Ambassadors
Braith Anasta
A favourite around sporting circles, Braith Anasta is professional rugby league footballer who captains the Sydney Roosters in the National Rugby League competition. Anasta previously played for the Bulldogs and has played representative football for both New South Wales and Australia. His preferred position is five-eighth, though he has played a large portion of his career at lock.
Since debuting in 2000 at the age of 18, Anasta has played for both the Bulldogs and the Sydney Roosters, making over 200 first grade appearances. After his outstanding 2001 season, Anasta has been a regular in the New South Wales team and was selected in the Australian squad for the 2001 Kangaroo Tour and. He was then selected in every match of Australia's 2–1 Ashes triumph over Great Britain. In August, 2008, Anasta was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.
Anasta has been awarded Dally M Rookie of the Year in 2001; Jack Gibson Medal in 2007; Supporters Club Player of the Year in 2007; Players Player of the Year in 2008 and Dally M Captain of the Year in 2010.
Sarah Cumming
Sarah Cumming is the weather presenter for the 6pm News in Sydney. Sarah joined Seven News in Sydney as a news reporter in 2007. She has covered a wide range of local and international news stories including the Black Saturday bushfires and the Samoan tsunami. Her stories have taken her to towns across New South Wales and as far afield as Canada, USA, New Zealand and Thailand.
Last year Sarah completed an assignment as Seven’s US correspondent based in the Los Angeles bureau where she filed stories for Sunrise, The Morning Show and Seven News. In addition she has reported on many of Australia’s major events including the Spring Racing Carnival and the Pope’s Sydney visit during World Youth Day. Her celebrity interviews include soccer star David Beckham, Cate Blanchett, Hugh Jackman, Sacha Baron Cohen and Bono.
In her role with Seven News, Sarah covers weather and environmental issues from every angle, delivering her segments and reporting on conditions from all over Sydney. She also regularly presents late news updates and earlier this year was appointed news presenter on Seven’s Weekend Sunrise. “I'm excited to bring the weather to Sydneysiders every night,” says Sarah.
Prior to joining the Sydney newsroom, Sarah worked as a reporter and presenter with Seven News in Adelaide and Southern Cross Ten in Canberra. She started her career as a news journalist with DMG Regional Radio. Sarah grew up in Adelaide and completed a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of South Australia majoring in International Relations. When she’s not working she enjoys the outdoors, eating good food and seeing films.
Peter Morrissey
Renowned fashion designer, businessman and, entrepreneur, Peter Morrissey has been at the forefront of the Australian Fashion Industry for 25 years. Cementing his dominance in the cut-throat world of fashion since 1997, his classy, chic, beautifully cut, sophisticated designs secured him as a major fashion player on the world stage. With his fashion philosophy “I want to Fashion people’s lives , not just their wardrobes”, his clothing has been worn by both female and male a-list stars including Nicole Kidman, Elle MacPherson, Helena Christensen, Jerry Hall, Dame Edna, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Megan Gale, Kylie Minogue, Jon Bon Jovi, Chris Isaac, Geoffrey Rush, Michael Hutchence and the band INXS.
His sleek designs and on-trend colours and textures caught the eye of Qantas who in 2003 chose Peter to design its new staff uniforms worldwide: Qantas Business Class passengers are treated to his signature pyjamas. An ongoing campaign they have since been seen in the press on celebrities including John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John, not to mention Oprah’s recent entourage who recently made their much coveted big splash on Australian shores.
Peter’s ability and credibility to capture the essence of business attire has since spread to corporations IAG, OPSM and the Novotel hotel chain. To date, Peter has designed uniforms that are worn by 67,000 employees around Australia and worldwide.
In 2009 Peter sold his label to current owner M Webster Holdings, enabling him to graduate to other business ventures and passions, most notably his collaboration with fashion entrepreneur Bruno Schiavi. Together they joined forces with Big W to launch a new range of clothes at affordable prices called Woman By Peter Morrissey and Man By Peter Morrissey, featuring chic, classic, refined clothing, lingerie and underwear. Their exclusive range has been available in Australia since October 2009.
A survivor both in business and in life, having experienced illustrious highs and devastating lows – he was diagnosed with a brain aneurism, of which he famously survived – has made him a sought after speaker and mentor. With his optimistic approach he inspires his audiences with stories of his career experiences, challenges and personal growth.
Peter has been Ambassador for the Qantas Share the Spirit and a mentor for the Qantas Spirit of Youth Awards. He has also presented Bio Pics on Foxtel’s Biography Channel. Peter also received a multitude of awards throughout his career including GQ Man of the Year – Designer 2002, FHM Designer of the Year 2003, 2004 and 2005 and CLEO Maybelline Designer of the Year 2004.
KATHRYN EISMAN
Kathryn Eisman is an international bestselling author, TV personality and columnist. Her bestsellers "How to Tell a Man by His Shoes" and "How to Tell a Woman by Her Handbag", which she both wrote and illustrated, are published in ten countries.
She is currently Cosmopolitan Magazine's Fun Fearless Female "Author of the Year". An accomplished TV reporter, Kathryn has worked at NBC TV in New York, where she became the youngest on-air reporter in the company's history and Foxtel in Australia.
Kathryn has presented, written and produced award winning programming for NBC's Today Show, VH1, MSNBC and ARENA TV and has interviewed the biggest names of our time, from President Bill Clinton to Bono, Jerry Seinfeld to Sarah Jessica Parker.
Kathryn currently divides her time between Sydney and Los Angeles where she is working in Television, developing her first screenplay and writing a monthly column for CLEO magazine.
Jodi Gordon
Jodi Gordon’s career started at the age of 13 after winning a modelling competition, landing her a contract from one of Australia’s most respected and renowned modelling agencies, Vivien’s. This led her overseas where she secured work in editorial, advertorial & commercial campaigns in both Europe and Asia.
In 2004 Jodi returned to Australia and successfully auditioned for the role of Martha Mackenzie in the popular programme Home & Away where she spent 4 years and became a household name. For her portrayal of Martha Jodi was awarded with a TV Week Logie for ‘Most Popular New Female Talent’ in 2006 and was nominated for ‘Most Popular Actress’ in 2009.
2011 sees the most exciting period of Jodi’s acting career to date with two films The Cup and 25 set for release while also appearing in the top rating miniseries ‘Blood Brothers’ which aired on Channel Nine.
Jodi currently resides in Sydney’s eastern suburbs with her partner, Sydney Roosters Captain Braith Anasta.
ANNALISE BRAAKENSIEK
Best known for her work as a model, actress and television personality, Annalise Braakensiek is one of Australia's most popular and sought-after celebrities.
A four-time Logie Award nominee, Sydney-based Annalise is also a keen jewellery designer, lingerie designer, vegetarian chef and entrepreneur, whose passion for healthy living, the environment and animal rights shines through in all that she does. In August 2009, she launched her first collection of eco-friendly underwear for fuller-figured women, available exclusively in Bras 'n Things stores across Australia and New Zealand, and online at www.bnt.com.au
Annalise designs and helps develop every piece in the "Annalise Exclusive for Bras 'n Things" range, which features organic and recycled materials. Following its sell-out success, there are now plans in the works to extend the range to include sleepwear.
In November 2008, Annalise launched Love Lunch, her organic, meat-free catering company that focuses on delivering delicious and healthy lunches.
A passionate vegetarian cook, Annalise's recipes draw on her extensive travels through Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as her childhood growing up on a biodynamic farm. Each week she lovingly plans and prepares her menus, with an emphasis on organic seasonal produce and delicious dairy- and gluten-free foods. Currently, Love Lunch delivers meals once a week to Sydney only.
This year sees Annalise fulfil her original career dream - to design jewellery. She introduced her first collection, "Annalise", in February, with pieces inspired by her love of Native American designs and her Norwegian heritage.
Outside media and business commitments, Annalise willingly lends her time and energy to a number of cancer charities. Having lost her father to the disease, she works closely with the Starlight Foundation, Cancer Council and Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre to raise vital money and awareness.
Melissa Hoyer
Over 20 years as a columnist, specialising in pop culture: fashion, news, style, beauty, travel, celebrity and party people for the News Limited group. Melissa created co-executive-produced and hosted the first Australian-made fashion show for Foxtel and went onto co-host with Hugh Jackman.
Now, in the world of freelance media, she writes for Australian Traveller and Grazia and has also written for The Australian's Media section; online for news.com.au and is an ambassador and consultant for fashion and lifestyle events over the country.
Melissa is Twitter and Facebook savvy and a regular media and social commentator on radio and tv news and current affairs shows including Seven and Nine; radio stations 2GB and 2DayFM and am a regular on Foxtel's Sky News' news, politics and current affairs panel show -'180'. Most importantly, Melissa is a single mother to the most real and loved thing in her life: her son named Connor.
GEOFF FIELD
Geoff has had a long and exciting career in the news and media Geoff has presented the news for Ita Butrose, Derrin Hinch, and radio legend (the late) John Pearce, among others.
In 1997 Geoff joined Austereo's 2MMM-FM as news editor for The Andrew Denton Show. He quickly assumed an on-air profile on sister station 2DAY-FM reading news for Wendy Harmer and other top rating shows. Geoff was invited to become newsreader for The Kyle & Jackie O Show in 2004.
Geoff has covered many of the biggest news stories of our time - including the trial of the Anita Cobby murderers, death of Princes Diana, the impeachment of President Clinton, and the election of John Howard as Prime Minister of Australia.
In 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 Geoff was a finalist in the category of Best Newsreader in the Australian Commercial Radio Association Awards. Geoff can be seen regularly on Mornings With Kerri-Anne on Channel 9 and heard every weekday afternoon on the Hamish and Andy Show on 2DAYFM.
Bianca Dye
Bianca Dye is a 3-time winner of Australia's Best Radio Personality and co-host of the breakfast show on i98 FM, Illawarra's number 1 Station. She is also known for her role as a morning presenter on NOVA 96.9FM. While presenting on NOVA, she became the only female radio presenter to win Best Radio Personality in a capital city market two years in a row in 2005-06.
Bianca’s transition to television began with her appointment as anchor for Access All Areas on Foxtel. She interviewed numerous stars including Quentin Tarantino, Madonna, Heath Ledger, Darryl Hanna, Ricky Martin and Russell Crowe. In addition to hosting and interviewing, Bianca worked behind the scenes writing and producing for the show.
Her television credits include regular appearances on Sunrise, A Current Affair and 20 to 1. She has also appeared on the hit show Thank God you’re here, Beauty and the Beast and as the music and entertainment reporter on Mornings with Kerri-Anne. Bianca now co-hosts a live chat show everyday – “Daily with Susie & Bianca” on WIN TV – Channel 9 nationally.
As well as being a Black Tie for Breast Cancer ambassador, Bianca is an ambassador for the Eating Disorders Foundation, model to thousands of school girls.
Rachel Gilbert
With luxury embellishments as her personal hallmark, thirteen celebrated high-end collections under her belt, and a cluster of A-list stars striding the red-carpet in her creations, Designer Rachel Gilbert is on course to become a leading fashion figure in Australia and across the globe.
With an enviable reputation achieved in a short time, Rachel Gilbert began honing her design skills in 2001 with iconic Australian label Lisa Ho. From there she was headhunted as Head Designer at Nicky Hilton’s label Chick, a position which saw Rachel splitting her time between LA and New York. After a few years, Rachel headed back to her homeland, Australia, for the role of Womenswear Designer at Morrissey, with vast experience, industry contacts and a head full of ideas to break into the fashion world with her eponymous label.
Now based in Sydney, Rachel Gilbert has taken the world by storm – her collections are sold alongside legendary labels such as Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen, and the designs are stocked in 100 boutiques and e-stores throughout Australia. Gilbert’s reputation is riding high in the northern hemisphere with her collections sold in the UK, Greece, France, USA, Middle East, Asia and Italy - and US songstress Taylor Swift, UK model Kelly Brook, Michelle Williams, and Paris Hilton stepping out in Gilbert’s designs.
Laura Csortan
Having begun her career as both Miss Universe and Miss World Australia Laura went on to become one of Australia's leading TV presenters with an enviable television CV both here and overseas.
Laura Travelled the world for 7 years presenting on one of Australia's most
successful lifestyle programs The Great Outdoors. Laura reported extensively from all corners of the globe. She then co-hosted the internationally acclaimed Wheel of Fortune gracing our screens five days a week.
Laura continued her passion for travel as a presenter on Channel 9's Holidays for Sale, she also hosted Qantas destination Guides. Other shows Laura fronted include the Discovery channels Worlds Best Beaches, Channel 7's/ BBC Massive Nature, and Channel 7's Racing Today and Good As Gold. Laura also read the news for Fox Sports News last year.
Originally from Adelaide Laura gained certificates in both Outdoor Leadership and as a Fitness trainer before studying a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sport and Recreation Management majoring in journalism.
Laura is highly skilled, media savvy, glamorous yet remarkably down to earth. Keeping fit, travelling, riding her Ducati motorbike, spending time with her boyfriend Silverchair Bassist Chris Joannou and their two dogs are Laura’s passions.
Her MC skills range from travel, fashion, music to high level corporate. Laura can present and host across all genres.
Emma Lung
Emma starred opposite Emily Browning in the black comedy Stranded, a short feature directed by Stuart McDonald which earned her a number of accolades including a 2007 Logie - Graham Kennedy Award for Most Outstanding New Talent, 2006 Australian Film Institute Award for Outstanding Achievement in Short Film Screen Craft and a Best Actress Award at the Shanghai TV Festival Magnolia. Emma’s television credits include HBO’s cult series Entourage, Temptation, The Cooks, White Collar Blue , Marx and Venus and All Saints and she has twice worked with director Benedict Andrews at Sydney Theatre Company, appearing in productions of Life is a Dream and Attempts on Her Life.
Anna McGahan
Anna McGahan is an Australian television and film actress, who has mainly appeared in Australian television programs and short films. She is best known for playing the role of Nellie Cameron in the Australian hit television series, UNDERBELLY: Razor in 2011.
Anna is currently focusing on a play she's written and produced called He's Seeing Other People Now which she began writing as a student at QUT.