Picture the scene. We’re in the tiny country town of Kilkivan in Queensland’s Gympie region and at the end of a dusty driveway “that seemed to stretch forever”, a precocious seven-year-old clicks ‘record’ on her dad’s dictaphone as she rushes around the house interviewing members of the family.
Our intrepid cub reporter would hum the ABC news musical fanfare and proclaim in an as deeper voice as her developing vocal cords could muster: “Here we are, it’s the seven o’clock news and Mr Whipam, what have you got to say?” as she held the recording device under the nose of her younger sister, Trudi.
“I couldn’t even pronounce Whitlam, that’s how young I am,” explains Lisa. “Then Trudi would start talking in this very deep voice. We only knew that men had those kinds of positions, which strikes me as sad, that these two little girls are putting on deep voices because they think if you’re going to be a politician or a journalist then you’re going to be a bloke. Trudi would start talking and then pretty quickly I’d say, ‘thank you very much, that’s all we’ve got time for’. So … I’ve been cutting people off since I was seven!”
That this country kid would end up crossing the globe as a foreign correspondent, covering terrorist attacks, and yes, interviewing prime ministers, politicians, and all manner of famous folk, may have felt far-fetched back then, but with hindsight it seems predestined.
This story is from the September 2021 edition of The Australian Women's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2021 edition of The Australian Women's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Where to go in 2024
Who doesn't love fantasising about their next trip? We've gone for lesser-known locations, and whether you're seeking bright lights, striking natural scenery, serenity or excitement, here's where you're sure to find it.
The woman behind The King
As Sofia Coppola's biopic Priscilla readies to hit screens, we look back at the early life and great love of Priscilla Beaulieu Presley.
Say hello to the Cockatoo cake
When we put a call-out to our readers for their best children's cakes we were inundated with recipes, and this clever cockatoo was ahead of the flock.
Trump's women
Will it be the jailhouse or the White House for Donald Trump this year? The women in his life could make all the difference.
REBECCA GIBNEY “I feel very much at ease in my own skin”
The beloved actress chats exclusively with The Weekly about family life, empty nesting, and the contentment and hard-won self-acceptance she's found with the passing years.
Barbra Streisand – No Regrets
Barbra Streisand writes candidly about her loves and losses in her must-read new memoir. Here, she talks about a fleeting, heady relationship with handsome Miami Vice star Don Johnson.
Merry macadamias
Delightful, delicious edible presents from your kitchen to please everyone! These sweet and spicy nuts are great for snacking and add a crunchy burst of flavour to sprinkle over salads and desserts.
Season's greetings
Despite decades of practice, Christmas still sneaks up and surprises the best of us.
Rewriting a GREEK TRAGEDY
The children and grandchildren of deposed King Constantine II of Greece have wealth, beauty and fame, and are some of Europe's most glamorous royals. But they do not have a kingdom... yet.
'NEXT CHRISTMAS I'LL BE a married woman!'
Sophie Delezio is ready to celebrate the holiday season with her best friend and fiancé, Joseph, after a year that's seen an engagement, a move to a new home and another critical surgery.