Early in 1953, after three days tuition at the Bill Roberts Radio School, a position was secured with 7AD in Devonport, Tasmania. After a few weeks Rofe was made Chief Announcer and later recalled, "it was a frightening experience that was too quick to worry about". Returning to Melbourne, he joined 3AK later that year, before moving to 3XY alongside Bert Newton when the station broadcast out of the Princess Theatre in Spring Street. He became known as Stan the Man and started his shows with, "Hi-de-hi, Victoria!". He recalled attending parties at Frank Thring's family home. (The Thring family had purchased the rights to operate 3XY from station owner the Liberal Party of Australia.) "Bert and I were always terrified at his parties, we never knew what was going to happen."