Triple j presenter Gen Fricker has returned to radio for the first time since she was allegedly assaulted by a stalker while she was on air in September.
Returning to her usual Lunch program on Thursday after a month off, Fricker thanked her followers for their support.
“It is so, so lovely to be back with you on triple j hanging out this arvo,” Fricker said. “Big thank you to Lucy and Ciaran Lyons for filling in for me over the past month or so.
“Thank you to everyone who sent me lovely messages as well. I’m feeling heaps better and I’m stoked, because what better way to spend a day than playing music for you fine people?”
At the end of her show, while speaking with Drive hosts Veronica Milsom and Lewis Hobba, Fricker said, “It’s been extremely boring, honestly, without this in my life.”
31-year-old Wollongong man Kieren Gallagher was arrested and charged over Fricker’s alleged assault, after he allegedly gained unlawful entry to the ABC‘s Sydney office and grabbed and kissed Fricker while she was on air.
After the ABC promised to increase security at its Ultimo compound, Fricker released a statement saying she felt like she was “relearning how to be in the world”, describing her recovery as “an excruciatingly slow process”.
“I’m not sure about the future, but right now, I am grateful and ok,” she said at the time.
Fairfax Media reports that court documents allege Gallagher had been stalking Fricker since May “with the intention of causing her physical or mental harm”.
Before returning to triple j today, Fricker had also appeared on Channel 10’s TV show Have You Been Paying Attention?.
If you need assistance, 1800 RESPECT – the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service — can be reached on 1800 737 732.
For help or information regarding mental health, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.
