Andrew Schmidt
Andrew was born in Broken Hill as the second eldest of five kids. He was raised in the 'hill' but was sent off to boarding school in Adelaide to have the rough edges dusted off.
When he returned home he started working on the mines at 17 and went underground at 18, where he spent 10 years.
Itchy feet lead him to Adelaide where he studied for his travel agent certificate and then returned to Broken Hill where he spent the next 10 years in the travel industry during which he spent five years as an overseas tour guide escorting groups to Europe, USA, Canada, Africa and the UK.
This was followed by a career change in 2000 when he moved to commercial radio, before joining the ABC team in Broken Hill in 2003.
Andrew's interests outside of work include his position as Vice President of the St Patrick's Race Club (which he reckons is best race meeting in the country) and as Chairman of AFL Broken Hill.
He is heavily involved in the community often seen and heard emceeing any number of local events.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
34 minutes ago
- News.com.au
Country hailed ‘better than Greece, Spain'
Tourists are flocking to this stunning, lesser-known country they say is just beautiful as more famous destinations - only without the crowds.
News.com.au
12 hours ago
- News.com.au
Travel Tuesday: Flight Centre, Luxury Escapes, Inspiring Vacations
Whether you're searching for a sunny cure to this frosty winter or are getting ahead with your end of year holiday plans, now's a great time to book. Not least because it's the End of Financial Year. Traditionally regarded as a whitegoods and tech sale, EOFY has recently grown to include virtually every category - including travel. You only need to look at bigwigs like Flight Centre, Luxury Escapes and Inspiring Vacations for proof. This week, Flight Centre 's slinging sunshine with $999 return flights to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines and this exclusive Luxury Fly, Stay and cruise package of Bali, Komodo and the Australian Coast from $9399 per person (up to $6,184 off). Departing November 14, 2025 it's a fantastic way to kick off the Aussie summer. Staying on trend, Luxury Escapes has brought sun-kissed all-inclusive resorts to the table with discounts running sky-high. Top of our list is this best-selling seven-night getaway at Katathani Phuket Beach Resort. Down to $1999 per room (valued at $6526), it includes a daily massage and afternoon tea. Plus, two kids can stay for free in the room with you. Keen to shake things up? Swing by Vietnam for up to 53 per cent off all-inclusive packages at the Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort. Described as an 'amazing resort' and 'vary spacious' rooms, you'll be singing. Not least because five nights stays start from just $1899 per room. Finally, if you're thinking of spoiling yourself (you deserve it!) you can now score 10 per cent off Platinum Collection tours at Inspiring Vacations. Destined to make you the envy of all, these tours are laden with luxe extras like five-star accommodation, fine dining, premium transport and laundry. The catch? The sale ends June 11, 2025. If you've missed that boat though, don't sweat, as part of their EOFY sale Inspiring Vacations has also taken up to 20 per cent off sitewide until June 30. We'll be updating this article as new travel deals drop. In the meantime, scroll down for all the best that you can book right now. Jump to: Please note: Prices are correct and products in stock at time of publishing. We'll do our best to keep this story updated, but be aware products move fast during sales events. EDITOR'S PICKS Flight Centre $999 return flights to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines Luxury Fly, Stay and Cruise - Bali, Komodo and the Australia Coast, from $9399 per person (save up to $6184 per person). Includes a one-way international flight to Bali, five night stay at Bali's Double Six Luxury Hotel, 16 night cruise on Viking Venus from Bali to Sydney, shore excursions and one-way domestic flight from Sydney. 14-night Magnificent Europe cruise on Avalon Waterways, from $9659 per person (save $3222 per person). Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on Passion in a Deluxe Stateroom. Intro to Japan - Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka package, from $5709 for two. Includes return international flights, four nights at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku Tokyo, four nights at Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, Tokyo Metro Pass, four nights at ibis Styles Kyoto Station and a seven day Japan Rail pass. Stay & Sip Luxury Queenstown package, five nights from $1300 per person. Includes five nights at The Rees Hotel and Luxury Apartments, room upgrade, Queenstown Wine Stampler tour, late checkout, return airport transfers and complimentary half-day bike hire. Seven night all-inclusive stay at Siyam World Maldives, from $7499 for two. Includes complimentary return seaplane transfers, three meals and drinks daily and water villa accommodation with plunge pool and slide. Luxury Escapes Up to 67 per cent off Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, seven nights from $1999 per room. Includes all-inclusive dining and unlimited free-flow drinks. Kids stay free in the same room. Up to 53 per cent off Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort, five nights from $1899 per room. Includes all-inclusive dining, unlimited free-flow drinks, massage, return airport transfers, resort shuttle, use of non-motorised watersports and more. Up to 70 per cent off Chateau Elan at The Village Hunter Valley, two nights from $429 per room. Includes breakfast daily and wine tastings. Up to 47 per cent off The Star Grand Hotel, two nights from $599 per room. Includes daily breakfast, $50 dining credit, late checkout and free parking. Up to 50 per cent off InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort, three nights from $799 per room. Includes daily breakfast, dining credit and daily cocktails. Myer Inspiring Vacations 10 per cent off Platinum Collection vacations. Use code LUXURY10. Sale ends June 11. Up to 20 per cent off sitewide 70 per cent off 8 Day Enchanting Kerala Premium Small Group Tour, from $1391 per person (typically $4586) 32 per cent off 15 Day 5 Star Kruger, Victoria Falls and Rovos Rail tour, from $15,337 per person (typically $22,511). Plus extra 10 per cent off with code EOFY10 52 per cent off 19 Day Inspiring South America Small Group Tour, $7661 per person (typically $16,126). Plus extra 15 per cent off with code EOFY15 42 per cent off 15 Day Private Sri Lanka Adventure, from $3395 per person (typically $5855). Plus extra 10 per cent off with code EOFY10 Escape Deals TheRY Crystalbrook Byron Winter stays from $356 per suite 10 per cent off when you book direct 15 per cent off early bird bookings. Prepay and stay seven days in advance. Rise and Shine package: Score 15 per cent off the best available rate, breakfast for two, daily yoga and bicycle hire. LATRAVLA 20 per cent off silk pillow wraps. Use code SLEEPWELLTRAVEL Amazon Australia Antler Up to 50 per cent off luggage WAS Travel Insurance Smilie Up to 60 per cent off EOFY sale Smilie On-the-go Whitening Pen, $24 (down from $29) Smilie Boost Teeth Whitening Kit, $115 (down from $219) Babybee Up to $300 off almost everything Joey baby carrier, $199.99 (down from $249.99) Miles travel stroller, $379.99 (down from $479.99) BEST HOTEL DEALS InterContinental Hayman Island Book to go into the draw to win your stay plus breakfast for two. Stay throughout 2025. Blackout dates apply. Save up to 20 per cent on stays worldwide. Book by September 30, 2025. W Melbourne Up to $200 hotel credit when you stay two nights or more. Use code YQ5 Little Legends package. Includes breakfast, kids WET pool pack and movie night sundae and popcorn. Use code ZE2 Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay Oaks Dusit Hotels and Resorts Complimentary night with every night booked. Available at properties worldwide. Maximum four free nights per stay. Stay by December 20, 2025. Up to $100 off first hotel bookings Westin Melbourne From Stage Lights to City Lights Package, from $580 per room. Includes upgrade to a Deluxe Room, two A Reserve tickets to 'Beetlejuice The Musical', show program, welcome drinks and 2pm late check-out. Wotif At least 25 per cent off selected winter stays with Mates Rates Up to 35 per cent off daily deals Traveloka Up to $80 off hotels Expedia At least 20 per cent off last-minute weekend stays Hamilton Island Up to 10 per cent off when you book with a non-refundable deposit Heart Island Adventure Package, three nights from $4024 for two adults. Includes accommodation in a Garden View Room, daily breakfast, Journey to the Heart tour for two and airport/marina transfers. Best of the Whitsundays package, three nights from $2338 for two adults. Includes accommodation in a Garden View Room, daily breakfast, day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, half-day trip to Whitehaven Beach, weekly pass to Hamilton Island Wildlife and airport/marina transfers. Romantic Escape package, three nights from $1882 for two adults. Includes accommodation in a Garden View Room, daily breakfast, bottle of sparkling on arrival, one three-course set dinner, twilight sailing of the Whitsundays and airport/marina transfers. qualia Couple's Indulgence package, three nights from $5880 for two adults. Includes accommodation in a Leeward Pavilion, one sunset cruise, gourmet picnic, daily breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, one gourmet dinner, VIP marine or airport transfers and buggy hire for your stay. Family Whitsundays Adventure, three nights from $2338 for two adults. Kids stay and eat free. Also includes accommodation in a Garden View Room, daily breakfast, day trip to the Great Barrier Reef, half-day trip to Whitehaven Beach, weekly pass to Hamilton Island Wildlife and return airport or marina transfers. BEST FLIGHT DEALS Etihad Airways Virgin Australia Mix & Match Hawaiian Airlines Hawaii flights from $999 return Los Angeles flights from $1180 return Skyscanner Last-minute flights from $76 Emirates BEST LUGGAGE DEALS American Tourister Samsonite Strandbags Amazon Australia tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L, $129.99 (down from $139.99) Monos 10 per cent off bestsellers Up to $150 off luggage sets July Free shipping on orders $100 or more Save up to $125 on luggage sets Bellroy Shop The Outlet: Up to 30 per cent off Zoomlite 15 per cent off when you buy two or more Glide Cases See also: Best luggage brands BEST EXPERIENCE DEALS Klook At least 10 per cent off Klook-only offers Up to 20 per cent off selected Thailand experiences. Use code ECO20THAILAND Up to 15 per cent off sitewide. Valid for Mastercard World and World Elite Consume Cards Experience Oz RedBalloon Adrenaline 10 per cent off activities with code WINTERSALE50. Maximum savings of $100. BEST DEALS ON TRAVEL ACCESSORIES AND GADGETS Yoto Learn with Peppa Pig Bundle, $25.99 (down from $37.98) The Gruffalo and Friends Collection, $49.99 (down from $89.94) Amazon Australia Mon Purse Personalised Leather Passport Holder, $59 (down from $80) Luxury Leather Bumbag, $239 (down from $300) Trtl HP Up to 50 per cent off selected HP laptops 15 per cent off accessories with any PC or monitor purchase Lenovo Up to 44 per cent off early EOFY sale Zoomlite BEST TRAVEL FASHION AND BEAUTY DEALS Dope Skin Co Up to 40 per cent off EOFY Sale Glow Serum, $31.95 (down from $39.95) Antioxidant Moisturiser, $31.95 (down from $39.95) Antioxidant Gel Cleanser, $31.95 (down from $39.95) Boody Up to 25 per cent off bundles Up to 70 per cent off sale Bescher Beauty Free puffer bag when you spend $300 or more. Limited time only. 25 per cent off sitewide. Limited time only. Bundle and save Amazon Australia Lovehoney Up to 60 per cent off EOFY sale Lorna Jane $60 Black Lotus Leggings Up to 40 per cent off selected styles BEST TOUR, CAR HIRE AND CRUISE DEALS AAT Kings Kakadu and Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, from $1556 per person (down from $1759) Up to 20 per cent off Untamed Kimberley Darwin to Broome tour, from $7532 per person (down from $9599 per person) Up to 20 per cent off Northern Territory Explorer Darwin to Uluru tour, from $5420 per person (down from $6775) Up to $364 off: Outback Explorer Uluru to Adelaide, from $1455 per person (down from $1819) Up to $3400 off per couple on selected tours Europcar One-way rentals from $1 per day Up to 25 per cent off base rate. Pick up on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. Up to 15 per cent off car hire when you book five or more days. 20 per cent off when you rent two days or more and book 21 days in advance. Escape Deals Luxury Escapes Trafalgar Tours Up to 15 per cent off 2025 and 2026 tours Contiki Last-minute deals Up to $1275 off Ultimate trips Up to $322 off New Zealand trips with the code GONZSUMMER25 Insight Vacations Up to 15 per cent off 2025 and 2026 tours See also: - - Best travel pillows - Best carry-on luggage
News.com.au
14 hours ago
- News.com.au
Blues relaxed on first full day of Origin II camp
Dean Ritchie and Pamela Whaley report from the New South Wales Blue Mountains, where the Blues have entered camp ahead of State of Origin game two.
