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  • Narelda Jacobs, wearing a blue suit in front of a grey background, smiling to camera

    Narelda Jacobs

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Narelda Jacobs

Associate Degree of Performing Arts (1999)

Winner of the 2021 ECU Community Alumni Award

Narelda was the first Aboriginal student to undertake WAAPA’s broadcasting course, qualifying in 1999 with an Associate Degree of Performing Arts.

Starting her journalism career in 2000 at GWN, it was within a few months that Narelda joined Network 10 and would become the first Aboriginal and openly lesbian news anchor for a commercial network in Australia. Some 20 years later, she is among Australia’s most popular, and highly regarded journalists.

“My lecturer took such an interest in me and because of that I worked hard to impress her. She set high standards and I wanted to meet them. It’s because of her that I did so well, and we still have a great relationship today.”

After two decades at Network 10 in Perth, Narelda moved to Sydney to take up new opportunities with the broadcaster, including presenting two daily national news bulletins. Leaving the comfort of Perth is something she considers one of her greatest achievements

“I was very comfortable in Perth and moving to Sydney was a huge leap of faith.”

“I had built a successful career, I felt I was good at what I did, and our family was well established. When we moved we set up a new life, and my first day in such a big studio was a little overwhelming. But the challenge has paid off and the experience has been life changing.”

“My confidence and self-belief was highly encouraged at ECU. My lecturer challenged the pre-conceived ideas I had for my career and inspired me to think big and break the mould.”

Her on-air profile, Aboriginal heritage and lived experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, is bringing new perspectives to TV. This influence motivates people to be more inclusive and accepting of one another.

“I am passionate about creating platforms where underrepresented voices are heard. I believe that journalists should be able to bring their own experiences to the story.

“That is my biggest advice to anyone going into journalism…Create a place where conversations include varied perspectives and give everyone equal voice. Apply yourself and don’t do things just because they have always been done a certain way. Think of ways to present that are different to the norm, ways that show new ideas. It can be nerve-racking to do, but I say go for it. Because you can be the one to change things.”

Passionate about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, Narelda led an important reconciliation initiative where Aboriginal place names were presented in a national weather forecasts. Narelda is on the board of the National Justice Project, Football Australia’s National Indigenous Advisory Group and is a Legacy ‘23 Ambassador for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Narelda is an ambassador of The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation, Motor Neurone Disease Association WA, WA Aboriginal Leadership Institute, The Pinnacle Foundation and Deadly Science, and was a Rainbow Champion for Sydney World Pride 2023.

Narelda stands tall amongst her peers, working across multiple platforms, sparing conversations and creating cultural change. However, she remains humble and eager to continuously learn and have positive impact.

“I have always thought the best leadership is through example - as a journalist, partner, mum and I’m fiercely proud of my Indigenous and LGBTQIA+ communities. It is so wonderful to receive an ECU Alumni Award, thank you to everyone at ECU for this recognition and your continued friendship.”

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