George Hazim
Executive Producer and Chief Writer
George began in journalism at the Latrobe Valley Express before working as a senior journalist for more than 15-years with some of Australia’s leading media outlets, covering business and politics, industrial relations and telecommunications extensively as well as being an accomplished features writer.
Moving on, he headed the Corporate Affairs Departments of Primus Telecom and NEC and was the Media Advisor to the VC of RMIT University, Margaret Gardner, and Media Advisor to the Victorian Minister for Small Business, Tourism and Youth Affairs, Vin Heffernan.
Alongside running MAPA, George is co-writing a book on genetics. He writes regularly for CFO Magazine, Smart Investor Magazine and other major publications. George is the Founder, Executive Producer of TheInformer. George is also the chief writer for TheInformer.
Luis Ascui
Director
Luis Ascui has more than 30-years experience having worked in media across the world in countries including in South America, Australia, Europe, and South East Asia, covering major global and national stories.
Accomplished He is accomplished in all aspects delivering images and video for the world’s largest wire agencies, broadcast networks and magazines. A winner of the
Winner of the Asian Nikon Award for Photojournalism in 2000, his is also the former Photographer/Senior Sub-editor for the Reuters Global Pictures Desk in Singapore. His work is published widely by magazines and newspapers globally, and now works for clients across Asia Pacific and the Far East, fulfilling corporate assignments, breaking news, features, and portraiture for online, print and broadcast.
Robert Buckell
Director
Rob Buckell began his Television Career back in 1986, working in regional TV as a 15-year old, moving to Ten Network 1991b in news and current affairs. Vancouver was calling then studied Film at the Vancouver Film School.
Returning to Melbourne as a freelance lighting cameraman/director, Rob has since worked on Television programs for more than 25 years including Australia’s best-known entertainment programs, The Block, Lego Masters, Masterchef and a collection of Lifestyle programs, documentaries and corporate special projects.
Wayne Flower
Editor at Large
Wayne has been a reporter more than 20 years and has worked across the nation’s largest news agencies.
He began his career at a shipping newspaper before moving onto community newspapers in the early 2000s.
He spent a little over 12 years at Melbourne’s Herald Sun where he was recognised over his reporting of the Jill Meagher murder mystery.
Wayne continues to cover crime and hard news at Daily Mail Australia.
Natalie Sady
Los Angeles-based US correspondent
Natalie Sady is a former Melbourne model turned TV Host and journalist. She has appeared in commercials, and on shows like The Price is Right, before becoming the co-host of on-course television for Moonee Valley Racecourse’s night racing season. Natalie was also a contestant on The Bachelor Australia in 2013. In 2017 she relocated to Los Angeles, where she expanded her online show ‘Sady Says’ and developed ‘Sassy & Single’ and ‘Pathways’. She has also launched her own production company in Los Angeles and reports regularly for some of the US’s major news networks.
Steve Carey
Media Commentator
Steve Carey is one of Australia’s most experienced TV News and Public Affairs executives. During a career spanning 35 years, he’s done everything from presenting ABC News to foreign correspondent covering the first Gulf War, Supervising Producer of Today Tonight and most recently Director of News for 7 Melbourne… a job he held for a decade. Steve has driven ratings success at both TT and 7 News. He’s also been instrumental in developing key outcomes for editorial coverage, crisis management, program development and, in particular, future strategy for digital and on-line media. During his tenure at ABC, 9 Network and 7 Network, Steve won or achieved every award for journalistic excellence. Now he’s using those skills and a passion for media as a commentator, strategist and trainer. He is also a regular contributor and guest commentator on ABC Breakfast TV, ABC Drive – News Therapy, Radio 3AW, ABC Statewide and Community Radio 94.1 3WBC.
Rhys Hawker
Content Producer
Rhys commenced his career in digital media in 2014 and hosts a wide range of industry skills and experience. Through his time in the industry, he was worked as a Digital Content Producer for multiple years at FNR – Football Nation Radio and also as a Freelancer in the industry.
Being creative is important to Rhys as well as expressing creative ideas and strategies and bringing them to life, Rhys believes in striving to learn and improve skill and to push the boundaries to make an effective and memorable contribution to every project.
Anthony Piovesan
Local Government and State Politics Reporter
Anthony is an award-winning journalist based in Melbourne. He covered police, court and environmental affairs in regional Victoria before tapping into metropolitan communities where he now reports on local government.
Anthony’s latest work has exposed a long series of scandals and dirty politics at Whittlesea Council, resulting in the embattled local authority’s sacking this year.
Anthony graduated from RMIT University and is currently reporting with News Corp Australia for Leader Community News.
Kusal Goonewardena
Kusal Goonewardena has established a successful career in building 3 innovative sports medicine clinics in Melbourne. His passion is to provide the best solutions in the sports physiotherapy healthcare sector so that patients, athletes and clients continuously receive the most important aspect in health: Results. His passion is to lead practitioners so they live a life of service that is judged by expertise, results, service and education.
Alex Caiafa
AFL Reporter
27 year-old Journalism student from the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne. Intern at ‘Zero Digital Media’. Into all sports, AFL and Basketball in particular. Passionate Carlton fan and one of very few Denver Nuggets supporters in Australia. Nothing beats a delicious pasta, chocolate mousse or a hot cup of tea before bed.
A life goal of mine is to buy a yellow GT Mustang, purchase a house with my partner and own a dog called MJ (Michael Jordan). In five-years, I hope to be well immersed in the sports journalism industry and living out my dream life as a respected sports journalist.
John Sutton
Legal Commentator
As a former police officer in two countries, a prosecutor in two States, including one position dedicated to prosecuting corrupt police, and then going on to lead the largest criminal defence team in Australia, across five capital cities: I have experience. I bring attention to detail, balance of all sides and the unmatched ability to deliver advice and guidance that puts clients on the path to achieving the best result for their specific situation.
Michael Connory
Cyber Security Commentator
Michael Connory is Australia’s leading cybersecurity expert and CEO of Security In Depth. An economics graduate of Latrobe University, Michael is a highly sought after media commentator. He writes regularly for the Australian Newspaper and other publications and appears consistently on Seven Sunrise, Sky News, The ABC and other media outlets. Michael has built a security research organisation developing products like CARR Australia’s defacto risk rating solution and Candiru – a world class simulated attack solution and security learning platform. Security in-Depth is head quartered in Melbourne and has offices in Sydney, US and UK.
Nicolas Sinclair
Cameraman and Video Editor
Nicolas Sinclair continues to refine and develop his video editing and camera skills with TheInformer, co-producing content for the series. His philosophy is building connections with people and gaining new perspectives from them to learn and grow. In working for TheInformer, Nicolas is looking forward to meeting the diverse range of people appearing on the program. When Nicolas isn’t editing TheInformer, his passion is producing music.
Athos Sirianos
Soccer Reporter and Content Producer
Athos Sirianos is a recently graduated journalist from RMIT with a passion for sport and storytelling. Athos has experience in print, radio and television – working as a presenter and producer at FNR Football Nation Radio, as well as co-hosting Channel 31’s AFL program The Rushed Behind. Athos has also had work published in the Herald Sun, Neos Kosmos and on The Roar sports website. Athos is TheInformer’s soccer reporter and content producer.
Chris James
Economics and Industry Commentator
Chris James is the Executive Director of NORTH Link – the regional association for Melbourne’s North focused on economic development. He has served as an economist for the Victorian Farmers Federation and the Victorian Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) and drove significant issues such as the deepening of the Port Phillip Bay Shipping Channels, where VECCI formed a business, union, farmer alliance to get the project approved. Chris managed the workforce skills issues with the Minerals Council of Australia and Skills DMC. He also serves on not-for-profit boards in the disability services and incubator and start-up space. Chris studied Economics and Politics at Monash University.
Rochelle Jackson
Producer and Urban Affairs Commentator
Rochelle Jackson is an investigative journalist/TV producer who hasworked in Australia’s electronic media all her life.
She specialises in crime and police stories writing In Your Face – the life and times of Billy “The Texan” Longley (ABC Books). Rochelle published Inside their Minds – Australian Criminals (Allen & Unwin) in 2008. Her third true crime book, Partners and Crime – The true stories of eight women and life with their notorious male partners (Allen & Unwin) was published in 2012. She is a regular on ABC Radio’s Nightlife program presenting “crime spots” on-air.
Rochelle is currently working on her fourth book.
Dr Mark Williams
Media law Commentator
Mark Williams is a Melbourne CBD solicitor in his own firm and a lecturer in the School of Art at RMIT University. He holds a D.Phil. from Oxford University in English, legal and postgraduate qualifications in intellectual property law and worked at the Australian forefront of the convergence of the internet and cultural and intellectual property for nearly 30 years in research and development, technology transfer, and commercialisation of Australia’s industrial and intellectual innovation.
Bill Bowtell
Health Policy Commentator
Bill Bowtell AO is a health and international development strategist and policy adviser. He was one of the architects of Australia’s successful response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic and has served in a variety of HIV-related community organisations and advisory committees. Bill Bowtell has been a senior political adviser and consultant on health system reforms, international development and assistance.
Timothy Dalton
Music Industry Commentator
Tim Dalton is an international music industry professional with 40 years of experience. Over the years, he has undertaken a number of roles; audio engineer, record producer, studio owner, tour manager, artists manager, A&R consultant, educator and music business executive. Past credits include; Paul McCartney, David Bowie, Simple Minds, Faith No More, Beastie Boys, Transvision Vamp, Atomic Kitten and many more bands that have long since disappeared into the mists of time.
Sabina Read
Commentator
Sabina Read is a psychologist, media commentator, speaker and communications specialist. In addition to working in private practice, Sabina is the Resident Psychologist and Social Commentator on a number of Australian TV and radio shows including Afternoons on Radio 3AW, and co-host on the new podcast, Human Cogs. Sabina is also the Resident Psychologist and Ambassador at SEEK; and Expert Ambassador at Kids Under Cover, a not for profit dedicated to the prevention of youth homelessness. She is also a speaker and MC with Saxtons, Consultant Psychologist and Coach with Corporate Health Management. Sabina is passionate about the universality of the human experience, believing that we all have more in common than we often realise.
Dr Kudzai Kanhutu
COVID Infectious Diseases Commentator
Dr Kanhutu (FRACP, MBBS(Hons), BA/Bsc, MPH, MAICD) is an infectious diseases specialist and deputy chief medical information officer at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH). She has over 15 years clinical experience in the public hospital sector with a professional skill set encompassing patient care, research and digital health project management.
Shayne Hood
Youth Affairs Commentator
Shayne is a speaker, consultant, educator, youth specialist and photographer. The heart of Shayne’s work is motivated by his own lived experience, empathy, compassion and an unconditional positive regard for all, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable.
As a photographer (alias ‘Johnny Brixton’), Shayne’s current focus is documenting American subcultures. In particular, he is interested in exploring and documenting the powerful legacy of those living in hardship.
“Every person is born with potential no matter what the lived experience”
Michael Ray
Becoming a Dad at 49 was a shock, and two years after that an even bigger shock when found himself as the sole parent to his beautiful baby girl.
Michael speaks about his insights from his personal journey and the profound impact being a solo dad has had on his outlook.
He conveys his important message to organisations and individuals, brimming with concrete, actionable research and guidance with a passion that inspires. (He also has a breadth of dad jokes!)
Nicole Dunn
Nicole Dunn is a qualified Physiotherapist and Care Coordinator. Nicole has over 15 years of health service experience and has specialised in aged care. After becoming a live-in carer for her Nanna, this experience drove Nicole to be an advocate for older people. In 2019, Nicole was an expert witness at the Aged Care Royal commission.
Nicole’s passion is assisting older people to remain at home for longer by arranging in home aged care supports through her business Empower Aged Care Consulting.
Eva Chye
Eva Chye has been involved in the full spectrum of innovation and business growth for over 25 years – both within Australia and overseas – working in professional services, industry and not-for-profit with a specific focus on R&D collaboration and market development.
To keep the theme of innovation alive, Eva pushes the boundaries in her personal life by jumping out of a plane solo, hiking on Exit Glacier in Alaska, and learning adult ballet.
Karalee Katsambanis
Karalee Katsambanis is an accomplished Australian TV commentator, author, journalist, columnist and media trainer. She has worked across Australia’s mainstream TV, radio, newspapers, magazines and online for the past 25 years.
She is a mother of 3 children and stepmother of 2 young adults.
Her book “Step Parenting with Purpose – everything you wanted to know but were too afraid to ask” provides invaluable insights and advice to those beginning or already on their stepparenting journey. It ranked Number 1 Amazon in “Step Families and Blended Families category” March 2020.
David Basheer
Michael A. Charbon
Michael A. Charbon is the host of TheCharbonReprot.com. Living in Toronto, Michael delivers informative reports on Americas overwhelming political machine and contemporary geo-political cultural influencers. His passion in covering news and discussing politics, consistently delivers engaging insightful reports. Michael is a proven Live remote correspondent, talented interviewer, seasoned network contributor and anchor. Michael’s accomplished media toolbox is complimented with multi-award-winning broadcast television content production and prolific feature film making.