One of Australia’s best-known media professionals, Jacqueline Felgate is a multi-award-winning journalist with 20 years of experience in broadcast, radio and print. She is an accomplished and sought-after MC, working with some of Australia’s biggest companies. Jacqui was the first woman to host the Brownlow Medal count and has covered major sporting events including the AFL Grand Final, Wimbledon and the Beijing Olympic Games.
She is currently the host of 3AW’s Drive Show program Breakfast program, as well as co-hosting “The House of Wellness”, she is known for her popular Instagram page @jacquifelgate, which has over 329,000 engaged followers and regularly sets the news agenda for the week.
The 40-year-old began her career at Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper, before moving to Nine News and later Seven News as the Afternoon News presenter. As a newsreader and political reporter, she covered some of Australia’s biggest news events including the COVID pandemic, Black Saturday bushfires, federal and state elections and royal visits before transitioning into sport. She has been awarded two Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards for her reporting. During the pandemic, her Instagram page @jacquifelgate became a must-follow and has evolved into a source of information for Victoria. A popular MC, she has hosted events for organisations including the AFL, Nab, ANZ, Chemist Warehouse, L’Oreal, BMW, the Victoria Racing Club, the Melbourne Press Club and UN Women. She is also an ambassador for Off The Track, helping to rehome retired racehorses.
A mum of two girls, Jacqui is married to sports broadcaster Michael Felgate. She enjoys spending time with her family, going to the footy, travelling, marathon running and riding her horses with daughters Maddie and Georgia.
Talking Points
Know Your Worth & Speak Up Against Poor Behaviour
- Took 42 years to learn her own worthKnow Your Worth & Speak Up Against Poor Behaviour
- Experienced inappropriate comments from male bosses early in career ("You'd make a great stripper," "Melbourne audiences prefer men")
- Emphasises the importance of calling out poor behaviour and having courage to speak up
- Still learning to find her voice and speak up when she should
Career Journey & Taking Risks
- Started as copy kid at Herald Sun after calling every week for a yearCareer Journey & Taking Risks
- Worked way up from cadetship to state politics reporter to TV newsreader
- Left what appeared to be a "dream job" at - Channel 7 when role changed and work-life balance became unsustainable
- Now works at 3AW hosting drive program
Building Social Media Following During COVID
- Accidentally built large Instagram following by posting simple, useful information during Dan Andrews press conferencesBuilding Social Media Following During COVID
- Made complex government restrictions understandable for everyday people
- Personally responded to thousands of DMs, sometimes until 2AM
- Became a "conduit for what was happening in the real world" with hyper-local Melbourne content
Work-Life Balance & Family Sacrifices
- Worked every weekend for 19 years and missed much of her daughters' childhoodsWork-Life Balance & Family Sacrifices
- Returned to work 6 weeks after having a baby out of fear of losing her job
- Struggled with guilt over not putting family first
- Mental health suffered, especially after COVID
Supporting Women & Breaking Barriers
- Women face "Goldilocks syndrome" - having to be "just right" in every waySupporting Women & Breaking Barriers
- Hired all-female management team and mostly female producers
- Believes in putting money where your mouth is by properly paying and promoting women
- Encourages younger generation (Gen Z) to continue smashing through outdated social norms
Jacqui was an absolute delight. The consummate professional and so very down to earth. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting her and working with her for the Gala. ... keep reading LaunchVIC
