The Team
Our host, avid surfer and fisherman Dean Miller is joined on Queensland
Weekender each week by the very well traveled Bridget Adams, local fishing
expert Scott Hillier,
rugby hero Chris "Buddha" Handy, Chris Parsons and occasionally Creek
to Coast’s fishing
guru Gary Howard.
Dean Miller - Host
When Dean Miller walks into a room, people notice. It's
not just that he's a big bloke (192 cm in socks). Or that
he's got a big voice, which is a professional necessity for
an ongoing radio career. But, he's the kind of guy people
like to be around.
And it's this quality that has made him such a popular
television presenter. Dean previously hosted Network Seven's
popular outdoor water recreation program Creek to Coast, and
now hosts Seven's best leisure and lifestyle half-hour, Queensland
Weekender.
Dean effortlessly shares his enthusiasm for his work with
television viewers, and anyone else who'll listen to him harp
on about having "the best job in the world".
He is a professional communicator through and through. High
profile positions in local FM radio have included hosting
the breakfast show at Triple M Brisbane, SEA FM on the Gold
Coast, 4BC and RIVER 94.9.
There have been other jobs along the way, most to fund a
two year "Endless Summer" that took him surfing
across the globe in the late 1980s. But booking British teenagers
on trips to Ibiza from a travel agency in London, and pouring
beers at a wedding reception centre in San Diego, aren't the
kinds of career detours you want to be reminded about in a
bio.
These days, Dean is the very proud father of two gorgeous
young kids, a daughter Jordan and a son Harrison.
Dean's ideal Queensland Weekend?
"I'd rent a beach house at Moreton Island with the
family," he decides.
"Or go camping with a few mates at Double Island Point….Or
go for an early morning surf at a South East Queensland right
hand point break like the Alley, Currumbin Alley, or Moffatt
Beach on the Sunshine Coast."
Bridget Adams
Bridget Adams has traveled the world, but
found paradise in North Queensland.
During her 10 years as a reporter with Seven's The
Great Outdoors, Bridget criss-crossed the globe, seeing
the sights everywhere from London to Uganda.
But it's as a presenter with Queensland Weekender that
she's truly found heaven.
The locally produced show means Bridget gets to indulge
her passion for travel, and continue to work in a profession
she loves. But, the icing on the cake is that she's
never too far away from her family, and the 150,000 acres
of Tropical North Queensland they call home.
Bridget, husband Damien and their children, daughter Madeline
and son Cooper live and work Springvale, a cattle property
near Cooktown.
It's a lifestyle that the former city-slicker, who
was born in Sydney; schooled on the Gold Coast; and previously
modeled in New York, Germany, Milan and Asia (and appeared
on the covers of Vogue, Mode and Cosmopolitan); never envisaged
for herself. But it's a lifestyle that she adores.
But then, Bridget seems to adore everything about life.
The smile viewers see throughout her stories doesn't
switch off when the camera is off. In fact, she's one
of those people who genuinely has that "sunny disposition".
And if Bridget had the opportunity to plan an ideal Queensland
weekend? Well, it involves a sunny spot with the family,
for starters.
"We'd be getting out on the northern reef, waking
up at sunrise and jumping into cool, clear blue waters. We'd
spend the day snorkeling, and have fresh fish on the barbie
for lunch. At night, we'd fall asleep to the sound
of waves lapping up against the boat we're staying
on."
Sounds like paradise is on her own doorstep.
Scott Hillier
If Queensland Weekender had to nominate the program's
equivalent of the class clown, there's no question that Scott
Hillier would get the nod. But that's not using the term "class
clown" in a negative sense. It's in that "lovable
larrikin" way. Scotty is irrepressible; his humour, his
friendliness and his absolute enthusiasm for every day life
seem to know no bounds. And it's contagious.
Television viewers have really taken to Scott's natural
and unpretentious style of TV story telling. Reeling in a
big game fish for the cameras on Queensland
Weekender or as host of Creek to Coast , Scott
will instinctively holler, yell and whoop it up, his delight
saying more than any detailed how to fish guide could.
But then, that's how Scott is, and how he's always has
been, ever since he could toddle over the sand dunes to the
beach from the family home on the Sunshine Coast when he got
his first "foamy" (surfboard) at age 5.
Originally Scott studied for a career in hospitality and
spent a few years as a recreation supervisor at a swanky Sunshine
Coast resort. But he eventually needed to be closer to the
water, and joined the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol
as a patrol officer.
Scott was first seen on the small screen as a fishing expert
on Brownie’s
Coastwatch and was a member of founding team of presenters on Creek
to Coast when it launched in 1999. He has been host of the program
since 2005.
These days, Scott has a stack of media commitments in addition
to Creek to
Coast. He is a member of Seven’s Queensland Weekender team
of travel presenters. He co-hosts a magazine panel chat
show on SEA FM Townsville every Friday morning and his fishing
reports appear each Friday evening on Seven's Local News
in Townsville and Cairns. For newspapers, he contributes fishing
reports to The Courier-Mail and The Cairns Post.
Although born and bred on the Sunshine Coast, Scott loves
North Queensland. As does his wife Helga, and their two sons
Ben, 12, and Bailey, 9, who've
also inherited their dad's love of the water.
So, he's torn when pressed to nominate his ideal Queensland
weekend.
"It's a toss up. Either a trip to the folks' home at Marcoola, so the boys
can catch up with their cousins and grandparents and everyone can play in the
surf.
"Or I'd take my wife and kids somewhere remote. Somewhere like the Atherton
Tableland. We'd get a nice treehouse in the bush, where there's plenty for the
wife and kids to do. And I can fish Lake Tinaroo."
Jess Skarratt
 Ask
Jess Skarratt to describe her ideal job and she’ll tell you that it would
have to be a mix of travel, meeting people, heart-pumping adventure and giving
just about anything a go – which pretty much sums up her new role as
a presenter and producer with Channel Seven’s much-loved lifestyle and
travel show, Queensland Weekender.
Jess brings a fresh-faced dose of youthful enthusiasm to the program, along
with a desire to add more high-energy and adrenalin-rushing stories to the show’s
mix. Whether it’s surfing the rainforest canopy of Cape Tribulation
or diving with sharks on the Gold Coast, Jess is passionate about jumping head-first
into any activity that gets the heart racing.
“I’d describe myself as outgoing and adventurous and someone who
doesn’t mind getting my hands dirty,” says Jess. “But at
the same time, I just love people and find that they can be really comfortable
with me. I guess I have my down-to-earth, country upbringing to thank
for that.”
Jess grew up on a farm not far over the Queensland border and spent five years
as a presenter, travelling extensively for a national children’s info-tainment
program. She also worked on four nationally-aired documentaries before
joining Queensland Weekender.
“I’m definitely a country girl at heart but also a water baby,” confesses
Jess. “I just love the ocean and scuba diving is one of my favourite past-times. It’s
almost a form of meditation for me – slowing me down to appreciate how
alive, yet peaceful, the underwater world can be.”
Jess counts photography as another of her great passions.
“The opportunity to travel for work has allowed me to snap some amazing
shots. I hope to add many more to my portfolio as I explore the state
for Queensland Weekender. There are so many
incredible landscapes and destinations out there.”
While the chance to be a presenter with the show is the thrill of a lifetime
for Jess, she’s equally excited about her behind-the-scenes role as a
producer with the show, as well as Channel Seven’s other popular weekend
lifestyle programs, The Great South East and Creek
to Coast.
“Queensland is an amazing place: a tourist and travel playground
like no other in the world,” says Jess. “I can’t wait to share
my journeys with our viewers and encourage them to experience their own Queensland
adventures.”
Chris "Buddha" Handy
 Chris "Buddha" Handy -
few names are more recongnisable in the world of rugby than
this larger than life sporting icon. Even though he is a
Wallaby great representing his country in six internationals,
it's Buddha's deeds and words in the commentary
box that have endeared him to rugby fans across the
globe. And it was this enthusiasm for life which made him
an ideal recruit for Queensland Weekender.
The man who has described a player as having a "face
like a squashed grape" or the All Blacks as being "like
15 mongrel dogs outside a butcher's shop", brings
fresh perspectives to weekend travels.
Whether it be on a country pub tour or jumping on the back
of a camel, Buddha always throws himself into the challenge.
His post-Wallaby resume is the envy of every Rugby enthusiasts,
commentating the TV coverage of every World Cup from 1987
- 2003, as well as the Super 10 and 12 tournaments.
Buddha's capabilities are not limited to the world
of rugby commentary. He is in constant demand as a guest
speaker, both in the rugby and corporate arena, captivating
his audiences with endless stories, sharp wit and his distinctive
character.
And he's a dedicated family man. He has been married
to Mary, his childhood sweetheart for 30 years and they have
three adult children Rebecca, Sam and Jacob. Buddha is a
proud first time grandfather to little Angus.
Buddha's wide and varied following is testament to
his affable nature and ability to infect his viewers with
the excitement and emotion of the occasion. As only he can
say, "Go You Good Thing!"
Naturally, Buddha's idea of the perfect Queensland
weekend is a Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium, cheering
the Reds to victory over the Blues…. And maybe a few
celebratory coldies at the pub afterwards.
Chris Parsons
 In his own words, Chris Parsons spent
his early years on the Gold Coast developing his BMX and yo
yo skills, before moving to Brisbane for high school and university.
With journalism degree in hand, Chris jetted overseas for
a boys’ own tour of France and Spain in a 1974
VW called ‘Chad’.
Chris returned home to pursue
a career in the media industry, and claims he had many, “oh
so many” auditions,
before landing a job on a Gold Coast lifestyle show.
This lead
to a presenting role on the Briz 31 car show ‘Rev
Central’, despite the fact that Chris didn’t
know a welsh plug from a transformer.
He’s tried every
job from labourer to bathroom supplies rep to perfume sprayer
at Myer, but since being a part of Queensland Weekender, Chris
has ‘never been happier’.
Chris’ perfect Queensland escape? “If it’s
in the sun, I’m happy, but plonk me down at Burleigh
heads with friends and a barbecue and you’ll never
see a smile so wide. Having said that, put me on a boat in
the tropical north and I sure won’t complain,” he
said.
Andrew Mirosch
 Andrew Mirosch has been a chef for some 29 years. In 1988, he set up the iconic Two Small Rooms (with Michael Conrad, who now owns restaurant Two) which won numerous American Express Awards and was inducted into the American Express Hall of Fame. He then repeated this success with his restaurant About Face, also twice winning Gourmet Travellers Award for Best Restaurant in Queensland. In 1995, he gave up his chefs whites for a fishing rod, to follow his dream of becoming a professional fisherman. The kitchen lured him back however and after owning a successful seafood restaurant on Stradbroke Island, moved back to the mainland and is now executive chef at the award winning Lurleen’s restaurant at Sirromet winery.
Andrew is a fierce supporter of Queensland producers and travels to shows and festival such as the Brisbane Ekka, the Brisbane Good Food and Wine Show and Hervey Bay Seafood Festival to perform cooking demonstrations and promote locally grown and caught produce. Andrew has been involved in the Slow Food Association, and has represented the Brisbane Convivium at the bi-annual Terra Madre conference.
As well as his television segments on Channel 7’s Queensland Weekender program, Andrew writes a weekly column for QWeekend magazine in Saturday’s Courier Mail.
Victoria Carthew
 A respected journalist, presenter and broadcaster, Victoria Carthew is affectionately known to her friends and family as the 'Cruise Director' because of her ability to organise events and be the ultimate host, so she fits right in, on the road with Queensland Weekender.
A breakfast regular at 4BC over the past few years, Victoria is a weekly contributor on Greg Cary's morning program, and Peter Dick's afternoon show. From sport to food, family, news or lifestyle, she's got it covered.
Victoria has also worked at the 7 Network for more than 2 decades, culminating in her appearances on Sunrise and Queensland Weekender. A news presenter, reporter and producer she was part of the Host Broadcast Team at the Sydney and Athens Olympics, Manchester Commonwealth Games and the 2003 Rugby World Cup. She was also the first female AFL boundary rider during the Lions historic 3-peat.
Life is just as busy on the home-front. Victoria is a mother of 3, with a boy and twin girls keeping her on her toes. She is a valuable addition to the Queensland Weekender team, and looks forward to taking you with her across the Sunshine State.
Jillian Whiting
 After 18 years behind a news desk, well known newsreader and reporter Jillian Whiting made a massive career leap in 2009 when she joined the Queensland Weekender team. She wanted to see if the rumours were true. Is working on a travel show actually hard work? It took just one trip, to the Granite Belt in the dead of winter, to find the answer. “It’s the best job ever!”
The corporate suits have now been replaced by hiking gear and wetsuits, as Jillian relishes the task of exploring this state. “Even though I was born and bred in North Queensland, I can’t believe there’s so much I haven’t seen.”
“I’ve got a long wish list of stories to cover and places to visit; not to mention all the new things I want to try, it’d take years to do it all!”
However, the business suits have not been banished from her wardrobe; Jillian regularly returns to the Seven news desk when required. She’s also stepped in to present the national news on Weekend Sunrise. There’s no question though when it comes to nominating a highlight, Jillian says her biggest success has been balancing a media career and young family. She’s married with 2 young daughters, Harper and Josephine.
So what makes her ideal Queensland weekend? “Just point me to the nearest beach. The girls adore the ocean... and when they’re happy, so am I”
Alastair McLeod
 Alastair McLeod is executive chef at Brisbane’s iconic Bretts Wharf. He’s a busy lad – apart from being executive chef for the a la carte restaurant, the function room and Bretts Wharf off-site catering – Alastair is also a regular presenter on Queensland Weekender.
While he unashamedly loves the media work and the opportunity that brings to motivate and inspire people to share his passion for food – there is nothing he likes better than being the chef in the kitchen at Bretts Wharf. Alastair was classically trained at a number of Michelin listed restaurants in Ireland, Scotland, France and Italy. With anywhere in the world to choose to live in, he moved to Brisbane with his family, largely because of the stunning produce we have at our doorstep.
For Alastair, living and working in Queensland is like a kid living in a candy store. He is passionate about and an advocate of the use of local produce – not just because the closer you are to the source the fresher the produce will be and the better it will taste – but because the closer you are to the source, the smaller the carbon footprint.
Alastair believes the food of Australia is as eclectic as his own family heritage - he’s a Scotsman born in Ireland trained in Italy and France to an Irish father and Australian mother with Sri Lankan, Filipino, Spanish, Danish and Thursday Islander blood in his veins…and he’s married to a Canadian.
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