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Successful Australians tell their career stories


Australians enjoy success in all areas. Whether it’s in print or on stage and screen, in the sporting arena or in business and politics, Australians can be found at the top in many professions. Read the inspirational career stories of these high-profile achievers.

Wil Anderson's interview

Wil Anderson – Comedian, Writer and Broadcaster

‘I never saw a movie that wasn’t on a Tuesday, ate a lot of two-minute noodles and drank a lot of cheap wine, but I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun.’
Sarah Key's interview

Sarah Key – Physiotherapist to the Queen

‘You’ve got people traipsing in from all points on the compass nursing their pain and wanting someone to roll their sleeves up and do something.’
Vanessa Amorosi's interview

Vanessa Amorosi – Singer and Recording Artist

‘Make sure you get a ball-breaking manager. Having the right people around you and building a strong team is really important.’
Layne Beachley's interview

Layne Beachley – World Champion Surfer and Owner, Beachley Athletic Wear

‘It was important for me to become the best in the world and when you focus on something long enough, you eventually make it happen.’
Ian Kiernan's interview

Ian Kiernan, AO – Chairman, Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World

‘We’ve got to accept that climate change is here and we’ve got to learn to deal with it by using and developing new products and methods.’
Stephanie Alexander's interview

Stephanie Alexander – Cook, Restaurateur and Food Writer

‘My first book, Stephanie’s Menus for Foodlovers, was published in 1985. It was very successful and I think it struck a chord with the public because they were very interested in what I had to say.’
Bill Granger's interview

Bill Granger – Chef, Restaurateur and Media Personality

‘It was the 70s in Melbourne so I made all the retro stuff like chocolate mousse.’
Joshua Horner's interview

Joshua Horner – Dancer, Billy Elliot

‘I love to see people watch the show and get taken away from their normal, everyday lives. The applause is always lovely.’
Sarah Ryan's interview

Sarah Ryan – Professional Swimmer and Manager

‘I love being fit and challenging myself as an athlete. Racing is my passion, and during swimming competitions I enjoy seeing how fast I can go.’
Anh Do's interview

Anh Do – Comedian

‘Most people go to work and have one boss they usually hate, but I go out there and have 500 people I aim to delight and please.’
Brett Lee's interview

Brett Lee – Australian Cricket Player

‘To wear the baggy green and represent Australia is a huge honour and, as a cricketer, there is no better feeling.’
Braith Anasta's interview

Braith Anasta – Rugby League Player, Sydney Roosters

‘I’ve been lucky enough to make rugby league my career since I left school. It’s something I don’t take for granted – I cherish it every day.’
Shannon Noll's interview

Shannon Noll – Singer and Songwriter

‘The whole aim of this next tour is to go back to basics, back to the venues that were so good to me initially in my career and to get that closeness with the crowd and the performance side of things.’
Li Cunxin's interview

Li Cunxin – Dancer, Stockbroker, Author and Motivational Speaker

‘The responses of the book from all over the world have been truly heart-warming and positive. Sometimes I still have to pinch myself about the unbelievable success of my book.’
Bill Leak's interview

Bill Leak – Daily Editorial Cartoonist, The Australian

‘If you can laugh, get something off your chest, feel like you are expressing your own ideas in a unique little way and possibly vent a bit of spleen at the same time, that’s fantastic.’
Morris Gleitzman's interview

Morris Gleitzman – Children’s Author

‘For the last 20-plus years I have been able to earn my living doing something I love. I think that is one of the most fortunate things that can happen to you in your life.’
Glenn Robbins' interview

Glenn Robbins – Performer and Writer

‘All of my characters reflect different aspects of my own character, so they’re all fun to play on different days.’
Sonya Hartnett's interview

Sonya Hartnett – Award-winning Australian Author

‘Just because you can put one word in front of the next, doesn’t mean that they are going to be the right words. You have to be able to have an ear, eye and feeling for it.’
Natasha Stott Despoja's interview

Natasha Stott Despoja – Senator, South Australia

‘The stroke of the pen to a piece of legislation can affect people’s lives for the better or, sometimes, for the worse.’
 
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