‘You just bow down': What happened when ABC's Bridget Brennan met her childhood idol
The Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman, who was inspired to pursue a career in journalism by Dingo, along with Stan and Karla Grant, was starstruck.
'Any kid from the '90s grew up watching Ernie Dingo. He's the guy!' says Brennan. 'You forget how much of a sole voice he was for so many years. The path that he has paved for young Aboriginal people is incredible. I mean, you just bow down to Ernie. He's so funny. And he's got so many amazing stories. He lifts the whole team.'
Sharing hosting duties is musician and comedian Isaac Compton, a Munanjali, Minjungbul and Wiradjuri man and winner of Nine's reality adventure competition, The Summit.
'I've shed tears of laughter watching Isaac's comedy online,' says Brennan. 'He's so grounded in Community. And he brings those Black in-jokes to a wider audience via TikTok and Instagram. His commentary is so sharp, but he's also a warm, beautiful performer.'
The First Nations line-up includes comedians Steph Tisdell, Dane Simpson, Kevin Kropinyeri and Outback Tom; rappers Barkaa and Miss Kaninna; all-female rock band the Ripple Effect; and Eurovision contestants Electric Fields. Two non-Indigenous performers also appear – Jimmy Barnes, and former Bachelor contestant Abbie Chatfield.
'People will be surprised when they see their cameos' says Brennan. 'I think it's great because there are a lot of non-Indigenous Australians with profound, deep connections to Aboriginal Australians. So many non-Indigenous Australians celebrate NAIDOC. It's for everyone.'
A team of First Nations people is also working behind the scenes.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
15 hours ago
- Perth Now
Former netball and ruck star behind latest Indigenous design
Inaugural Fremantle ruck and former West Coast Fever star Alicia Janz has inspired Fremantle's latest design as the club unveiled its 2025 AFLW Indigenous jumper. Janz was part of Dockers' inaugural AFLW squad, having transitioned out of a career in netball with the West Coast Fever, playing 14 games before moving to be part of West Coast's first team. Having represented three of WA's major teams, and inaugural First Nations Erub Islander there were plenty of threads for Janz to choose from to help pull together her design with an overarching message on resiliance, wellbeing and connection. 'Its embedded in connection - connection to all things, whether it's people, land, animals, or the skies,' Janz said. 'That's more the First Nations side of it. Then, through the footy side, there's a connection between the players, the staff, the members, and the community. 'With the jumper's meaning of being resilient, mindful, and well-being, a lot of it is about being in flow, being present and in the moment. 'The background of the jumper is of the sunset and island life. You are ever-present, you are there in the moment, and it's very calming. The Dockes classic white chevrons have been replaced by Janz's family totems, a shark and a crocodile meeting around three Dharri a traditional head piece worn in times of celebration by Torres Strait Islanders. 'It's a huge part of our identity, culture, and connection with people,' Janz said. 'Flowing through the front of the jumper, we have the coral. That was originally designed by my sister, who was actually going to be the artist, then handed the reins over to me.' If you'd like to view this content, please adjust your . To find out more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Guide. 'It kind of gives me Finding Nemo vibes - underwater, the peacefulness, beauty, and nature.' The top of the jumper features the hibiscus flower, which has been a staple of Fremantle Indigenous designs as a symbol of both the Stolen Generation and National Sorry Day. The back of the jumper features turtle shells, associated with wisdom and woven coconut leaves, often used in Torres Strait Islander culture, symbolising resourcefulness. Walyalup will wear Janz's Indigenous designed jumper over both Rounds 3 and 4 of the AFLW Indigenous Rounds, with the first being a clash with reigning premier North Melbourne at Fremantle Oval.
Herald Sun
2 days ago
- Herald Sun
ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne exposes viewer's brutal note about his appearance
Don't miss out on the headlines from Entertainment. Followed categories will be added to My News. ABC News Breakfast weather presenter Nate Byrne has been brutally humbled after flaunting a bold new look on-air. The Australian meteorologist, a popular member of the broadcaster's morning program since 2017, debuted an edgy haircut this month, sporting a fade on the sides of his head with some gelled-up volume at the top. The David Beckham, if you will. It marked a departure from his usually longer locks, and at least one fan has taken notice. Nate Byrne then … Picture: TWAM/Peter Tarasiuk Nate Byrne now, with his groovy new fade. MORE: The Aussie TV stars cashing in big Taking to Instagram, Byrne shared a photo of a note he received from the unnamed disgruntled viewer, which was formatted so professionally it looked like a doctor's certificate. The subheading simply read, 'Haircut'. 'Good morning Nate,' it begins, before swiftly cutting to the chase. 'Whilst I respect your right to have your hair styled as you wish, I am exercising my right to tell you it looks juvenile and awful. 'I'll return to ABC Breakfast once it grows out. 'Yours sincerely [name redacted] (Disappointed viewer).' Ouch. Love letters are underrated. Byrne took the feedback in good humour, writing in the caption, 'Proof that the art of letter-writing isn't dead! Anyone have any suggestions for my next do?' The post has attracted hundreds of comments, including from fellow TV stars who shared their own stories of not-so-kind viewer reactions. MasterChef judge Poh Ling Yeow wrote, 'Can u please make it extra 'juvenile'? Nate I used to get hate mail about my 'fake' laugh. ABC viewers.' Dancing With The Stars judge Todd McKenney added, 'This has made my day. I thought I was the only one to get this sort of feedback! You always rock your look. Don't touch one strand!' Fans, meanwhile, rallied around Byrne with an endless stream of truly rogue compliments. 'I'm a happily married woman batting for the same team as you … however … I'd like to offer my thoughts on your latest haircut. It looks hot, majorly hot, like dancing on the streets of Brazil in the blazing afternoon sun hot,' one wrote. 'Sending love from the Netherlands,' another chimed in. 'I actually said to my dad the other morning I noticed you'd had a haircut. I said to him if I was a gay man you'd be my type. Nate, you're hot,' a third added. 'Nate loving the hair big time. It makes your dimples pop,' a fourth shared. Originally published as ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne exposes viewer's brutal note about his appearance
Sydney Morning Herald
2 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
'The kid has to be saved': Hird on Ugle-Hagan
Nine's Footy Classified panel, including Essendon great James Hird, discuss the Jamarra Ugle-Hagan situation after the Love Machine nightclub incident.
