Georgie Gardner
Georgie Gardner | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 1, 1970 Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, television presenter |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | Anchor for Nine News Sydney; co-host and news presenter on Today (Nine Network) |
Georgie Gardner (born 1 June 1970) is a prominent Australian journalist and television presenter.
She currently serves as the anchor for Nine News Sydney and has previously held roles as co-host and news presenter on the Nine Network's morning program Today.
Early life
Gardner was born in Perth, Western Australia, to Preston, a stockbroker who passed away at age 52 due to complications from oesophageal cancer surgery, and her mother Ruth. Her maternal grandfather worked as an accountant before becoming a stock, station, and shipping agent in the Kimberley area between 1938 and 1970.
She grew up with two siblings, Katie and John, and has three half-siblings—Beth, David, and Richard—resulting from her parents’ later remarriages. Gardner attended Dalkeith Primary School followed by St Hilda's Anglican School for Girls in Perth. At 17 years old, she spent time working as a nanny in Milan prior to returning home to pursue journalism studies at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.
Radio
Gardner embarked on her media journey in 1992 through a radio cadetship at Radio 2NX (now known as hit106.9 Newcastle) located in Newcastle, New South Wales. By 1994, she relocated to Sydney where she read news bulletins for 2Day FM.
Ten Network
In 1996, Gardner joined the Ten Network as a television news reporter and served as a substitute presenter when required.
Seven Network
Her career progressed in 1998 when she moved to the Seven Network, taking on roles as a reporter and late-night news anchor. Between 2000 and 2002, she co-hosted Seven News Sunrise alongside Mark Beretta. Additionally, she frequently filled in as presenter for Seven News and contributed to Sky News Australia, playing a key part in early morning broadcasts.
Nine Network
Gardner became part of the Nine Network team in July 2002, initially presenting weather reports on Nine News Sydney along with hosting afternoon news updates. In 2004, she was appointed the inaugural host of the semi-national National Nine News Afternoon Edition. By 2006, she had taken over from Leila McKinnon as presenter of the National Nine News Morning Edition.
In December 2006, Gardner replaced Sharyn Ghidella as the news presenter on Today. After taking maternity leave in 2007—with Allison Langdon covering during that period—she returned to the program.
In July 2009, Gardner was named weekend presenter for Nine News Sydney, succeeding Mark Ferguson. On 26 May 2014, she announced her decision to leave Today to dedicate more time to family commitments while continuing her involvement with Nine News and occasional reporting for 60 Minutes. Her final appearance on Today on 6 June 2014 attracted high viewership and was considered a dignified send-off. Reporter Sylvia Jeffreys took over her role.
On 23 November 2017, Gardner was officially confirmed as co-host of Today, stepping into the position following Lisa Wilkinson's exit amid a salary disagreement. She formally commenced this role on 22 January 2018.
In November 2019, it was announced by Nine Network that Gardner would immediately step down from co-hosting duties on Today, resuming her position presenting Nine News Sydney on Fridays and Saturdays. Subsequently, Karl Stefanovic returned as co-host alongside Allison Langdon starting January 2020.
Points of note
Gardner holds the distinction of being the sole Australian news anchor to have hosted the late-night news bulletin across all three leading commercial television networks. Her experience includes substituting on Ten Late News, serving as the primary presenter for Seven Late News, and stepping in for Nightline, the late edition of Nine News.
Additionally, she has acted as a temporary host for Sonia Kruger on the program Today Extra.
On 3 October 2007, Gardner took a break from presenting following the passing of former West Coast Eagles player Chris Mainwaring, whose wife Rani—Gardner’s close friend from Perth—was deeply impacted.