Australian Survivor’s queen of sass and strategy.
Australian Survivor’s queen of sass and strategy.
Whether she’s outwitting castaways in the South Pacific or sipping cherry margaritas in Burleigh, Shonee Bowtell knows how to make an impression. A three-time Survivor queen and undeniable fan favourite (and Inside Gold Coast fave), Shonee first entered the game to get a tan and maybe win some cash, and ended up carving out a legendary spot in Australian Survivor history. Now, she’s back for the ultimate showdown in Survivor: Australia vs The World, hitting screens this Sunday, 17th August, where the stakes (and the sass) are higher than ever.
But when she’s not surviving on a beach with no pillow but her shoe, she’s living her best life on the Gold Coast, raising a toddler, exploring local foodie spots, and keeping things effortlessly stylish, as always.
We chatted to Shonee about life on the Gold Coast, what really goes on behind the scenes of Survivor, and why this new season is set to be the wildest one yet…
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
About two years! I’m originally from Noosa, so I went from one beautiful place to another.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
The beautiful beaches, the hinterland, and all of the delicious food! But please, Tom Tate, if you’re reading this… can we please have some more enclosed playgrounds?
You’re officially a Survivor legend, when you first signed up, did you ever think it would turn into this?
I was just a 25-year-old who wanted to get a tan, half a million dollars, and lose some weight while I was at it. I just play the game in my own unique way, I say whatever pops into my mind, and that’s been enough to keep on getting called back time and time again!
What’s one thing viewers don’t see about life on the island?
The freezing cold, loooonnnggg, uncomfortable nights! Can you imagine spending a night sleeping on the ground at the beach with no bedding and using a shoe as your pillow? It’s not the most refreshing way to wake up haha.
Your fanbase is seriously next-level – how does it feel knowing there’s a whole tribe out there who adore you?
I love my cherubs! Honestly, I am so, so grateful they have my back. It’s very flattering knowing so many people connect with me on a personal level, and I love being able to entertain them by playing again and again. I have so many lovely people bump into me in my day-to-day life, and I always love having a chat and meeting them!
Survivor: Australia vs The World – what can you tell us?
It’s going to be the most entertaining season ever. What’s unique about it is we have all played before – there is not one player who wants to ‘coast’ along just to get the full Survivor experience. We have all had a full Survivor experience, so we are all there to win it; no one cares about laying low just to make it to merge. It’s fast, it’s funny and has some of the best players in the world!
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Café: Palm Springs! The eggs Benny with that maple bacon – oh my god.
Restaurant: It’s a cliché, but is there really anything better than Rick Shores?!
Bar: Malibu in Burleigh. A cherry margarita from Malibu will be my first cocktail once my second baby is born.
Beach: Burleigh!
How do you choose to spend your days off?
I spend a lot of time outdoors with our toddler, drinking smoothies at the beach, pointing at planes, and visiting every playground on the GC.
Presenter and journalist at 9NEWS Gold Coast.
Meet Carla Tooma — queen of the mic. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Carla has been the trusted voice on 1029 Hot Tomato, keeping locals in the loop about all things Gold Coast on air and online. From covering red carpet glam at the Logies to bringing you the latest buzz from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, she’s been there, done that, and still rocks the mic. Not just a radio sensation, Carla is a go-to MC for events across southeast Queensland, effortlessly transitioning from business forums to glam events. And this festive season, she’s taking the GC by storm as part of the 9NEWS Gold Coast team.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I am a proud born and bred Gold Coaster.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
Absolutely everything! From the beaches to the laid-back lifestyle, the family-friendly atmosphere, and don’t even get me started on our thriving food scene. Living here is like being on a permanent vacay – every day feels like a weekend. Both my husband and I are hometown enthusiasts and can’t wait to watch our own family grow in this fantastic place we call home.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I would describe myself as a mix of news, family, community, and events!
In the news realm, you’ll find me as a presenter and journalist at 9NEWS Gold Coast. Before that, I had a blast at 1029 Hot Tomato and myGC.com.au.
Off camera, I’m a proud mum to an adventurous 15-month-old son, navigating the joys of parenthood alongside my wonderful husband.
My love for the Gold Coast and the performing arts extends to serving as a Board Director for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Prior to that, I spent 5 years on the YPGC Board.
I also moonlight as an MC and am fortunate to host some amazing events across our sunny corner of the world. If it is Christmas Carols – I am known to sing a tune or two!
You are joining 9NEWS Gold Coast this festive season. Tell us a bit about that.
I am so thrilled to join the 9NEWS Gold Coast team and fill in while Eva Milic and Paul Taylor enjoy some holiday time.
The legendary Bruce Paige joins me from Boxing Day too which will be so much fun! I grew up watching 9NEWS Gold Coast, so it’s definitely a pinch-me moment to be behind the desk.
How did you get started in journalism and what inspired you to become a presenter?
From a young age, I was captivated by the news. I also had a passion for public speaking and loved the exhilaration of addressing a crowd. This is what led me to pursue a journalism degree at Bond University. Internship stints at the TODAY Show in Washington DC and Cosmopolitan Magazine UK solidified my commitment to a career in the media industry, but I really wanted to work a little closer to home.
I landed my first job at 1029 Hot Tomato and myGC.com.au, and spent over a decade there as a presenter and journalist. After becoming a Mum, it was time for a change and I am loving every minute of my new gig at 9NEWS Gold Coast.
What do you love most about your job?
Keeping Gold Coasters informed about the latest happenings in our city. It’s an absolute privilege to be the voice that connects people to vital information. I am also so lucky to work with an amazing team – everyone is passionate, dedicated and a daily source of inspiration. Plus, I am not going to lie, it’s pretty awesome having a glam squad to do my hair and makeup every day!
What advice would you give to aspiring journalists who are looking to enter the field?
My advice revolves around two power moves: intern like your career depends on it and network like there’s no tomorrow. Dive into newsrooms, soak up the hustle, and put your hand up to give it a go – that’s where the real learning happens.
As for networking – it’s not just about schmoozing; it’s about building relationships. Attend events, connect on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out. Who you know can be just as important as what you know. So, intern hard, and network harder.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: BSKT
Favourite restaurant: Hachi Japanese Restaurant
Favourite bar: At home – with wine thanks to Somm!
Favourite beach: Miami Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
On my days off, it’s all about soaking up the sun at the beach or pool with my favourite squad – my husband and son. Before hitting the sand, we usually kickstart the day with a stroll into Nobby Beach for a caffeine fix and acai bowl!
We always try to squeeze in a catch-up with friends and family too, usually at a surf club with a great view.
Powerhouse podcasters from Happy Hour.
Lucy and Nikki first crossed paths while studying marketing in North Queensland, bonding over big ideas and even bigger energy while working at Red Bull. That spark led them to launch their fashion label, JGR & STN, and later, their wildly popular podcast, Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki – a cheeky, unfiltered show built on real talk, hilarious stories, and their shared adventures.
What started as a side hustle turned into one of Australia’s biggest podcasts for young women. With a cult-like following (yes, there are logo tattoos), sold-out live shows, and a community that hangs on every happy hour, Lucy and Nikki are now household names.
Their latest move? Teaming up with bobby, the better-for-you soft drink brand shaking up the bevvie scene, for a brand-new collaboration that’s as fun and fizz-filled as they are.
We caught up with the powerhouse duo to talk life, business, and what’s bubbling up next.
How long have you been Gold Coast locals?
Nikki: We’ve been on the Gold Coast since 2015 so we’re just coming on to 10 years!
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
Nikki: We love the lifestyle! As people that travel a lot it’s nice to come back to a place where you can get into a routine, get up early and enjoy some good weather!
Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
Nikki: Luckily enough with our jobs we are able to be the same person when professionally and in real life haha. We always are very grateful that we built our brand on having a good time and being super open about that, so there are no surprises when it comes to seeing us out and about enjoying a good night! With that being said, we also love exercise and routine. So I guess we are pretty balanced.
Happy Hour has become one of Australia’s most listened-to podcasts, what do you think has made it connect with so many people?
Nikki: I think it’s because we’re very relatable and a lot of female friendship duo’s probably know who their Lucy to their Nikki is when they listen.
You’ve always been open and unfiltered with your audience – has that helped shape how you approach business too?
Nikki: We like to consider ourselves professional when it comes to business so probably not AS unfiltered haha. But yes, we do have a pretty open desk dialogue in our office and keep things casual. Let’s just say there’s no corporate jargon happening at JGR & STN HQ.
This is bobby’s first co-created flavour, and your first time stepping into the beverage space. How did this collaboration with come about?
Nikki: We have always LOVED bobby so the brand alignment felt super organic! We’ve been drinking it for years so when we met the team and loved them and the concept it was a no brainer.
Strawberries & Cream is such a nostalgic throwback. What made you land on that flavour?
Nikki: We love the lollies so when they said they could make it sugar free we were like hell yeah!
What’s your advice for anyone looking to turn their online presence into a full-blown business or brand?
Consistency and authenticity. You’re gonna have to work hard at it before you earn the fruits of your labour.
What does the future have in store?
A live show tour at the end of the year!
How do you choose to spend your days off?
It could be anything between wholesome bath houses and boozy lunches into evenings at our favourite bar.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Nikki:
Café: Burleigh Surf Club Kiosk is low key epic
Restaurant: Maman & Rickshores in Burleigh Heads
Bar: Moustache in Nobbys
Beach: Burleigh or Greenmount
Lucy
Cafe: Holliday in Nobbys – for a cheese toastie!
Restaurant: Rick Shores for weekends, Goukai Ramen for weeknights
Bar: Moustache in Nobbys as well
Beach: Mermaid Beach
Creative Director of The Sculpted Look.
When it comes to creating show-stopping beauty moments, few do it with the artistry and precision of Nina. As the founder of The Sculpted Look, a premier agency of elite hair and makeup professionals, Nina has spent years mastering the craft of making people look and feel unforgettable.
From her early beginnings as a trained hairdresser and cinematographic makeup artist in the film industry to leading major makeup departments for national television networks, Nina’s journey is one of passion, precision, and dedication to beauty in all its forms. Whether it’s a red carpet appearance, a high-profile TV production, or a bride’s big day, Nina and her team bring a level of care, skill, and creativity that sets them apart.
We chatted with Nina to about her career path, her inspiration behind The Sculpted Look, and what it really takes to make someone camera-ready.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local
I have lived on and off from the Gold Coast since I was 18 years old (so a while now), traveling to different states and locations for work but nothing compares to the Gold Coast.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast
The sun, the sand and the endless sunshine. It’s just magic. The energy here is inspiring and effortlessly chic, which is exactly what I channel through my work. It’s the perfect backdrop for beauty, creativity and living a life that feels as good as it looks.
Tell us a little more about yourself
By sunrise, I’m a pilates instructor, road runner and ocean lover. By sunset, I’m in my creative element – creating hair and makeup looks, from television, to red carpet events, weddings and sporting sidelines. Now, I lead The Sculpted Look, a boutique agency bringing high-end beauty to life for everyone to feel that sprinkle of glamour.
We’ve noticed you often use the phrase “Your Look, Elevated” in your work – can you share what that means to you and how it reflects your approach to beauty?
“Your Look, Elevated’ means enhancing your natural beauty in the most refined, effortless way. It’s about helping you feel confident, polished, and truly yourself – just with a little extra glow.
What inspired you to launch The Sculpted Look?
After years of working solo – from international bookings to iconic locations right here at home – I saw a need for something more refined. The Gold Coast has become a global destination for weddings, film, and events. The Sculpted Look is here to deliver high class looks in all aspects of beauty.
You’ve worked with everyone from celebrities to everyday clients – how do you approach creating a look that feels both personal and impactful?
Whether it’s a celebrity or a bride, my approach is always the same – it starts with connection. I take the time to understand who they are and how they want to feel. From there, it’s about enhancing their natural features in a way that feels effortless, elevated, and radiant.
What’s one beauty or styling myth you wish more people knew the truth about?
The biggest myth? That more makeup means more glam. Truth is, no one needs multiple layers to look their best. It’s all about placement, skin prep, and enhancing your features rather than hiding them.
What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out in the hair and makeup industry?
Say yes, show up early, and always bring good energy!
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Café: Anywhere serving caffeine (too many goodies)
Restaurant: Siblings
Bar: Nineteen at The Star
Beach: Currumbin dog beach, it’s like Disneyland for dogs
