2009 Special participants
Mayor Ron Clarke MBE, Mayor Gold Coast City Council
Sponsor The Mayor!
Cr Jane Prentice, Brisbane City Council
Sponsor Cr Prentice!
Ms Vicky Darline MP, Member for Sandgate
Dr Alex Douglas MP, Member for Gaven
Ms Di Farmer MP, Member for Bulimba
The Hon Stephanie Key MP, Member for Ashford
Mayor Robert Loughnan, Roma Regional Council
Ms Carolyn Male MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Member for Pine Rivers
Dr Duncan McFetridge MP, Member for Morphett
Mr Murray Watt MP, Member for Everton
Mr Wayne Wendt MP, Member for Ipswich West
Mr Greg Grainger, Executive Producer TV
2008 Celebrity participants
Australian actors, athletes and popular personalities joined the cause in 2008!
David Boon
David is currently a member of the Cricket Australia selection board and is the Manager of Cricket Operations for the Tasmanian Cricket Association.
In Boonie's words - "I think everyone should join the Healthy High resolution and spend ten days enjoying life without alcohol - if I can do it so can you!" David Boon
Jonathan Brown
A huge favourite among fans, he boasts a personal best of 10 goals against Carlton at the Gabba last year – a Brisbane club record. And now he’s kicking goals for DRUG ARM and Healthy High.
Paul Bishop
Bishop's film debut was in the 1997 movie Paradise Road. He is best known for playing Sergeant Ben Stewart on Blue Heelers from 1998 to 2004 for which he received Logie nominations in both 1999 and 2000. Paul appeared with Claudia Karvan in the TeleMovie "Never Tell me Never", and has had many TV credits including MDA III, Heartbreak High and GP with ABCTV, HouseGang with SBS, Murder Call for Channel 10. He has an extensive range of theatre credits in productions such as Three Days of Rain, Money and Friends, Take Me Out, The Shaughraun, at Melbourne Theatre Company, Blackrock and many more.
In 2008, Paul has performed as an Actor with Australian Festival of Playwriting in Brisbane, and will appear as Jean-Marc in August Moon and then Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest with The Queensland Theatre Company.
Wil Traval
Wil says:
We live in a culture that not only permits alcohol consumption but actively encourages it. We often find ourselves drinking simply because everyone else is and I feel that an "alcohol free" period is a great way to make ourselves aware of how much we drink unnecessarily.
Lorraine Bayly AM
Lorraine was a presenter on the children's television show Play School from 1966 to 1978. Her film roles include Fatty Finn and The Man From Snowy River. She played the lead role of Jennifer Carson in another period television drama Carson's Law. She later appeared in Neighbours as the gossipy Faye Hudson from 1991 until 1992.
Lorraine was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours List 2001.
“I have seen so many families, careers, relationships, quality of life and lives destroyed through alcohol addiction. Generally, of people who never knew or accepted that alcohol IS a drug, it should be treated with caution and enjoyed in healthy moderation. In doing so, one can live longer and enjoy it longer!”
Nathin Butler
Of being a supporter of Healthy High he says:
"Being an actor and a performer my body is my instrument. If I don't look after myself, my instrument will break down and it's the only one I've got. So I believe you should take care of yourself, cause you can't be replaced."
Beau Brady
Beau is currently in Los Angeles to pursue his career and he is currently playing the Prince in Sleeping Beauty at the Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone.
Tom Carroll
During Carroll's 14-year tenure on the world tour, he racked up 26 victories (second only to Tom Curren), finished in the top five a record nine times and never wavered as the most powerful surfer on earth.
Words from Tom: - "In an effort to bring awareness. I can say it is with humility that I join in on this ten days without an alcoholic beverage. Humility...why humility? Well, its been my experience that our abuse of this dangerous drug will creep up and cause serious damage to our minds and bodies and continue to take precious life away. Unfortunately alcohol is the present focus of tens of thousands of hopeless misguided alcoholics, torn from the bottom of their soul in active addiction country wide. Great idea Heathy High, lets try to stop and take a breath, listen and feel what is free and ultimately better for us". Tom Carroll
David Kirkpatrick
David has an eminent background in landscape design and project management. David is regularly featured on radio, television and in numerous press and magazine articles.
Greg Grainger
A winner of the prestigious Logie Award for Top Australian Newsman, Greg has worked for leading radio and television stations in Britain and Australia for the past 35 years. His track record includes radio station general manager and news director to prime-time national television news presenter.
These days Greg produces and presents a weekly travel programme, TRAVEL OZ, which screens every Wednesday night at 6pm on ABC1.
Greg is on a healthy high from joining the HEALTH HIGH initiative because he wants to bring public attention to the real dangers faced by binge drinkers.
Tracy Mann
Mann got her first big break playing Tina Harris in the 1970s television soap opera 'The Box'. She is possibly best remembered to audiences for playing a character who ended up behind bars, deaf biker's moll Georgie Baxter in 'Prisoner'.
Mann played the lead role of guitarist / singer Carol Howard, in the 1984 Australian Broadcasting Corporation series 'Sweet and Sour', and also played the lead role in the police drama 'Skirts' (1990).
Other TV appearances include 'Glenview High', 'The Sullivans', 'The Young Doctors', 'Arcade', 'Holiday Island', 'A Country Practice', 'Cowra Breakout', 'Sword Of Honour', 'Cyclone Tracy', 'The Flying Doctors', 'How Wonderful!', 'Janus', 'Water Rats', 'All Saints' and 'Blue Heelers'.
Bessie Bardot
She is a TV & radio host with her own international show in 6 countries, and is also a social commentator, speaker, columnist and regular on many Australian talk shows.
A CEO of 3 companies, Bessie is an Australia Day ambassador & Fashion Week ambassador and has been on 3 tours visiting troops in war zones such as Baghdad, Kuwait & East Timor.
Scott McRae
Scott has a passion and enthusiasm that is hard to find and for over 4 years viewers across the WIN/NBN/Imparja Networks have found his infectious energy catching as he has taken them from one corner of the continent to another as Host and Producer of his travel show "DESTINATIONS WITH SCOTT McRAE".
Scott also has an extensive background in film and theatre and has worked on radio as an announcer and character voice artist. Scott has been the host for hundreds of events and has been a voice over artist for many TV and radio commercials.
Wayne Gardner
His status as a national sporting hero was assured the following year when he repeated the victory, riding with a broken bone in his wrist and wrestling with a broken fairing which threatened to fall off at any moment.
Wayne retired from motorcycle racing in 1992 and immediately took up a second career racing cars, he announced his retirement from professional motor-sport in February 2003. In 2006 he was a contestant on 'Australia's Celebrity Survivor'.
Sam Anderson
Sam says - "I totally support Healthy High!"
"I excercise every day and do most stuff in moderation, I've never taken drugs in my life, never smoked a cigarette and love my mind and body most of the time."
"Kids rock and shouldn't screw their true selves up, they should stay strong and super."
Marcus Graham
He was known as a teenage heartthrob in the late 80s whilst starring in Australian TV soap "E-Street".
2006 saw Graham win Australian Film Institute award for a guest role on the Channel 7 drama, 'Blue Heelers'. Other television credits include 'Good Guys, Bad Guys', 'All Saints' and 'Charmed'.
Marcus recently played underworld figure Lewis Caine in Channel Nine’s smash hit ‘Underbelly’.
His many stage credits include 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and 'The Blue Room' starring opposite Sigrid Thornton, both of which netted him MO awards; 'Oedipus' for QTC for which he was nominated for the prestigous HELPMAN award, and 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses' for the Melbourne Theatre Company. He has just concluded a sell out season of 'The 39 Steps' for MTC.
Rodger Corser
Previously he has portrayed photographer Adam Logan in Australian television series 'Last Man Standing' and as Dr Hugh Sullivan in 'Home and Away' from 2006 - 2007.
Corser also played Peter Johnson, in the Australian drama series, 'McLeod's Daughters' from 2001 - 2004.
Angela Johnson
Johnson’s accomplishments in film and television include various roles in 'Superman Returns', 'Life Support', 'Camera Trap', 'Home and Away', 'Forensic Investigators' and 'Pacific Drive', as well as numerous television commercials. On stage Johnson has also had success at the Edinburgh Festival's 'The Next Big Thing' as well as in plays such as 'Cage Birds', 'Bugsy Malone' and 'Black Rock'.
She is currently presenting 'The Music Jungle' on Channel 9 after just finishing up on 'The Mint', a late night game show at Channel 9.
My quote - "I wholeheartedly believe you need to be in control of your life. When you abuse alcohol and drugs you are no longer in control to make the best decisions, they are. After all you only have one chance at this life."
Robbie Deans has recently been appointed as the coach of the Australian National Rugby Union team the ‘Wallabies’ - the first non Australian to be entrusted with that honour.
Robbie served as assistant coach of the legendary All Blacks between late 2001 and 2003.
But as the coach of the Canterbury Crusaders Robbie has enjoyed unparalleled success, winning more Super rugby titles than any other (three Super 12 titles and two Super 14).
As a player, Deans represented Canterbury, playing at first five-eighth and then fullback. He also played 19 matches for the All Blacks, including 5 Tests.
Robbie’s statement – “There are many things in life that we have no control over but our health – both physically and mentally – is something we do control, in terms of the choices we make. To that end, taking a break from alcohol, even if it is just for a short period, is a positive step in enhancing one’s personal well being. Life is too short for regrets, you have to make the most of each and every day. Going without alcohol, even if it is only for a short period, is one way of enriching life’s experience.” Robbie Deans
Brooke Hanson OAM
Representing Australia over 20 times at major international championships, Brooke claimed several podium finishes along the way including the 2004 World Short Course Championships where she made history, winning a record six gold medals including five individual gold medals.
Brooke amassed seven Australian long course titles, 18 Australian short course titles and eight World short course titles during her career.
Brooke’s work on the TV Week Logie winning show “What’s Good for You” earned her a nomination for best new female talent. She has just finished writing her autobiography ‘When Silver Is Gold’ The Brooke Hanson Story released this July.
Outside the pool Brooke continues to balance her blooming professional career with work for her sponsors, media appearances, charity work, swim clinics and her commitment to promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for all Australians.
Rob Canning
Rob has covered a number of popular and memorable Australian and international sporting events including the 2007 and 2003 Rugby world cups, Super12/14 seasons, the national rugby league competition - including origin campaigns and grand finals, the San Francisco Red Bull air race, Bathurst 1000's, Gold Coast Indy events and the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Sam Clark
Clark is a graduate of St Peter's College, Adelaide, and was a keen participant in several high school theatre productions, including a main role in West Side Story.
Clark won the role of Ringo after auditioning for a nation-wide Dolly Magazine competition; as the winner, he won a three month contract with the show, which has since been extended. Clark made his Neighbours debut on 24th January, 2007.
Brent Tate
Despite a career threatening neck injury Brent has overcome adversity to to be a regular fixture in Queensland's powerful origin side.
Ross Davie
Ross produced breakfast radio in the early ‘90s and since 1996 has headed his own successful advertising agency, Ross Davie Advertising.
What was your first job?
As a cadet quantity surveyor in North Sydney - the only good thing about it was that I could sit and watch the smog over the Harbour Bridge.
What is your favourite on air moment thus far?
Being told by a listener that the only reason he listens to the show is because we’re the best of a bad lot.
What is your most embarrassing on air moment?
Launching into a rant to the Prime Minister about “hedge” politics who looked at me strangely knowing full well what I meant to say was “wedge” politics.
If you could interview anyone (living or dead) who would it be?
George W Bush.
Listed Below are the generous community minded listeners who pledged their support to Ross in 2008:
- Harvey from Nathan - a listener - $100, $10 per day
- Darren from 'Global Depot' - a listener $200, $20 per day
- Ray Herron from 'Yellow Tail Wines' - a client and listener - $100, $10 per day
- Danny Hoyland OAM - Roving reporter and Surf Life Saving Identity - $100, $10 per day
- David McDonald – General Manager of 4BC - $100, $10 per day
- Dr Cam Day – vet and 4BC pet show host - $100, $10 per day
Ashley Harrison
He made his State of Origin debut, playing for the Queensland Maroons in game 3, 2005.
In being selected for Queensland in game two of this year’s series, he became the first Jetstar Titans player to represent the Maroons.
Ashley Harrison says:
I did put my hand up because it's for a good cause, but I probably only have a drink once or twice a month - just a beer every now and again.
Once I commit to something though, I'm the sort to stick with it.
Diarmid Heidenreich
Diarmid Heidenreich has been a familiar face on Australian television for more than 20 years. He first came to national recognition as Dougie in the famous Pizza Hut commercials.
He has also starred in many prominent shows such as Home & Away, GP, McLeod’s Daughters, and most memorably as Matthew Quinn in Water Rats. He also featured in the 2006 film, The Great Raid, starring Joseph Fiennes and Benjamin Bratt.
Along with a long list of theatre credits, Diarmid is also a talented director. His short films Tailor Made and Waddera have been well-received at both national and international film festivals.
Diarmid will be next appearing in the new ABC drama, The Cut, which is currently in production.
Diarmid says:
“We should all do something to help the homeless – it is appalling that 100,000 Australians have no home and live on the streets”.
“I feel so strongly about this that I am giving up alcohol for ten days in support of this cause and hope others will join me“.
Ada Nicodemou
She made her TV debut in 1991, in an episode of Police Rescue. In 1994, at the age of 17, Nicodemou was cast as the rebellious Katarina on Heartbreak High and remained on the show for three years.
After leaving Heartbreak High, she returned to television in 1998, playing Fiona Motson on the short-lived Breakers. In 1999, she played DuJour (the White Rabbit Girl) in The Matrix.
Nicodemou made several other television appearances before joining the cast of Home and Away in 2000 as a regular cast member. She has been nominated several times for the Gold Logie as Australia's Most Popular Television Performer at the Logie Awards. In 2005, she and professional dancer Aric Yegudkin won the final of Dancing with the Stars.
Ada is taking part in Healthy High with her sister-in-law and is looking forward to giving up alcohol for a good cause.
