this reflects Johns integrity and the commitment he makes to showcasing another person story with the authenticity and respect it deserves. He treats events with the same respect.

Most of all John has an endearing personality, and you just can't help wanting to have a chat with Tappy. His greatest gift is when he is hosting your event the whole audience will feel that he is having a chat with them. There are not too many opportunities to work with someone with Johns credibility, experience, yet most importantly a person who cares most about doing a legendary job.

Key Outcomes

• Experienced presenter
• Well-known personality
• Sport and charity background