Passionate People

Passion is a powerful driving force. When you’re a passionate person, you wear your heart on your sleeve. Being a passionate person is challenging, sometimes heartbreakingly so. It means you lead with your heart, and you put it on the line more often than most.

Ali Plath

Triple M Gold Coast breakfast announcer

As a busy mother of four working as a breakfast radio announcer, Ali Plath certainly has a LOT to juggle. “Prioritising the right things in the right order is not my strong point. I’m very happy to leave the pile of clothes to be folded for one to up to 365 days if the opportunity for a catch up with a friend presents,” she said. “Connecting with people is my passion, it’s one of the biggest reasons I love working in radio. Luckily, I have a (mostly) forgiving family!” Ali loves the excitement of radio and that, “no two days are ever the same. Banter and harmless fun and stupidity are some of life’s greatest joys and I’m a firm believer that there’s not enough playtime for adults.”

Ali’s journey to Triple M Gold Coast has taken her from the Redlands to Hobart to the Sunshine Coast before she landed her dream gig here at the end of last year. “It certainly hasn’t been a quick process getting here, but nothing this good should come too easy right? I started volunteering in community radio back in 2014 at Bay FM in Thornlands and I’m sure I was TERRIBLE! However, it did get my foot in the door with the serious radio gurus and in 2017 I landed my first big gig at Triple M in Hobart. At the time I was really scared and didn’t know if I was cut out for it, but I knew with all my heart that I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t give it a red-hot crack. Although it wasn’t our initial plan, I ended up living away from my family and doing the FIFO thing for three years. I have a very supportive family and I would not be where I am right now without them.” Radio isn’t the only thing Ali is passionate about, having performed stand-up comedy all the way to the Queensland Raw Finals, and also performing in several recent theatre productions. “I was lucky enough to be in a few musicals while in Hobart – ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘My Fair Lady’ were the big ones. I danced for many years as kid, and it was really special for Mum to be in the audience. There is nothing like being a part of a musical, I’d love to continue performing here if I’m able to get a role.”

Away from radio and performing, sport has played a massive part in Ali’s life. She represented all the way to the Australian Women’s and Mixed Open touch footy teams. “I’ll give most things a go when it comes to sport, although it was only recently I finally had the opportunity to play AFL and cricket for the first time. I distinctly remember crying to my Mum when I was a kid because my three brothers were allowed to play cricket and I wasn’t because I was a girl. It might have taken me until I was 42 but I finally got there.”

Now settled in at 92.5 Triple M a huge smile appears on Ali’s face when asked what she thinks of her two co-hosts. “Flan is the most hilarious, adorable, Womble-like bestie you could ever have. He loves a hug, you can tell him anything and you definitely won’t get him off the phone in under 45 mins. Spida is equally the most hilarious, protective, GIGANTIC brother. He’ll be the first one there if you’re ever in strife. I honestly feel so lucky to have them both in the studio every day.”

Ali is happy to call the Gold Coast home. “It’s quite bizarre because I grew up in Brisbane, but I’ve got this real feeling that I’ve finally landed at home. I just feel at peace here. I’m super happy in my job, plus I have long term high school and touch footy friends here. I’ve now been raising kids for 19 years and for a very long time I’ve dreamt of a paid radio career. I want to make myself, my (now ex) hubby and my kids proud. I couldn’t be more grateful for the sliding doors that have led me to where I am right now.”

PASSIONATE PEOPLE

Belinda Dawes

General Manager Gold Coast Bulletin

Why do you love the Gold Coast? What’s not to love? Friendly people, the lifestyle, restaurants, beaches and shopping. Living and working on the Gold Coast has enabled me to have a far greater life/work balance family wise which I love.

You have worked in media for most of your career – what is the attraction? It’s such a diverse and fast paced world. No two days are ever the same which keeps you on your toes. Another bonus is the different industries and senior executives you get to interact with along the way. I’ve learnt so much and also had some amazing opportunities through working in media. Highlights include a trip to Vienna for a radio conference for five days, hosting clients at countless concerts and sporting events and many other great experiences. It’s an industry where you work very hard, have lots of fun opportunities along the way and make lifelong friends.

You left News Corp Aust for Southern Cross Austereo and spent eight years with them. Why the decision to come back to print media? The digital scale of News Corp is what appeals to me along with how important the Gold Coast Bulletin is in the community from an advocacy perspective. The Bulletin can make a difference through driving various campaigns that will help the people of the Gold Coast. I am so passionate about this city and where we are going as a community. It was an opportunity that I couldn’t resist. What do you hope to achieve as General Manager of the Gold Coast Bulletin? I looking forward to growing our brand through our local partners. Helping our clients to achieve their key marketing objectives and ensuring our product continues to inform, inspire and advocate for the Gold Coast. The masthead has been part of the fabric of the Gold Coast for 137 years, providing news, entertainment and a strong voice for the city. I want that to continue.

You have a wide variety of connections in the city – how do you think your connections can help in your new role? I’m hoping my network of friends and associates will continue to bring things to the table that they care about and that they think need attention. Together I think we can continue to work with them and help to make a difference in the city. The Gold Coast is on the cusp of becoming something very special. It’s important that everyone is aligned using our individual strengths and talents so we can continue the rapid growth and innovation for the Gold Coast.

Describe your new role? My new role is fairly complex however in a nutshell it’s all about growth in revenue and readers, to increase the benefits for our clients either as traders or consumers. It’s about growing partnerships and relationships in the city to ensure we advocate for the Gold Coast and ensure we get the attention and share of voice we deserve. Every city needs a strong local newspaper that will fight for local issues. The Gold Coast Bulletin has been the voice of the city for more than a century and will continue to focus on those issues for the long term betterment of the city.