From war zones, to the red carpet: ABC journalist Lisa Millar prepares for her first Gold Logie nomination
She's loving every second of it.
'Surreal, is the best word to describe it all,' says Millar of her life right now.
'I had to fly from Kingaroy in Queensland this week, where I was filming Muster Dogs and getting down and dirty in my boots and jeans with puppies, to Sydney — for a dress fitting!
'Then last night I flew to Armidale (in New South Wales) and drove an hour and a half to Glen Innes — surreal is definitely the way to describe my life.'
This year, Millar is in the running for a coveted Gold Logie — her beloved ABC series Muster Dogs is also up for a gong.
Preparing for TV's glittering night of nights — and all the flimflam and glam that comes with that — is a world away from the early morning starts and breaking news flashes of her previous life as co-host of ABC News Breakfast, a role she began in 2018 and walked away from a year ago.
Though she loved her time with the morning news program, the early mornings took a toll. Leaving the show was supposed to mark a change of pace for the 56-year-old presenter; an opportunity to slow down after a hectic few decades on journalism's frontline.
It's been anything but, and Millar is now juggling two shows for ABC, Muster Dogs, and the long-running Back Roads, a show she took the reins on after the series' previous host, journalist Heather Ewart, announced her retirement earlier this year.
'In the last month I have filmed in Shark Bay and Monkey Mia, and then I went from there to Mission Beach (in Far North Queensland),' she explains.
'We're in winter, and I think I have done more snorkelling on camera over the last month than I have snorkelled in my entire life!
'I just find that hilarious!'
Despite the hectic nature of her new role, Millar is thoroughly enjoying all it entails — and the fresh perspective the show is offering her.
'I feel like also after 12 years out of the country, working overseas in (Washington) DC and London, this is me looking at things through new eyes,' she explains.
'I came back from overseas and then went back into the studio in Melbourne (for News Breakfast) and into lockdown.
'All my family were in Queensland, so if you think about it, since the time I came back (from my Foreign Correspondent posting), I have not been out and about exploring — I've sort of been in my own lockdown.
'So I feel like this is me with big open eyes, getting out there and just being kind of like, 'bring it at me!''
The best part? She now has the luxury to take time to sit with her subjects, riffing about the nicer things in life.
'And it's so fun,' she says.
'I have spent 35 years in journalism, where a lot of the time, you are the
last
person that people want to see turn up, because bad (stuff) has happened.
'But with Back Roads, I am turning up, and people are happy to see me!
'Selfishly, for me, that is awesome.'
But there is one down side — her long-awaited slowdown will have to wait.
'My partner, who is an international pilot, and I have isolated one week in September where we are hoping I might be available to do a trip with him,' Millar explains.
'We will see if that actually happens.
'I keep saying to him, 'I am sure things will slow down', and he says, 'you have been saying that for six months!'
'I would say for the moment they probably won't, but it's all so much fun, I wouldn't
want
it to slow down — it's awesome and I have zero complaints.
'I always wanted to live a big life, and oh my God, it is just massive at the moment.
'And I'm just going to enjoy it while I can.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
West Australian
5 minutes ago
- West Australian
Lynne McGranger is the bookies' fave to take out Gold at the 2025 Logies. She's just pleased to be there
Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger heads into Sunday's TV WEEK Logie awards as the favourite to win Gold. If she takes it home, she won't be the only one celebrating. 'My son-in-law messaged me when the news broke about the Gold Logie,' she recounted this week. 'He said, 'I just got you at $3.50 — I put $100 on you', and then he said, 'That's ridiculous, your odds should be much shorter than that!' 'But then within a week, I was $1.70, so now he is very chuffed. 'If I have to get up and make a speech, I'll make it known publicly that he just made $350 off me!' Jokes aside, taking home the coveted Gold Logie would be a fitting bookend to the 33 years McGranger spent on Home and Away playing the beloved Irene Roberts. McGranger, who first joined the soap in 1993, announced she was leaving earlier this year, with her exit storylines — which see her character coming to terms with a devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis — set to play out over the next few weeks. Fans have been invited to say farewell to a TV legend via a specially created website, . They can also show their love via a vote at the Logies. 'It's humbling and really overwhelming to even be nominated,' McGranger says of her nod. 'If I had known this was going to happen, I would have left (the show) years ago! 'But in all seriousness, I am loving the ride — I really am.' McGranger will take her daughter Clancy as her plus-one to Sunday's ceremony in Sydney, where she is up against Sonia Kruger, Hamish Blake, Poh Ling Yeow, Ally Langdon and Lisa Millar for the top award. All those presenters are well-loved, but there can be no denying Irene holds a special place in many viewers' hearts. 'I am so appreciative of all the support I have been getting,' she says of the messages flooding in via Seven's farewell site. Rusted-on Home and Away fans aren't the not the only ones rallying around her — an Instagram meme page called 'Home and a Gay' has long been championing McGranger's iconic performance via satirical posts. She's appreciative of their support, too. 'Have you seen it? It's so funny,' she says. This week McGranger watched her final scenes at a special screening for cast and crew, admitting it was an emotional moment. Producers approached Aussie songstress Jessica Mauboy to use her track, While I Got Time to play over Lynne's final scenes, also used in on-air promotions for the show. 'And it's very moving — the song just lifts things to another level,' she says. The Logies are just the latest engagement in a jam-packed calendar for McGranger, who has been busier than ever since filming her final scenes. As well as enjoying travel time with friends and partner, Paul, McGranger has also been touring her stage show, The Grandparents Club, across the east coast. 'People come up and say, 'how is retirement going?' And I am like, 'What retirement!'' she jokes. 'I am loving it all and I can't complain, but if you see somebody head-first in their soup at the Logies, that will be me — sleeping!' The 65th TV Week Logie Awards air Sunday from 7pm on Seven and 7Plus
Perth Now
5 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Lynne McGranger odds-on fave to take out Gold
Home and Away legend Lynne McGranger heads into Sunday's TV WEEK Logie awards as the favourite to win Gold. If she takes it home, she won't be the only one celebrating. 'My son-in-law messaged me when the news broke about the Gold Logie,' she recounted this week. 'He said, 'I just got you at $3.50 — I put $100 on you', and then he said, 'That's ridiculous, your odds should be much shorter than that!' 'But then within a week, I was $1.70, so now he is very chuffed. 'If I have to get up and make a speech, I'll make it known publicly that he just made $350 off me!' Jokes aside, taking home the coveted Gold Logie would be a fitting bookend to the 33 years McGranger spent on Home and Away playing the beloved Irene Roberts. McGranger, who first joined the soap in 1993, announced she was leaving earlier this year, with her exit storylines — which see her character coming to terms with a devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis — set to play out over the next few weeks. Fans have been invited to say farewell to a TV legend via a specially created website, They can also show their love via a vote at the Logies. 'It's humbling and really overwhelming to even be nominated,' McGranger says of her nod. 'If I had known this was going to happen, I would have left (the show) years ago! 'But in all seriousness, I am loving the ride — I really am.' McGranger will take her daughter Clancy as her plus-one to Sunday's ceremony in Sydney, where she is up against Sonia Kruger, Hamish Blake, Poh Ling Yeow, Ally Langdon and Lisa Millar for the top award. All those presenters are well-loved, but there can be no denying Irene holds a special place in many viewers' hearts. 'I am so appreciative of all the support I have been getting,' she says of the messages flooding in via Seven's farewell site. Rusted-on Home and Away fans aren't the not the only ones rallying around her — an Instagram meme page called 'Home and a Gay' has long been championing McGranger's iconic performance via satirical posts. She's appreciative of their support, too. 'Have you seen it? It's so funny,' she says. This week McGranger watched her final scenes at a special screening for cast and crew, admitting it was an emotional moment. Producers approached Aussie songstress Jessica Mauboy to use her track, While I Got Time to play over Lynne's final scenes, also used in on-air promotions for the show. 'And it's very moving — the song just lifts things to another level,' she says. The Logies are just the latest engagement in a jam-packed calendar for McGranger, who has been busier than ever since filming her final scenes. As well as enjoying travel time with friends and partner, Paul, McGranger has also been touring her stage show, The Grandparents Club, across the east coast. 'People come up and say, 'how is retirement going?' And I am like, 'What retirement!'' she jokes. 'I am loving it all and I can't complain, but if you see somebody head-first in their soup at the Logies, that will be me — sleeping!' The 65th TV Week Logie Awards air Sunday from 7pm on Seven and 7Plus
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Magda Szubanski set to enter the Logies Hall of Fame
Comedy star Magda Szubanski is set to be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame for her contribution to Australian television. She becomes the fifth woman inducted since the award was established in 1984, joining Ruth Cracknell, Noni Hazlehurst, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Rebecca Gibney. Szubanski is best known for winning the hearts of Australians as the unconventionally sporty, unlucky-in-love Sharon Strzelecki in sitcom Kath and Kim. That sparked roles in the smash-hit movies Babe and Happy Feet, along with both sequels, among others. She first burst onto Australian screens in the mid-1980s after being picked up by ABC talent scouts watching her perform in a university revue. Her credits include sketch shows Fast Forward and critically acclaimed Big Girl's Blouse, alongside Kath and Kim co-writers Gina Riley and Jane Turner. Off-screen, Szubanski has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. In 2018 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the marriage equality campaign. In May 2025, Szubanski announced she had stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, describing it as a "rare and fast-moving blood cancer". She said she would be lying low to protect her immune system. "I won't sugar-coat it, it's rough," the 64-year-old wrote of her diagnosis at the time. "But I'm hopeful. I'm being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant and I've never felt more held by the people around me." The 65th Logie Awards will take place on Sunday, with women set to dominate television's most glamorous night. All but one of the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie award are women and the night is set to be hosted by comedian Sam Pang. Comedy star Magda Szubanski is set to be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame for her contribution to Australian television. She becomes the fifth woman inducted since the award was established in 1984, joining Ruth Cracknell, Noni Hazlehurst, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Rebecca Gibney. Szubanski is best known for winning the hearts of Australians as the unconventionally sporty, unlucky-in-love Sharon Strzelecki in sitcom Kath and Kim. That sparked roles in the smash-hit movies Babe and Happy Feet, along with both sequels, among others. She first burst onto Australian screens in the mid-1980s after being picked up by ABC talent scouts watching her perform in a university revue. Her credits include sketch shows Fast Forward and critically acclaimed Big Girl's Blouse, alongside Kath and Kim co-writers Gina Riley and Jane Turner. Off-screen, Szubanski has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. In 2018 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the marriage equality campaign. In May 2025, Szubanski announced she had stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, describing it as a "rare and fast-moving blood cancer". She said she would be lying low to protect her immune system. "I won't sugar-coat it, it's rough," the 64-year-old wrote of her diagnosis at the time. "But I'm hopeful. I'm being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant and I've never felt more held by the people around me." The 65th Logie Awards will take place on Sunday, with women set to dominate television's most glamorous night. All but one of the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie award are women and the night is set to be hosted by comedian Sam Pang. Comedy star Magda Szubanski is set to be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame for her contribution to Australian television. She becomes the fifth woman inducted since the award was established in 1984, joining Ruth Cracknell, Noni Hazlehurst, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Rebecca Gibney. Szubanski is best known for winning the hearts of Australians as the unconventionally sporty, unlucky-in-love Sharon Strzelecki in sitcom Kath and Kim. That sparked roles in the smash-hit movies Babe and Happy Feet, along with both sequels, among others. She first burst onto Australian screens in the mid-1980s after being picked up by ABC talent scouts watching her perform in a university revue. Her credits include sketch shows Fast Forward and critically acclaimed Big Girl's Blouse, alongside Kath and Kim co-writers Gina Riley and Jane Turner. Off-screen, Szubanski has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. In 2018 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the marriage equality campaign. In May 2025, Szubanski announced she had stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, describing it as a "rare and fast-moving blood cancer". She said she would be lying low to protect her immune system. "I won't sugar-coat it, it's rough," the 64-year-old wrote of her diagnosis at the time. "But I'm hopeful. I'm being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant and I've never felt more held by the people around me." The 65th Logie Awards will take place on Sunday, with women set to dominate television's most glamorous night. All but one of the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie award are women and the night is set to be hosted by comedian Sam Pang. Comedy star Magda Szubanski is set to be inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame for her contribution to Australian television. She becomes the fifth woman inducted since the award was established in 1984, joining Ruth Cracknell, Noni Hazlehurst, Kerri-Anne Kennerley and Rebecca Gibney. Szubanski is best known for winning the hearts of Australians as the unconventionally sporty, unlucky-in-love Sharon Strzelecki in sitcom Kath and Kim. That sparked roles in the smash-hit movies Babe and Happy Feet, along with both sequels, among others. She first burst onto Australian screens in the mid-1980s after being picked up by ABC talent scouts watching her perform in a university revue. Her credits include sketch shows Fast Forward and critically acclaimed Big Girl's Blouse, alongside Kath and Kim co-writers Gina Riley and Jane Turner. Off-screen, Szubanski has been a strong advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. In 2018 she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the marriage equality campaign. In May 2025, Szubanski announced she had stage-four mantle cell lymphoma, describing it as a "rare and fast-moving blood cancer". She said she would be lying low to protect her immune system. "I won't sugar-coat it, it's rough," the 64-year-old wrote of her diagnosis at the time. "But I'm hopeful. I'm being lovingly cared for by friends and family, my medical team is brilliant and I've never felt more held by the people around me." The 65th Logie Awards will take place on Sunday, with women set to dominate television's most glamorous night. All but one of the nominations for the coveted Gold Logie award are women and the night is set to be hosted by comedian Sam Pang.
