Julie McCrossin
BIOGRAPHY
Julie McCrossin talks to people for a living. She also listens and leads panel discussions with lots of audience participation at seminars, conferences and public forums. She is regularly in demand as an MC for events where she's valued for the way she actively engages audiences with her warmth, intelligence and humour. Julie also presents a travel program called Up and Away for Qantas in-flight entertainment on Radio Q and writes for the new ABC magazine Life Etc.
Julie presented the social issues program "Life Matters" on ABC Radio National for five years, initially with Geraldine Doogue and then as solo presenter. Prior to "Life Matters", Julie was a team leader on the media quiz show "Good News Week" on Network Ten and on ABC TV.
Julie began working for the ABC back in 1983 on the women's radio program "The Coming Out Show". She's presented many Radio National programs including "Background Briefing" and "Arts National", as well as stints on ABC Rural Radio and 702ABC Sydney.
Julie has worked as a TV reporter for both the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and ANZAC DAY - and she's thrilled to live in a country where it is possible to do both. But her proudest media moment was her appearance on ABC TV's "Play School" as a silent clown called Plain Jane.
Julie has worked as a children's entertainer, literacy teacher and community legal educator. She has university qualifications in the arts, education and law.
In November 2005, ABC Books published Forever Yours: Australia's Hidden Love Letters edited by Julie McCrossin and Kerrie Jean Ross with a foreword by Thomas Keneally.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Julie McCrossin talks to people for a living. She presented the radio show Life Matters on ABC Radio National for 5 years until 2005, initially with Geraldine Doogue and then as solo presenter, covering countless health, welfare and educational topics with a frequent rural focus. Julie was also a team leader on the media quiz show "Good News Week" for 5 years on Network Ten and ABC TV. Julie began working for the ABC in 1983 and she's presented many Radio National programs including "Background Briefing" and "Arts National", as well as stints on ABC Rural Radio and 702ABC Sydney. Currently Julie presents a travel program called Up and Away for Qantas in-flight entertainment on Radio Q, writes for the new ABC magazine Life Etc and facilitates conferences and training seminars nationally. For over 20 years Julie has hosted hundreds of public events. Julie has university qualifications in the arts, education and law and she is an Ambassador for NAPCAN (The National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect).
VERY BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Julie McCrossin talks to people for a living. After 20 years as a broadcaster with ABC Radio National, ABC TV and Network Ten, she is now a freelance journalist and facilitator. www.juliemccrossin.com
WORK HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
CONSULTANT
MC, public speaker, facilitator of panel discussions and hypotheticals, journalist, adult educator and trainer 1983-2008. For more information about Julie's consultancy work, click here.
2006-2008 UP AND AWAY ON RADIO Q FOR QANTAS IN-FLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
Each month Julie interviews a range of national and international guests about their travel experiences for this in-flight radio program which you can hear on Qantas flights nationally and internationally by plugging in your in-flight headphones. A guide to each show is listed at the back of the Qantas in-flight magazine which is in your seat pocket on the plane.
A new show is broadcast every month. In 2006 Julie's guests included the environmentalist, Dr David Suzuki; ABC TV's foreign correspondent, Trevor Bormann; Australian National Maritime Museum historian, Dr Nigel Erskine; mountaineer, Tim Macartney-Snape; Walkley-award winning journalist and ABC Radio National business commentator, Sheryle Bagwell and many, many more.
Each month Julie also speaks to writer Susan Mitchell about books; sports broadcaster Tim Webster about major sporting events around the world; theatre reviewer Charlie Little about productions in London, New York and across Australia; and art critic John McDonald about the best exhibitions in galleries and museums around the world. See www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/inTheAir/entertainment/qRadio.
2005-2008 LIFE ETC. JUST THE THINGS THAT MATTER
Julie writes feature articles for the ABC magazine Life Etc. In 2007 and 2008 Julie interviewed and wrote features on
- the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Julia Gillard;
- the recently retired Director of Defence Force Nursing, Colonel Beverley Wright;
- the award-winning singer, Missy Higgins;
- the travel host and former ABC TV presenter, Bill Peach;
- the champion golfer, Karrie Webb;
- the executive director of The Australia Institute, Clive Hamilton;
- Margaret Whitlam;
- actress Kerry Armstrong;
- film-maker Phillip Noyce;
- former award-winning Principal of Cherbourg State School and Director of the Indigenous Education Leadership Institute, Dr Chris Sarra and more!
In 2006 she wrote features on
- the West Australian writer, Susan Maushart;
- the founding artistic director of Bell Shakespeare, John Bell;
- medical researcher and 2004 Australian of the Year, Prof Fiona Stanley;
- burns doctor and 2005 Australian of the Year, Fiona Wood;
- writer Tom Keneally;
- and researcher and inventor Professor Richard Cotton, 65, director of the Genomics Disorders Research Centre at Melbourne's St Vincent's Hospital.
Click here for selected articles or go to www.lifeetc.com.au.
AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION
The ABC is Australia's public broadcaster. It produces national and local television, radio and online services. Julie has regularly worked for the ABC since 1983.
ABC RADIO NATIONAL
- Life Matters, daily social issues and personal stories radio show, presenter 2004-2005
- Life Matters, co-presenter with Geraldine Doogue, 2000-2003
- Late Night Live, daily national and international affairs, casual presenter & producer 1989, 1998
- Arts National, national and international arts news and debates, weekly presenter 1988-89, contributor 1990-91. Reviewer Barry Hill wrote in the Green Guide, The Age, 9 June 1988. "The compere of Arts National, Julie McCrossin, is a bouncy, intelligent presence who generates a certain verve with her subjects. If she serves up a critical question, it's with a smile in her voice."
- Coming Out Show, a weekly radio show on women's history, culture and politics. Julie was joint co-ordinator with Penny Lomax, producer & presenter 1983-85 and a contributor 1986-91. Julie and Penny produced a number of special series including Outback and Outspoken about the lives of country women; Doing Time, Doing Drugs, Doing Well about imprisonment, drug and alcohol rehabilitation and organised crime; and A Crisis of the Imagination about women's body image. Julie also produced and presented the documentary Leaving the Kids about women who leave their children for the Coming Out Show series Mum's the Word.
- Practicalities, a weekly radio show taking a practical approach to almost anything. Julie was a freelance contributor 1986-1990, including See You in Court, 12 part series on practical legal problems and solutions
- Changes, ABC Radio Science Unit, Julie produced and presented programs for this documentary series on the experience of de-institutionalisation for people with a mental illness and their families 1987
- Background Briefing, a complex radio documentary program
on national and international affairs. Julie was a freelance
presenter and producer. Julie's documentaries included:
- Nyngan on the Bogan, a profile of this far-western town in NSW and the economic challenges facing local families and their children, including Aboriginal families. Julie travelled to Nyngan and interviewed people from every social strata, including the producers of fine Merino wool;
- Boarding Houses, an investigation into the quality of life of people with a mental illness or an intellectual disability living in boarding houses. Julie visited boarding houses and interviewed residents and staff throughout Sydney; and
- Birthrights, an investigation into plans for a new health service for pregnant women, the Alukura, planned by the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress for Aboriginal women in Central Australia. Julie travelled to Alice Springs to interview health staff and Aboriginal people speaking in their own languages, with translations provided on the spot by locals 1985-87
ABC RADIO TRAINING
Editorial Decision-Making & Interviewing Skills, Julie developed and presented radio training workshops for ABC staff 1985-88
702ABC SYDNEY
- 702ABC Sydney Breakfast, presenter, September 2005
- 702ABC Sydney, occasional relief presenter, Drive 2003
- 702ABC Sydney, occasional guest, "Thank God It's Friday" comedy panel on Richard Glover's Drive, 2003-2005
ABC RURAL RADIO
2KPTR is a Local ABC radio station on the mid-north coast of NSW. Julie worked as a freelance presenter on a range of shifts, including mornings and weekends and reading the news 1987
ABC TV
- The Glass House, comedy panel show, guest 2002
- McCrossin, chat show, host 2000-2001
- Compass, religious affairs, occasional guest panellist 1999-2000
- Good News Week, weekly comedy panel show commenting on the latest news with celebrity guests. Julie was a weekly team leader with Mikey Robbins and the host, Paul McDermott 1996-1998
- ANZAC Day Parade, on-street reporter conducting live interviews with veterans and family members marching in this annual tribute to those who have served in the armed services 1997-1998
- Raw Comedy, national young comedians competition, compere 1998
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, on-street reporter, 1995 & 1996
- Sunday Afternoon with Peter Ross, national arts show, voice-overs 1989
- The Makers - Craft in Australia, documentary series, voice overs, 1989
- Play School, children's early childhood show, clown 1982
NETWORK TEN
- For Holly: The Concert of 2003, fundraising event for cancer research and treatment, filmed live at the Sydney Opera House. Julie gave a tribute speech for Holly Robinson, a much-loved member of the Good News Week family. Holly Robinson was 27 when she died in April 2003 from a brain tumour.
- Beauty and the Beast, panel show responding to viewers' requests for advice, guest 2002
- Marie Claire What Women Want, a group of high profile Australian women talk about what is really important to them. Julie spoke about the transforming power of education, telling the story of 3 generations in her family 2001
- Good News Week, weekly comedy panel show commenting on the latest news with celebrity guests. Julie was a team leader with Mikey Robbins and the host, Paul McDermott 1999-2001
- GNW Night Lite, weekly comedy panel show featuring popular culture and vaudevillian games. Julie was a weekly team leader with Mikey Robbins and the host, Paul McDermott 1999-2000
- GNW Debates, celebrity comedy debates on foolish topics 2000-2001
- Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade, live commentator on pay TV, with an edited broadcast on free-to-air television and a series of celebrity co-hosts 2000-2002
CHANNEL 9
- Mornings with Kerri-Anne, daily national show with news, advice, expert commentators and fun, occasional guest, 2005-2008
COMEDIAN
- Not Solely But Mostly Women in Cabaret, stand-up comedians, including Julie as Dr Mary Hartman. The Gap, Sydney Trade Union Club 1984
- Characters Australia's top female comics, including Julie as Dr Mary Hartman, Caberet Room, Sydney Trade Union Club. Performers included Wendy Harmer, Gretel Killeen, Sue Ingleton, Mandy Saloman, Maggie Lynch and Victoria Roberts. 1984
- Characters 2! 1985. Australia's top female comics, including Julie as Dr Mary Hartman, performing as part of the Sydney Festival at the Sydney Trade Union Club and at The Wharf Theatre for the Sydney Theatre Company. This show also toured to Canberra. The National Times newspaper's review by James Waites on 8 February 1985 said, "Quieter but also impressive, is the work of Julie McCrossin. Much more writerly in her approach, McCrossin is currently offering a piece on the doctors' dispute well worth the price of a consultation".
- Women Comics Across Australia, Polygram Records 1985. This album was recorded live at the Characters 2! Show of Australia's top female comics performing in the Caberet Room of the Sydney Trade Union Club in Sydney. It features Julie McCrossin, Gretel Killeen, Sue Ingleton, Mandy Saloman, Maggie Lynch and Victoria Roberts.
- Adelaide Fringe Festival, Julie performed as Dr Mary Hartman 1986
- Freelance Comedian, For over 13 years, Julie also gave satirical presentations at seminars and conferences as the comedy character Dr Mary Hartman. Julie initially developed the character with her friend Julie Bishop on the community radio show Gay waves on 2SER-FM in Sydney. The staged seduction known as the 5 Point Plan for getting a Boy or a Girl, Depending on Your Sexual Preference was an instant success. Dr Mary Hartman wore a white coat with a stethoscope and she entertained audiences by satirizing the causes of stress and anxiety in their work and family life and providing unusual psychosexual advice. Julie stopped performing as Dr Mary Hartman once she began her television appearances in the TV media quiz show Good News Week 1983-98
- Dear Dr Hartman, Julie wrote this satirical advice column as the psycho-therapist Dr Mary Hartman for the Australian Left Review magazine 1990-1991
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
Community Relations Manager, 1994-95. The Commission handled complaints and conducted inquiries, primarily in relation to services in NSW for children in need of protection and people with a disability. The Commission is now part of the NSW Ombudsman's office. Julie was responsible for community education, publications and staff training. Julie produced and edited annual reports for the Community Services Commission from 1994 to 1999, while on staff and as a consultant. Her reports won the Annual Report Awards (ARA) Gold Award in 1996 and Silver Awards 1997, 1998 and 1999
GUARDIANSHIP BOARD NSW
Training and Information Officer, 1991-94. The Guardianship Board is now known as the Guardianship Tribunal. It is a legal tribunal that conducts hearings throughout New South Wales. Its primary role is to make guardianship and financial management orders for people aged 16 years and over with decision-making disabilities. Julie was responsible for co-ordinating training seminars and information resources for 67 part-time tribunal members, including legal and medical practitioners, allied health professionals and community representatives. Julie also designed and delivered community education throughout NSW for social workers, health professionals and families of people with a disability.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND LEGAL EDUCATION
- Guardianship: A Balancing Act, 1990-91. Julie produced this Audio Kit and Booklet, published by Redfern Legal Centre Publishing. In 1990, Julie interviewed people making an application to the NSW Guardianship Board and their families for the Disability Council of NSW and then produced this kit of audio documentaries.
- Victorian Guardianship and Administration Board, Hearing Observation Project, 1991. Julie observed Board members conducting hearings; provided confidential feedback; produced guidelines for the hearing process in consultation with the President, Tony Lawson and Deputy President, Fiona Smith; and designed and delivered training for Members on communication goals in the hearings.
- WA Guardianship and Administration Board and Public Guardian Hearing Project 1991. Julie designed and delivered seminars on communication in hearings in consultation with the Chair, His Hon. Mr Justice Nicholson and ran training seminars for staff of the inquiry service and community education service.
- Victorian Office of the Public Advocate Tape Kit 1990-91. Julie produced an audio kit of interviews with applicants and their families, Board members and the person with a disability as part of an evaluation of the Victorian Guardianship and Administration Board funded by the Victorian Law Foundation.
- Family and Children's Services Agency, Department of Family and Community Services 1980. Julie conducted interviews and other research and write an evaluation report on After Hours Care for children in NSW.
TAFE NSW
Adult Literacy Tutor, Petersham TAFE and Petersham TAFE Outreach. Casual Tutor, 1990. Julie taught classes in Reading and Writing for Adults to migrant women in the St George area and to students at the TAFE College in Petersham and residents in the brain injury unit at Rozelle Hospital.
PIPI STORM CHILDREN'S CIRCUS THEATRE-IN-EDUCATION
Performer, writer, bus driver 1978-83. Pipi Storm was a community and children's theatre group specializing in theatre-in-education in schools, prisons, child welfare institutions, work places, isolated Aboriginal communities and remote communities generally. The shows were performed across Australia, including in public, Catholic and independent schools. With the help of money from the Disadvantaged Schools Program, Pipi Storm visited hundreds of remote and single teacher schools.
- Pipi Storm Parks Program
Julie was initially part of the Pipi Storm Parks Program, offering physical activities for children in parks on weekends and touring children's juvenile justice institutions. - Silicon Chip Slippery Dip
Julie helped to write and also performed in this high school show about the new technology of computers and their likely impact on employment. - Sez Who?
Julie helped to write and also performed in this show about children's legal rights and the police. Funding for this show included support from The Law Foundation of NSW and the Department of Corrective Services. The show was performed in every adult prison in NSW, except Goulburn, as well as in high schools across 3 states. - Whoops
Julie and Brian Joyce, one of the founders of Pipi Storm, wrote and performed this two person story-telling show for pre-school and Infants children. It was about a little Egyptian boy called Whoopsie (Brian) and a little girl called Plain Jane (Julie). Whoopsie and Plain Jane also appeared in a silent role on ABC TV's Play School.
DEBATES
- World Series Debate, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 1999
- The Warhol Debate, Museum of Contemporary Art 1999
- The Great Debate, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras 1997-2000
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
For over ten years, Julie has written professionally for a range of print outlets. For archived copies of some of her written work, click here.
- Books: Forever Yours: Australia's Hidden Love Letters edited by Julie McCrossin and Kerrie Jean Ross with a foreword by Thomas Keneally, ABC Books; Marie Claire What Women Want, contributor, Bantam Books 2002; Love, Lust and Latex: Julie McCrossin talks about sex, love and relationships, FPA Health 2000; Partners, contributor, Allen and Unwin 1999
- Newspapers and magazines: Life etc; Australian Financial Review; Australian Left Review; Australian Society; Sydney Star Observer; and Australian Vogue
- Audio: Redfern Legal Centre Publishing; Disability Council of NSW; Victorian Office of the Public Advocate; Child Protection Council of NSW; and Department of Community Services
- Annual Reports: Editor, Community Services Commission 1994-99; and ARA Gold Award 1996, Silver Awards 1997, 1998 and 1999
VOICE-OVERS
First Class Films, QANTAS, Inside Out Productions, Lowndes Film and TV Productions, Broadcom Australia Limited, ABC TV
VIDEO PRESENTER
- "Drinking for Two?" 2007. Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder video.Rural Health Education Foundation. Education Lifeline to the Bush.
- Working it Out - Through Mediation 2006. An engaging, quick and user-friendly education for anyone who will shortly be participating in a mediation.
- Time For You 2006. Respite services for carers in the area of mental health.
- Voice Care for Teachers 2006
- GP Education, Funny Business Creative Communication, 2003
- Working it out through Mediation, Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal 2002;
- Time For You. Respite Services for Carers in the area of Mental Health. Carer Respite Centre Southern Region, Victoria. Produced by Ideas That Work 2002
- BGF Volunteer Video 2000. Fundraising and training video with Julie and actor and footballer, Ian Roberts for the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.
- Women's Comedy Festival 2000, The Armidale Third City of the Arts 2000
- If Those walls Could Talk-they could tell of the resilience of the human spirit, Western Sydney Intellectual Disability Support Group 1999;
- Child Protection Council of NSW 1998;
- What You Need to Know About Fostering, Foster Care Association of NSW (Inc.) 1998, 1999;
- OTEN TAFE Film and Video Unit, various video projects, including Legal Studies: Torts 1994, 1997;
- Deaf Education Network 1997
FILM
El Machiato 1998. Directed by Michael Condran. Following in his ancestors' footsteps, a lone barista enters Sydney's cafe belt in search of love, fortune and the perfect cup of coffee. Julie played a very small part as a cowboy with a gun and a moustache in a shootout.
UNIVERSITY LECTURER
University of Technology Sydney, Lecturer, Radio 1, Dept. of Humanities & Social Sciences. Julie taught an introductory radio production course. 1986
UNIVERSITY GUEST LECTURES
Julie has been invited to speak on a range of issues to a wide variety of students. Generally, she is asked to reflect on her experiences working in the media, especially her documentary work and interviews on the issues facing disadvantaged people.- Macquarie University, guest lectures, 1981-84 and 1998
- University of NSW, guest lectures 1991-2003
- Australian National University, guest lecture 2000
- University of Canberra, guest lectures, 2004 and2006
BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
- NSW Medical Board, member 2001-2005. The NSW Medical Board is responsible for the registration of medical practitioners and the handling of complaints and notifications about professional conduct, impairment and performance Julie attended monthly Board meetings and sub-committees on registration and performance as a Lay Board Member.
- SCEGGS Darlinghurst, director 2003-2008. SCEGGS is an Anglican girls school in Darlinghurst in Sydney. Julie was a student of SCEGGS for her six high school years graduating in 1971.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
- Engagement Advisory Council, Clinical Excellence Commission NSW, Member. 2007
- Mental Health Review Tribunal, Hearing Communication Observation Project and Member Training. Julie observed a series of tribunal hearings in psychiatric hospitals, community settings and a prison and then conducted training and produced materials designed to improve communication for Tribunal Members and those attending the hearings 2004
- Protected Disclosures Workshops, Julie facilitated a series of workshops across NSW for public sector managers, explaining the legal requirements of the Protected Disclosures. The workshops were hosted by the NSW Ombudsman, the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the Auditor-General's Office, with support from NSW Police. This project followed an earlier series of workshops Julie facilitated on complaints handling for the NSW Ombudsman 2003
- Alcohol Summit Youth Forum, Commission for Children & Young People NSW. In the lead-up to the 2003 NSW Summit on Alcohol Abuse, the Commission for Children and Young People spoke with nearly 150 young people about their experiences with alcohol and sought their ideas on reducing alcohol-related harm to young people. Julie facilitated this forum for teenagers and young adults as part of a NSW Government public consultation on the safe alcohol use 2003. read the Summit Final Report
- Childhood Obesity Summit, NSW Government, Co-Chair with Richard Walsh. This 3 day community consultation was held at Parliament House in Sydney. The Summit brought together health experts, parliamentary representatives, industry, parents, teachers and children to develop practical solutions to the problem of childhood obesity. Issues discussed included food sales and advertising, exercise, community and school programs and education campaigns.2002
- Consumer and Community Participation Group, NSW Health, Co-Chair. Julie chaired this group for 12 months with Deborah Hyland from NSW Health. This group of 30 representatives of health consumers, carers, advocacy groups and health executives who provided advice to the NSW Government and NSW Health on how to improve people's access to health information and to improve their participation in health-care decision-making. The report "Partners in Health. Sharing information and making decisions together" outlines the Group's work and recommendations 2000-2001
- Clinical Council, NSW Health, member. This Council was chaired by the Director-General of Health and its members were the chairs of committees providing expert advice to the Minister for Health on ways to improve the health system. The Clinical Council was made up of leaders from medical, nursing, allied health and mental health clinical streams. Julie was a member for 12 months due to her role as co-chair of the Consumer and Community Participation Group 2000-2002
- Improving Our Working Relationship: Let's Do It for the Kids! Julie developed and facilitated a series of workshops across NSW, including 12 in rural area, for the Foster Care Association (NSW) Inc and the Department of Community Services on improving the working relationship between DOCS staff and foster parents. Julie assisted the Foster Care Association to develop reports and present briefings to senior DOCS staff, including Directors-General, on strategies to improve the safety of children in care and the quality of their lives, 1996-1998
- Statewide Forum on Responding to Allegations about Foster Carers in an Interagency Environment. A forum for 52 foster parents, staff from the Department of Community Services and non-government agencies. Julie facilitated the forum and write the summary report of key isssues and recommendations 1997
PATRON
Julie is co-patron with Anton Enus from SBS TV of Gay and Lesbian Health Victoria, a Health Resource Unit for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Victorians, the first of its kind in the world.
Julie is Patron of Pitane and the Consumer Activity Network (Mental Health) Inc consumer-run mental health recovery groups on Sydney's northern beaches. Read more about CAN.
Julie is an Ambassador for NAPCAN (National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect).
Julie is an Ambassador for the Fred Hollows Foundation.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Laws, University of New South Wales 2001
- Graduate Diploma of Adult Education, University of Technology Sydney 1992
- Diploma of Education, University of Sydney 1977
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Sydney 1976
- Higher School Certificate, SCEGGS Darlinghurst 1971
SKILLS
- Heavy vehicle drivers licence
- Juggling and stilt-walking
PHOTOGRAPHS
Click on the thumbnail image to open a window with a larger copy.
QUICK LINKS
WORK HISTORY
- CONSULTANT
- QANTAS IN-FLIGHT
- LIFE ETC.
- ABC RADIO
- ABC TV
- NETWORK TEN
- CHANNEL 9
- COMEDIAN
- COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
- GUARDIANSHIP BOARD NSW
- COMMUNITY LEGAL EDUCATION
- TAFE NSW
- PIPI STORM
- DEBATES
- FREELANCE JOURNALIST
- VOICE-OVERS
- VIDEO PRESENTER
- FILM
- UNIVERSITY LECTURER AND ADULT EDUCATION
- BOARD MEMBERSHIPS
- SPECIAL PROJECTS
