Latest news with #MagdaSzubanski
News.com.au
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Hamilton Island Race Week: A look back at iconic event celebrating 40 years in 2025
From Prince Frederick of Denmark to boyband popstar Ronan Keating, comedian Magda Szubanski and socialites galore — when it comes to the who's who of the party scene — one Aussie island has seen it all. Hamilton Island is cemented as one of the country's most popular places to holiday — especially if you have a young family in tow — but for a week each year spanning the past four decades, 'Hammo' transforms into a world of glitz, glamour and of course … a major sailing event. Hamilton Island Race Week first emerged in the mid-80s, and while the week has since exploded from a modest gathering to drawing some of the world's major heavyweights — this year is tipped to be the biggest event yet. Think champagne, multi-million-dollar yachts, iconic views and luxurious lunches galore — Hamilton Island CEO Nick Dowling said the winter event has set off over the decades to become one of the most sought after of the year. 'Race Week started in 1984 with a bunch of mates who loved sailing, who knew the secret of the unspoilt Whitsunday islands, who loved the challenge of the southeast trade winds and Great Barrier Reef tides, and who loved the camaraderie of time on the water,' Mr Dowling told 'In those early days, it was all about the racing – and a few post-race beers with your crew and rivals. In 1984, 93 boats turned up for the first series. Race Week has since grown into a real spectacle and, today, we welcome around 200 yachts from across Australia and around the world – from high-performance Grand Prix yachts to family cruisers.' But while the likes of Olympians and even King Frederik IX of Denmark has taken part in the annual event, Mr Dowling said the events off the water have seen the biggest transformation. From cocktails and canapes to candlelit dinners extending into the night — guests come for the spectacle both on and offshore. 'Over the years, we have had the privilege of welcoming some of Australia's most celebrated chefs – names like Josh Niland, Kylie Kwong, Danielle Alvarez, Will Cowper, Guillaume Brahimi, Peter Gilmore and Matt Moran – all of whom have elevated the onshore experience and turned Race Week into a proper feast for the senses,' he said. But while the week may give the impression of glitz and glam, Mr Dowling said the week-long event is the perfect time for anyone to visit — especially those seeking a winter escape. 'What makes Race Week so unique is its accessibility and appeal to everyone – from the superyacht-set to the mums and dads, whether you're racing, spectating or simply soaking up the atmosphere with a glass of wine and a magic Whitsundays view,' he said. 'Sailing remains at the heart of Race Week, but today it's complemented by world-class food and wine, live music and entertainment, and a full social calendar that brings Hamilton Island to life.'
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Magda Szubanski's shock career move following rare blood cancer diagnosis: 'Close to my heart'
Famed Australian actress Magda Szubansk is set to reboot the fictional character that made her a household name. The 64-year-old, who revealed last month that she has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer, will appear as her beloved Kath & Kim sitcom character Sharon Strzelecki in a new nationwide mental health initiative. Magda, who originated the part in the TV classic Kath and Kim, will revive Sharon for a 60 second ad for Medibank's 'Family Roast' campaign. Based around around a card game intended to help Australians have more 'meaningful' conversations around mental health, the Family Roast will also introduce two new characters - Sharon's children Tim and Pam. 'Supporting the mental well-being of Australians has always been close to my heart - whether through making people laugh, or through raising awareness and funds for trauma,' Magda, who has been working on the campaign for three months, announced on Tuesday. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'This is a fantastic initiative, and we hope it gives everyday Aussies some practical tools to better understand mental health and connect more meaningfully with one another.' Medibank's announcement revealed that the ad campaign, which drops on June 8, will feature Magda as Sharon and her 'children' playing the Family Roast card game and 'getting to know each other on a deeper level.' Magda starred as the unlucky in love Sharon in the ABC hit comedy Kath & Kim from 2002 to 2005 and again in 2007 and 2022, as well as two films, Da Kath & Kim Code in 2005 and Kath & Kimderella in 2012. The sitcom, which also starred Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Glenn Robbins and Peter Rowsthorn, went on to become one of Australia's most beloved comedies. It comes after Magda revealed last month that she has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. The Australian comedian announced she is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma - a rare and fast-moving blood cancer. Sharing the news on line Magda appeared on camera with a shaved head after beginning her treatment to fight the disease. 'Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma,' she began. 'It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. But the good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an incredible medical support team. 'Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne, so I feel very fortunate. 'It's pretty confronting. It is a full on. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.' Magda said she has started a treatment called the Nordic protocol, which treats Mantle Cell Lymphoma by shrinking the tumours with a combination of drugs administered in five phases. It's known as the Nordic regimen based upon its clinical trial sites in Denmark and Norway. The actress explained she will be 'lying very low' due to her weak immune system. 'I won't sugar-coat it: it's rough. 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,' she said. 'Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So I can't hug no more. 'Don't hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.' The Kath & Kim star said the cancer was discovered during a routine breast screening. 'This is an obscure cancer and was only discovered incidentally via a breast screen where they found my lymph nodes were up,' she explained. 'TBH, I've been feeling pretty rats**t for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and - voila! So the take away is - get tested and listen to your body!
7NEWS
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Social Media
Beloved Aussie star Magda Szubanski reveals stage 4 cancer diagnosis 'It's rough. But I'm hopeful.'
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Magda Szubanski gets emotional as she thanks family, friends and fans for their support after revealing her stage four cancer diagnosis: 'The wind beneath my wings'
Magda Szubanski has expressed immense gratitude in the wake of her devastating stage four cancer diagnosis. The beloved Aussie comedian, 64, who revealed she is battling Mantle Cell Lymphoma last week, took to Instagram to thank her family, friends and fans for the outpouring of support. Speaking in a video posted on Sunday, Magda said she had been 'overwhelmed' by the response to her announcement. 'I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the love and support,' she said in the clip. 'It's just been so moving and, really, youse are the wind beneath my wings. Thank you very much, love you all. Sorry I can't reply this. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It's pretty overwhelming, but I just feel so loved.' Last week, Magda shocked her followers when she revealed she was battling a rare and fast-moving blood cancer. She appeared on camera with a shaved head after beginning her treatment to fight the disease. 'Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma,' she began. 'It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. But the good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends and family and an incredible medical support team. 'Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne, so I feel very fortunate. 'It's pretty confronting. It is a full on. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.' Magda said she has started a treatment called the Nordic protocol, which treats Mantle Cell Lymphoma by shrinking the tumours with a combination of drugs administered in five phases. It's known as the Nordic regimen based upon its clinical trial sites in Denmark and Norway. The actress explained she will be 'lying very low' due to her weak immune system. 'I won't sugar-coat it: it's rough. 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,' she said. 'Please keep a distance though because I will be very immunocompromised. So I can't hug no more. 'Don't hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly.' The Kath & Kim star said the cancer was discovered during a routine breast screening. 'This is an obscure cancer and was only discovered incidentally via a breast screen where they found my lymph nodes were up,' she explained. 'TBH, I've been feeling pretty rats**t for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and - voila! So the take away is - get tested and listen to your body! 'For now, just know I'm in good hands, good spirits - but I reserve my human right to be a cranky old moll. Love you all, Mags.'
West Australian
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Magda Szubanski cancer: Beloved Kath & Kim star thanks fans for support after heartbreaking diagnosis
Beloved Australian comedian Magda Szubanski has sent a 'massive' thank you to fans after receiving an overwhelming amount of messages of love and support after last week revealing her cancer diagnosis. 'Hello, my darlings, I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the love and support — it's just been so moving and really youse are the wind beneath my wings,' she told her 296,000 followers on Instagram. 'Thank you very much, love youse all. Sorry I can't reply. It's pretty overwhelming, but I just feel so loved up.' The beloved Australian comedian shared on social media on Thursday that she has been diagnosed with a fast-moving blood cancer. 'Lovelies. Well. Some not great news. I've been diagnosed with stage 4 Mantle Cell Lymphoma,' she wrote on Instagram. 'I won't sugar-coat it: it's rough. 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 Kath & Kim star confirmed that she has started one of the best treatments available and will be receiving world-class care in Melbourne. 'I'll be lying very low while my immune system takes a hammering, so if you see me out and about—don't hug me, kiss me, or breathe anywhere near me! Wave enthusiastically from a safe distance and know I love you madly,' she continued. 'This is an obscure cancer and was only discovered incidentally via a breast screen where they found my lymph nodes were up. TBH, I've been feeling pretty ratshit for ages. So I asked for extra bloods and - voila! 'For now, just know I'm in good hands, good spirits—but I reserve my yuman right to be a cranky old moll. Love you all, Mags'. The comedy legend appeared on Fast Forward before her breakout role as the netball-loving Sharon Strezlecki in the iconic TV series Kath & Kim. Szubanski appeared in Babe as Esme Hoggett in 1995, before reprising her role in the sequel Babe: Pig in the City in 1998. She also dabbled in animation, voicing Miss Viola in the popular cartoons Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two. Members of the Australian entertainment industry were quick to share their support and well wishes for an icon many have looked up to. 'Lots of love and support to you beautiful one,' fellow comedian Rove McManus commented on Szubanski's Instagram post. Model and actress Megan Gale wrote, 'Sending an abundance of love, hugs and strength your way Magda.'
