Uber has reunited Australian film icons, stars of The Castle, Michael Caton, Stephen Curry and Anthony Simcoe, to highlight Uber Green’s transition to a fully electric rideshare product.
This product means riders who want to reduce their emissions can be sure that their ride will take place in an EV at the same cost as an UberX – as Uber strengthens its commitment to an all-electric future.
The mockumentary-style campaign sees Curry reunite with his co-stars for a catch-up over beers, only to spring filming an Uber Green ad on them and shamelessly piling on the brand mentions. However, his elaborate plan quickly unravels.
Peta Fitzgerald: ‘Collaborating with these iconic actors and True Blue royalty shows EVs aren’t just a luxury; everyone can make more sustainable choices.’
Filmed in the iconic Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre, it features some surprising cameos from well-known editors of Australia’s oldest and favourite newspaper.
Peta Fitzgerald, Director of Communications, Uber ANZ, said: “With this campaign, we wanted to emphasise how Uber Green is making more sustainable choices even easier.
“Collaborating with these iconic actors and True Blue royalty shows EVs aren’t just a luxury; everyone can make more sustainable choices.
“Uber Green being the same price as an UberX means choosing it for your ride is just common sense.”
Poem General Manager Rhania Farah: ‘Michael, Stephen and Anthony’s cinema and television roles are loved across generations of Aussies.’
Poem led the integrated multichannel earned campaign, and drove strategy, creative, social, content and publicity.
Poem General Manager Rhania Farah said: “Michael, Stephen and Anthony’s cinema and television roles are loved across generations of Aussies.
“We knew having them on screen together for the first time in over 25 years would be a huge cultural moment and become instantly shareable.”
Farah: ‘We knew having them on screen together for the first time in over 25 years would be a huge cultural moment and become instantly shareable.’
Poem Creative Director, Tom Manning added, “Ultimately, looking after Australia is the most Australian thing you can do – and these guys are some of the most loved Australians to tell Australia about that.”
The Uber Green campaign launches on Wednesday 9, July 2025 and will be supported by earned media and social support from The Betoota Advocate and the Bob Hawke Beer & Leisure Centre and will be followed by shorter narratives.
This campaign is not affiliated with The Castle.
Poem Creative Director, Tom Manning: ‘Ultimately, looking after Australia is the most Australian thing you can do – and these guys are some of the most loved Australians to tell Australia about that.’
Top image: Stephen Curry, Michael Caton and Anthony Simcoe
RecipeTin Eats creator Nagi Maehashi has addressed the use of her beef Wellington recipe in the Erin Patterson murder trial.
Patterson was this week found guilty of murdering three family members and attempting to kill a fourth by serving a Wellington dish laced with deadly death cap mushrooms.
She had sourced the recipe from Maehashi’s cookbook Dinner. A copy of the book was also discovered by police during a search of Patterson’s home, notably ‘spattered’ with signs it had been followed.
Maehashi’s cookbook ended being used as evidence during the 40-day trial.
A RecipeTin Eats book photographed in Patterson’s kitchen. (Supplied: Victorian Supreme Court)
Following the verdict on Monday, the popular cookbook author last night took to her Instagram stories to express her heartbreak over her recipe being linked to such a tragic event.
“It is of course upsetting to learn that one of my recipes – perhaps the one I’ve spent more hours perfecting than any other – something that I created to bring joy and happiness, is entangled in this tragic situation,” Maehashi wrote on social media, alongside a mushroom emoji.
She added that she had “nothing to say” beyond the post and asked media to stop reaching out. “Other than that, I have nothing to say and I won’t be talking to anyone. Thank you for respecting my privacy.”
Prosecutors argued Patterson altered the recipe to prepare individual servings that excluded herself, ensuring she would not consume the poison.
It is not yet known if Patterson will appeal the verdict, with a sentencing date yet to be set.
Mediaweek Australia is proud to announce the return of the Mediaweek 100 lunch, the definitive celebration of Australia’s most influential media, marketing, creative and agency leaders.
Returning for a fourth year on Friday, 24 October 2025, the Mediaweek 100 will take place at the Crown Sydney.
The annual event is established as one of the industry’s most-anticipated events, and this exclusive lunch recognises the people driving influence, creativity, and commercial success across the industry.
Mediaweek 100: Australia’s most influential people in media
Agency 50: Recognising the leaders shaping Australia’s most influential agencies
Entertainment 50, presented by Variety Australia: Power players across screen, stage, and streaming
Audio 25 (new for 2025): The voices and talent shaping radio, podcasting, and digital audio
Mediaweek Icon Award: A true hero of the industry, who has created a lasting legacy
Last year, Lou Barrett, News Australia’s Managing Director of Client Partnerships, was honoured with the Mediaweek 100 Icon Award for her outstanding contributions to the media industry. Joining distinguished media figures like Brian Walsh, Barry O’Brien and Kerry Stokes, Barrett was welcomed as a great of the industry.
Louise Barrett
For the first time, we introduced the Variety Australia Entertainment 50 which was won by Charlie Aspinwall and Daley Pearson, the co-founders and directors of Ludo Studio for their innovative work on the Bluey brand.
Michael Miller, Executive Chairman of News Corp Australia, topped the Mediaweek 100 list, edging out Melanie Silva, Managing Director and VP of Google Australia and New Zealand.
Aimee Buchanan, CEO of WPP Media ANZ, was recognised as the top media agency executive on the Mediaweek Agency 50 list.
Aimee Buchanan
More information will be released in the coming weeks, including a detailed look at how each list is determined, the nomination and all-new judging process.
Save the date for 2025: Friday, 24 October at 12pm, Crown Sydney
Gogglebox Australia star Emmie Milligan has died at the age of 96.
Known for her candid humour and unmistakable charm, Milligan became a familiar face to viewers during her seven-year run on the Foxtel/Network 10 series as part of ‘The Silberys’ – three generations of one family.
Mother Kerry, granddaughter Isabelle and Emmie were popular additions to the cast.
Her granddaughter Isabelle Silbery confirmed the news via Instagram, calling Milligan “an orphan, a nurse, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, the oldest woman on TV, a great grandmother, an author and so much more.”
Emmie appeared on Gogglebox Australia from 2016 to 2023, stepping away from the show following a dementia diagnosis.
Throughout her time on air, she became known for her quick wit and unfiltered observations on everything from reality TV to current affairs.
The intergenerational dynamic between Emmie, Isabelle, and Isabelle’s mother Kerry was a highlight of the series, offering viewers a warm and relatable window into family life.
Other cast members paid tribute following news of her death. Keith and Lee wrote, “Emmie was our adopted grandmother… You told us so many stories about your life and now they are memories for us to keep.”
Matty Fahd described her as “a truly special woman,” while Angie Kent thanked her for the “countless laughs, tears, goosebumps and memories.”
In 2021, Milligan co-authored the book Out of the Box with her daughter Kerry and granddaughter Isabelle. Published by Simon & Schuster, the book explored three generations of women reflecting on motherhood, relationships, ageing, grief and identity.
Billed as a candid conversation between women of different eras, the book offered commercial appeal beyond Gogglebox’s television audience and underscored the family’s strong following.
We lost a great man this week. A consummate newsman. A family man. A mentor. A friend.
Terry Gallaway didn’t waste one moment of his 85-year-long life. He never stopped chasing the story, he never ceased to be curious, and his capacity for generosity went well beyond what most of us mere mortals are capable of.
Tez was a journalist for the best part of 70 years. He started (officially) as an apprentice at the Townsville Daily Bulletin when he was just 15 years old.
He later became a police reporter for Channel 7, 2GB, and 2UE in a legendary era when crime reporters like him were the absolute rock stars of the industry. Few had the street smarts or could handle the relentlessness and inherent risk that came part and parcel.
Terry Gallaway on the beat back in the day.
For 23 years, 6 months, and 12 days, we were lucky enough to have him at Sky News Australia. He was the DNA of the channel, and in no way is it an overstatement to say that he was pivotal to our early and ongoing success.
He had an instinct for a yarn and a talent for great Australian storytelling. I’d say it was a God-given gift, but that wouldn’t pay due homage to the hard work and dedication brought to the office every day.
Tezza never saw success as an individual pursuit. He was the ultimate team player, a mentor— to such effect that many of us owe our careers to his tutelage. He was subtle, funny, kind, encouraging, and relentless, but most of all, he made you fall in love with stories and the telling of them.
In 2022, TRG was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his commitment to media.
He was so proud. He didn’t do it for the accolades, though. He’d been writing a memoir in recent months and even embraced the new media of podcasts. That velvety voice as commanding as ever.
Last year, he filed a feature-length piece for the Western Week ending on a story he’d first covered 35 years ago: the rape and murder of 4-year-old Lauren Hickson. It haunted him.
Terry loved life. He loved being a newsman but he loved his family the most, his children and his grandchildren. He knew what was important. I’ll never forget the way he spoke to and about his wife, Coral. Theirs is a great love story. He called her The Bride, as if the matrimonial title was never deserve to anyone else. Coral was the love of his life, he told me so on many occasions.
I am going to miss his harping on about the Broncos, the texts about spelling mistakes and tautological script writing in my show and the phone calls if I dared to wear my hair up.
Laura and her children celebrate Terry’s OAM.
Most of all I’m going to miss his friendship. They don’t make them like him anymore. A beautiful man with an enormous capacity to love.
We loved you right back Tez. Vale.
All images courtesy of Laura Jayes
Ogilvy Network ANZ CEO Sally Kissane is stepping down from her role after three-decade tenure at the agency.
She will exit her role from the agency this month and with the agency now considering underway successors.
“I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the most talented teams, as well as brave and innovative clients throughout my career at Ogilvy. This is a testament to Ogilvy’s ability to develop its talent for the long-term, and I have often said that I ‘bleed red’ as a result,” she said.
“It’s actually my loyalty to Ogilvy that has led me to make this difficult decision, at a time that our network, and our broader industry is at a pivotal point in its evolution. It’s never a good time to leave, but after 30 years I believe new leadership is required for a new Ogilvy chapter – while in turn, I also move into the next exciting stage of my career.
“I feel incredibly proud of the work that the Ogilvy team has executed over the years, the creativity and effectiveness that we’ve put at the forefront of everything we do, and most importantly, the vibrant culture we have continually fostered. The formation of the Ogilvy ANZ Network will be one of the defining points of my career.
“Together with Ogilvy ANZ’s leaders and staff, we have almost doubled in size and connected our capabilities to become the most truly integrated agency in ANZ. I have been fortunate to work with the most incredible leadership team who will continue the lead the charge.
“I will miss Ogilvy, our people, and our clients immensely but will remain a close friend to the business, and will watch its continued success, cheering from the sidelines.”
Kissane’s journey with Ogilvy
Kissane began at Ogilvy in Sydney in client service in the early 1990s, then worked at Ogilvy New York on the IBM global account for 10 years.
She returned to Australia to become Managing Partner of Ogilvy One, where she led a team delivering results for clients such as IBM and Amex, before becoming Ogilvy Australia’s Managing Director in 2018, working with Michelle Holland.
Kissane was appointed CEO of Ogilvy Australia in March 2021. After a period of review, she led the creation of Ogilvy Network ANZ to improve client outcomes.
Under her leadership, Ogilvy Australia has been named Employer of Choice for seven years in The Australian Business Awards, the only agency in Australia with this record.
‘She’s leaving a lasting mark that will be felt for years’
Devika Bulchandani, Global Ogilvy CEO said: “Sally’s nearly three-decade journey at Ogilvy has been remarkable. Her infectious passion for our brand, our culture, and most importantly, the careers of our people has been clear to everyone she’s worked with.
“She didn’t just lead; she fostered an environment where creativity flourished, consistently delivering exceptional value and outstanding results for our clients in the ANZ market. Sally isn’t just leaving; she’s leaving a lasting mark that will be felt for years.”
WPP Australia and New Zealand President Rose Herceg said of Kissane’s departure: “I have worked closely with Sally for many years and have always deeply admired her both as a leader, and a champion of creativity. Sally’s commitment to work that drives measurable growth for our clients through the power of culture, has been unwavering.
“Her commitment to developing female leadership has been a driving force of change; category-breaking initiatives like ‘Changing the Face’ and ‘SheCD’ among other talent development programs including the Goliath Grad program, has led to a significant shift in ensuring Ogilvy’s talent reflects our broader community.
“She leaves a culture that celebrates teamwork, collaboration and diversity of thought, and we’ll always be very grateful for the significant role she has played in the development of Ogilvy’s ANZ capability, and the Ogilvy brand. These are big shoes to fill.”
Top image: Sally Kissane
Independent brand and talent marketing agency, Always Human, has appointed Adam Ireland as Managing Director.
Ireland departed as Managing Director at BRING, Universal Music Group’s cultural marketing agency last year. In his new role, he will work alongside the agency’s Founder and CEO Josh White to grow the creative and commercial capabilities, expand service offerings, and strengthen its role connecting brands, athletes, and creators.
Ireland said: “Josh and the team have built something really special at Always Human. It’s rare to find an offering that sits so authentically at the cultural intersection of sport and entertainment.
“These are the two most influential passion points in Australia, and to have the opportunity to lead an agile, forward thinking indie-agency at the forefront of excellence in these fields is a real privilege.”
“There’s huge momentum behind the agency and I’m excited to help our existing clients achieve even greater success in the worlds of sport and entertainment – while also welcoming new brands into these cultural passion points to unlock their full potential”
White welcomed Ireland and said: “Adam is a proven leader who brings sharp creative instincts, commercial rigour, and the kind of clarity that helps teams and clients move faster.
“His energy and drive will be a magnet for our team, clients and talent alike. Over the past 12 months, we have seen very rapid growth and Adam’s appointment is a significant step forward for the agency as we continue to scale with purpose.”
Ireland’s arrival follows a strong year for Always Human, which continues to attract high-profile brands and talent. Retained clients include Prime Video, Oakley, ASICS, YoPRO, Activia, and the TCS Sydney Marathon.
On the talent side, the agency represents a growing roster of Australia’s most marketable athletes and creators, including three-time Olympic gold medalist Jessica Fox, global football star and Matilda Mary Fowler, cricket icon Ellyse Perry, Olympic gold medalist and world champion pole vaulter Nina Kennedy, and ex-Wallaby Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins.
Most recently, Always Human also welcomed hit sports podcast, Hello Sport, to its talent lineup. These moves signal Always Human’s progressive agency proposition, blending brand storytelling, cultural marketing, and talent management under one roof.
Ireland added: “To meet the new capabilities of the agency and recent client wins, we’ll be announcing some additional team hires soon.”
Top image: Adam Ireland
Prosperity Media has made series of key promotions, restructuring its leadership team.
Aaron Taylor has been promoted from SEO Director to the newly created role of General Manager and will oversee revenue growth, profitability and staff retention to help the agency achieve key commercial goals.
He brings a strong foundation of technical expertise and commercial insight to the position and experience driving results across major accounts and contributing to the SEO, Content and Digital PR agency’s operational strategy positions him well to lead Prosperity Media into its next phase of growth.
Matt Keats has also been promoted to Head of SEO. As a formerly SEO Director, Keats will now oversee the full SEO function of the business, ensuring consistent performance, innovation, and results across all client accounts.
Ellie Sumner steps up as Digital PR Director, to lead the agency’s growing Digital PR division. Since joining the team in May 2024, Sumner has brought fresh energy to campaign ideation, refined internal processes, mentored junior team members, and played a key role in outreach and strategic development.
Amii Freeman has also been promoted to the new role of Content Director, overseeing Prosperity Media’s content strategy and execution. She has been key to developing high-performing content strategies for the agency’s diverse client base.
James Norquay, Founder and Director of Prosperity Media, said of the promotions: “We’ve experienced strong momentum over the past year, and as we grow, it’s essential that we have the right leadership in place to support our team and our clients.
“With the recent launch of our GEO offering — which we’re actively building and expanding — these appointments are crucial to helping us scale strategically and achieve our long-term business goals. Aaron, Matt, Ellie, and Amii have each demonstrated exceptional capability and leadership, and I’m excited to see them thrive in their new roles.”
These appointments form part of a broader strategy to strengthen Prosperity Media’s service delivery, scale operations, and further cement its position as one of Australia’s leading SEO, Content and Digital PR agencies.
Isuzu unveiled a new range of vehicles in its latest campaign with ad agency Fenton Stephens.
The launch highlights the brand’s safety, power, and refinement, with actor Shane Jacobson fronting the campaign and taking audiences through the innovations of the trucks and putting them through their paces.
John Walker, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, Isuzu Australia said: “We’re thrilled to be working with our longstanding agency partner Fenton Stephens on this critical launch – it’s been seventeen years since we’ve had a completely new model.
“Our ever-reliable brand ambassador Shane Jacobson has delivered yet again; with a tone we know resonates with our audience.”
Fenton Stephens Chief Creative Officer, Alex Fenton, said, “It’s imperative that this all-important range launch lands with our Isuzu audience.
“We called on the services of long-time brand ambassador, Shane Jacobson for his everyman appeal and ability to both inform and entertain. Spoiler alert: keep a look out for Shane’s cameo role as an ice-cream driver.”
The campaign was filmed at the iconic Lang Lang Proving Ground under controlled and completely unreal driving conditions, the films were directed by Matt Murphy through Sedona.
The campaign continues across social, radio, outdoor and digital. As part of the launch, Fenton Stephens also completed the biggest redesign of Isuzu’s online experience in the brand’s history.
Credits
Client: Isuzu Australia Limited
Head of Marketing & Customer Experience: John Walker
Marketing and Advertising Manager: Sam Gangemi
Digital Marketing Manager: Amanda Sandhu
Graphic Design Manager: Jessica Nguyen
Agency: Fenton Stephens
Chief Executive Officer: Simon Antonis
Chief Creative Officer: Alex Fenton
Copywriter: Lou Egan
Art Directors: Zoe Yeoman, Chris Haydon
Senior Account Director: James Slevison
Agency Producer: Lisa Ramsey
Account Manager: Jackson Swanell
Production Company: Sedona
Managing Director / EP: Kim Wildenburg
Director: Matt Murphy
DOP: Shelley Farthing-Dawe
Production Designer: Jackson Dickie
Post Production: ARC
Post Producer: Amelia Walton
Editor: Dan Lee
Colourist: Ferg Rotherham
Flame Artist: Drew Downes
Sound: Production Alley
BINGE has released the official trailer and given viewers a first-look at The Twelve: Cape Rock Killer, the highly-anticipated third instalment of its acclaimed anthology series.
Premiering on Monday, 4 August and also airing weekly on Foxtel’s Showcase at 8.30pm, the new season marks the return of Sam Neill as Brett Colby SC.
As he defends the husband of a lifelong-friend accused of murder, Colby finds himself also drawn into the re-opening of a 1968 cold case murder of two teenagers.
Marlon Williams as Xavier Colby and Sam Neill as Brett Colby
As in previous seasons, the drama doesn’t stay confined to the courtroom. Each of the twelve jurors brings their own baggage, secrets, and emotional stakes, ensuring the case’s impact runs far deeper than the verdict.
Based on the original Belgian format, The Twelve first premiered in 2022, winning critical acclaim for its layered characters and emotional depth.
This third instalment features an ensemble of acclaimed actors including Danielle Cormack, Eryn Jean Norvill, Sarah Peirse, and William Zappa, alongside jurors played by Ewen Leslie, Phoenix Raei, Nathalie Morris, Bolude Watson, and Claire Leach.
William Zappa as Alan Chaplin and Sarah Peirse as Beth Chaplin
Produced by WBITVP Australia and Easy Tiger for the Foxtel Group, the eight-part series was shot in Western Australia with support from Screenwest, generating over 650 local jobs and contributing $10 million to the state’s economy, surpassing previous seasons.
Behind the camera, directors Madeleine Gottlieb and Emma Jackson helm the season, with writing by Sarah L. Walker, Matt Cameron, Mia Lethbridge, Adele Vuko, and Sam Meikle.
Executive producers include Michael Brooks, Sarah L. Walker, Sam Neill, Alison Hurbert-Burns, and Penny Win.
All episodes will also be available On Demand.
Julia Zemiro will return to ABC screens later this year as host of Crime Night!, a new true-crime comedy panel series blending the science of criminology with a comedic edge.
Commissioned by the ABC and produced by Dreamchaser and Maverick Entertainment, the six-part series will feature a rotating panel of comedians and criminologists examining real-life cases. Each episode aims to unpack the science behind crimes while drawing unexpected connections to everyday life.
“Excellent criminologists and brainy comedians? Check! One very engaged host? (That’s me!) Yes Check!” said Zemiro. “I am so excited to be back at the ABC steering a panel show about modern day criminology. This new team of writers and producers are a breath of fresh air to work with, as we delve into the science behind the crimes.”
Rachel Millar, ABC Head of Entertainment, said the show caters to the ongoing national appetite for true crime. “Australians can’t get enough of true crime, and we’re excited to join forces with Dreamchaser and Maverick to bring this innovative and original format to ABC screens,” she said. “For anyone who loves bingeing the latest true crime podcast or playing detective in the group chat, this is the show for you.”
Crime Night! marks the first commission from the Dreamchaser and Maverick Entertainment partnership. Carl Fennessy and Monique Keller, executive producers for Dreamchaser, praised the collaboration. “The combined talents of Executive Producers David Forster, Frank Bruzzese and Julia Zemiro are exceptional, working alongside a brilliant panel of criminologists and comedians to examine the fascinating real-life cases we’re all obsessed with in the funniest possible way.”
Filming begins in early August in Melbourne, with audiences invited to attend live tapings. The series is set to premiere on ABC TV and ABC iview later in 2025.
Top image: Julia Zemiro
QMS and The Sydney Morning Herald have joined forces with GIO Insurance to launch a targeted content and advertising campaign for the British & Irish Lions rugby tour, aiming to capture the attention of rugby fans across Sydney from 7 July to 2 August.
The innovative campaign integrates QMS’ premium City of Sydney digital street furniture network with The SMH’s trusted sports journalism to deliver real-time rugby updates, news and highlights to audiences on the move. The six-match tour, last held in Australia in 2013, features top-tier talent from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland taking on Australian teams, including a series of high-profile Test matches against the Wallabies.
As part of the four-week activation, The SMH’s rugby content is displayed across QMS digital assets in Sydney, with GIO branding running adjacent to the editorial in the campaign’s final fortnight. This dynamic pairing is designed to maintain consistent audience engagement and maximise visibility for GIO during one of the country’s marquee sporting events.
Olivia Gotch, General Manager – City of Sydney at QMS, said: “This partnership demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that connect brands with their target audiences through culturally relevant moments. The British & Irish Lions rugby tour will be one of the biggest sporting events in Australia this year and we’re excited to help make GIO part of the action.”
Mark Condon, Marketing Manager at GIO, added: “We’re proud to be part of this innovative partnership with QMS and Nine. It’s a great opportunity to connect with audiences through engaging content during one of the biggest sporting moments of the year.”
Ashleigh Thomas, Commercial Director – Publishing Sales at Nine, said the collaboration extends the reach of The SMH’s rugby coverage to highly relevant, on-the-go audiences. “Combining The Sydney Morning Herald’s trusted sports content with QMS’ prominent City of Sydney digital network allows us to deliver engaging rugby content to a highly targeted audience during a major sporting event.”
Sports Entertainment Group (SEG), operating as Sports Entertainment Network (SEN), will acquire the radio broadcasting assets of Racing & Sport Network (RSN), securing exclusive audio rights to Victorian horse, harness and greyhound racing.
The $3.25 million deal, payable over three years, is expected to be completed by 1 September 2025. SEN will purchase the assets from the Victorian Racing Industry, which comprises Racing Victoria, Harness Racing Victoria, and Greyhound Racing Victoria.
The acquisition makes SEN the sole audio broadcaster of racing in Victoria, with the RSN assets to be folded into SEN’s wider audio and digital network. Programming changes are expected, but SEN has committed to delivering tailored racing content to RSN listeners. Some RSN content will also be simulcast on racing.com.
Craig Hutchison, CEO of Sports Entertainment Network, said the move marks a major investment in the racing category: “SEN is all in on racing. We’re passionate about delivering innovative, engaging coverage that resonates with both die-hard racing fans and casual listeners. This acquisition allows us to bring our unique approach to an even broader audience.”
“The Racing & Sports Network celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and is an institution in Melbourne’s radio, racing and sports history. We look forward to respecting and protecting that legacy while driving RSN forward into a new, exciting era.”
Victorian Racing Industry spokesperson and RSN Director Aaron Morrison welcomed the partnership, highlighting SEN’s fit as a commercial partner: “SEN stood out for the Victorian Racing Industry… because of their expertise, capabilities, distribution network and their desire to grow audiences.”
“This long-term agreement preserves the rich heritage of RSN and the audio broadcast of Victorian Racing Industry races that RSN listeners value, while providing opportunities for new and innovative content on the station.”
The move builds on SEN’s growing racing portfolio, including its recent five-year production agreement via its television division Rainmaker with Harness Racing Victoria, which will see 365 days of harness racing content produced annually across 28 tracks for Sky Racing.
The acquisition is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.
Telstra has topped the list of Australia’s largest telcos for complaint referrals to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO), according to the latest customer complaints performance report from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).
The quarterly report, covering January to March 2025, found that 10.2% of Telstra customer complaints were escalated to the TIO, well above Optus at 5.4% and TPG Internet at 6.7%.
ACMA’s report tracks the complaints handling performance of 36 of Australia’s largest telcos. Customers typically escalate issues to the Ombudsman when they are not satisfied with how their provider has resolved a complaint.
Samantha Yorke, ACMA Authority member, said the data highlights systemic shortcomings: “This is the third quarter in a row that has seen an increase in the proportion of telco complaints referred to the Ombudsman. It is incredibly frustrating for customers when their provider is unable to resolve an issue, forcing them to escalate it further.”
Samantha Yorke
Industry trends: TIO referrals on the rise
Across the industry, 7.1% of all telco complaints were referred to the TIO in Q1 2025, up from 6.9% in the previous quarter.
Prepaid brand Lebara had the lowest rate of complaints referred to the TIO, while regional internet provider Skymesh had the highest. Smaller brands including Felix Mobile and Tangerine Telecom also performed poorly, with approximately half of all complaints escalated. Circles.Life reported a 43% TIO referral rate.
Complaint volumes and resolution times
In terms of overall complaint volumes, Vonex received the fewest complaints per 10,000 services, while Circles.Life received the most. Among the big three, Telstra ranked 18th, Optus 31st, and TPG Internet 34th out of 36 providers.
When it came to resolution speed, six telcos, Dodo, Circles.Life, Moose Mobile, Amaysim, Woolworths Mobile, and Starlink, averaged just one day to resolve complaints. Skymesh again ranked lowest, taking an average of 20 days.
The industry average resolution time was 6.1 days. TPG Internet resolved complaints in an average of 2 days, Optus in 6, and Telstra in 9.
ACMA said it would continue to monitor compliance with the Telecommunications (Consumer Complaints Handling) Industry Standard as part of its broader efforts to protect vulnerable telco customers.
The Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network (SDIN) has released Everyone Counts 2.0, the second report from The Everyone Project, presenting a detailed three-year snapshot of diversity in Australian film and television.
Three years of data across 395 productions
Covering July 2021 to June 2024, the report draws on 12,900 contributor roles filled by 6,976 individuals across 395 screen projects. It builds on the initial data from Everyone Counts in 2022, which surveyed 70 productions and 2,811 participants.
The report highlights diversity across gender, First Nations identity, disability, LGBQA+ and gender-diverse groups, age, primary carer status, socio-economic background, ethnicity, and language spoken at home. Notably, socio-economic status and intersectionality data are included for the first time.
Key findings
• First Nations people made up 3.4% of the talent pool, but just 2.8% of recruited roles.
• Disabled people were 8.2% of the talent pool and 7.2% of roles, both below the 21% population benchmark, but improving year-on-year.
• LGBQA+ people had strong representation at 20%, nearly double the estimated 11% population benchmark.
• Only 8.9% of respondents spoke a language other than English at home, compared to 25% of the general population.
• People from Anglo-Celtic backgrounds were over-represented (54%), while those of Asian (11%), African (2%), and non-European backgrounds were under-represented.
• 15% reported a below average or least advantaged socio-economic background growing up, while 39% reported above average.
Growing participation and industry benchmarks
Each year has seen increased uptake of the survey tool, with more screen organisations registering and more roles reported. The tool benchmarks data against population figures, helping funders and producers assess how projects compare with broader industry norms.
All screen roles are covered—from leads and extras to producers, crew, and post-production specialists—across genres from feature films to reality TV.
The Everyone Project to take over SDIN administration
From 1 July 2025, The Everyone Project will assume administrative duties for SDIN, following the network’s previous hosting arrangements at AFTRS (2017–2022) and the South Australian Film Corporation (2022–2025).
The tool will remain independently operated, with enhanced support offered to production companies for data collection and reporting accuracy. Engagement initiatives and updated methodologies are planned to boost adoption across the sector.
Leadership transition and continued initiatives
Outgoing Co-Chairs Olivia Khoo, Head of Film, Screen and Culture at Monash University, and independent producer Loani Arman, as well as outgoing SDIN Project Officer Anita Kimber, were recognised for their contributions.
The SDIN will continue to present the SDIN Award at Screen Forever and maintain its role in fostering collaboration across broadcasters, funding agencies, guilds, and education bodies.
Alignment in values
Adam Smith, founder of The Everyone Project, said: “As The Everyone Project continues to grow and evolve, we are pleased to note a continual increase in participation over the past three years, demonstrating SDIN members committed to increasing diversity and inclusion at all levels.”
“With a clear alignment in our values and purpose, The Everyone Project is pleased to take on a new role supporting the administration of the SDIN, and we are committed to evolving The Everyone Project to ensure improved outcomes for industry.”
The report’s release follows SBS’s announcement of its 2025–2028 Commissioning Inclusion Guidelines, which outline new targets for under-represented communities in commissioned content.
Find out more at the The Screen Diversity and Inclusion Network website and The Everyone Project website.
Are Media’s Gourmet Traveller will mark a major milestone in 2025, celebrating 45 years of its annual Restaurant Awards by hosting the event in Hobart for the first time.
Set for Sunday 18 August, the 2025 Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards will take place at the heritage-listed Henry Jones Art Hotel within Hobart’s IXL Atrium. The exclusive event will gather more than 100 chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders to honour Australia’s best culinary talent and venues.
The evening will feature a bespoke menu created by Rodney Dunn, Co-Founder and Executive Chef of The Agrarian Kitchen, and winner of the 2024 Restaurant of the Year award.
This year’s finalists will compete across six categories: Best New Talent, Best New Restaurant, Best Destination Dining, Restaurant Personality of the Year, Bar of the Year, and the Readers’ Choice Icon Award. Additional peer-voted accolades, including Chef of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality, and the coveted Restaurant of the Year, will be revealed on the night.
The awards are supported by Lexus as presenting partner, alongside Scanpan, Wedgwood, Porkstar, Tourism Tasmania and Petaluma Wines.
Nicky Briger, General Manager, Luxury at Are Media, said: “For more than four decades, the Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Awards have presented the best of the best in Australia’s world-class hospitality industry, championing its creativity, passion and excellence.”
“The 2025 awards will be even more special than normal, as we travel to Hobart for the first time and celebrate our 45th anniversary.”
John Pappas, Chief Executive of Lexus Australia, added: “These awards shine a light on our most inspiring chefs, restaurateurs, memorable dining moments and the stories that define our dining culture, inviting us all to experience amazing.”
Sarah Clark, CEO of Tourism Tasmania, welcomed the move to Tasmania: “Tasmania has long been celebrated for its world-class produce, hospitality and unique sense of place – and this prestigious event provides the perfect platform to showcase that to a national audience.”
The full list of 2025 finalists will be published in the August issue of Gourmet Traveller, on sale 28 July. Winners’ profiles and the annual Restaurant Guide, listing Australia’s top 100 restaurants, will follow in the September issue, available 25 August.
Top image: Nicky Briger
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