Five minutes with Dan Bourchier

Posted on 14 June, 2019

You probably recognise his face (or his voice). 

He’s our local newsman who wears many different hats (and ties!) presenting of both ABC’s 7 pm News from Monday – Thursdays and ABC Radio ACT Breakfast. But how well do you know Dan Bourchier?

We caught up with the man who presents both Canberra’s crack of dawn and evening news to talk Tennant Creek, ties and why Canberra news is different.

Tennant Creek to Canberra is a big journey – tell us how you got here?

It’s been quite the journey, that involved starting and leaving a law degree, a cadetship and apprenticeship in journalism, working in newspapers and as a video journalist – covering contentious meetings abroad and breaking news about Indonesian relations with Australia.

Covering the 2016 election campaign – and becoming part of the Canberra community. It’s certainly been an adventure.

What makes you proud to be the face of Canberra news specifically?

I feel proud about the unflinching way we can tell the whole community about what is happening – especially when it is topics that are difficult; some of the worst conditions nationally for Indigenous people; health and education systems that are under strain; some of the most crippling homelessness. But also being able to take Canberrans on a journey, and when we can have fun and a laugh.

Tell us what you love most about living in Canberra?

I love the community, the great friendships that I’ve continued and those new ones I’ve developed. I also love having weather seasons!

Who would you love to interview, dead or alive?

I’ve always thought I’d love to have a dinner party with Abraham Lincoln, Indigenous leader Barangaroo, and my own Indigenous ancestor who was taken from her family, given a new name, and became a mother to a new Australia–while being forced to turn her back on her identity and culture.

Tell us the story behind your amazing collection of ties

As a newsreader – my job is to objectively and clearly cut through the news, now that means I have to have a very simple outfit of black or blue suit and a white shirt – the tie is the place where I can show a little bit of my personality.

They are bold, bright, and tell stories from different parts of my life. And strong Indigenous prints, where the profits go to the artists is really important to me – it’s about supporting my community. And they are fun!

What’s hardest part about juggling your multiple news hats?

Most certainly the pressure it puts on my partner. The support I get allows me to thrive. I couldn’t do it alone. And having friends who are very understanding about my commitments!

QUICKFIRE ROUND

Dogs or cats: Dogs

Coast or the snow: Coast

Coffee or tea: Coffee

North or South of the lake: Can I say on the lake? I have lived on both sides – and have loved all the communities I’ve lived in.

My perfect day off would be spent: Sitting in the sun with a great book in one hand and a strong coffee in the other.

Favourite café: I love A Bite To Eat in Chifley, Tilley’s in Lyneham, or Coffee N Beans at Red Hill Lookout (the view is amazing).

Favourite restaurant: I can’t go past eightysix in Braddon or Belluci’s in Woden

Favourite tie: I have a bright yellow tie that looks like many circles of different sizes, next to each other – and a stunning bright pink tie. Both are Indigenous storylines and have very important significance to me.