'Getaway' star Catriona Rowntree has seen more of the world than most, but there's one outback location she's particularly excited to return to.
Catriona has been chosen as Broken Hill's Australia Day Ambassador for 2024, and will travel to the city this month for local celebrations.
Although she is best known as the face of Channel 9's 'Getaway' program, Catriona's expansive media career has also included stints as a newsreader and host on TripleJ and commercial radio, children's show host, and TV writing and producing.
After visiting the city around 15 years ago as part of Getaway, Catriona said she was eager to return and bring her mother along for the journey.
"I fell in love with Broken Hill many years ago when on a Getaway assignment. From the second you land, the personality, the energy and the unique spirit of this town wraps you up," she said.
"So when my Mum mentioned that it was a long held dream of hers to see this magical town, I kept my fingers crossed that I'd be asked to be an Ambassador, and when they did I begged to go to Broken Hill.
"Mum and I are only human, we want to see where Priscilla was filmed and where Mad Max did his burnouts. We just can't wait!"
Catriona said the city had so much to offer in the creative space, and spoke glowingly of the city's artistic offerings and its reputation within the film and TV industry.
"As a traveller, and being involved in the media and an art lover - we have a huge Pro Hart in my in-laws' kitchen - this is my kind of town," said Catriona.
"Broken Hill regularly makes 'Top 10 Film Locations You Can Visit' lists and I think that is such a credit to the locals of the town.
"They're organised, great catering, heaps of accommodation, and a relaxed community. It's such a feather in their caps."
Catriona, who recently became a pilot, said the link between Broken Hill and the Royal Flying Doctor Service was also of particular interest.
"I'm proud to serve as an ambassador to the RFDS in Victoria, and the Broken Hill base has star quality," she said.
"We recently had our AGM where a few of the RFDS TV show actors turned up and raved about the thrill of working in Broken Hill and the pride they have in the local RFDS team there.
"They're definitely angels on earth and I hope they know their reputation is known far and wide."
Broken Hill's Australia Day Ceremony will begin at 7.30 am on the Civic Centre Plaza with a BBQ breakfast by gold coin donation thanks to the Lions Club.
A flag raising ceremony will be held at 8.30am with official proceedings and Australia Day Award presentations to follow in the auditorium.
