Brooke Boney, the news presenter and entertainment reporter, will bid farewell to the breakfast television show after a commendable five-year stint. However, fret not, Today viewers, as there is ample time to bid adieu, with Brooke set to remain part of the team until the culmination of the Paris Olympics in July and August.
Following this, Brooke will start a new chapter, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration of studying at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. She intends to dedicate the upcoming year to advancing her education and contributing to the community.
A proud Gamilaroi Gomeroi woman, Brooke is enthusiastic about persisting in her advocacy efforts for the Indigenous community.
“I’ve seen people get married, I’ve flown to London and rode a bus with Jason Momoa and Rome to talk to Dame Helen Mirren, I’ve covered the Oscars, I’ve done so much on this show,” she said.
“When I was younger, I never could have imagined being on the Today show. Never in my wildest dreams.
“And to be able to sit there with Karl and Sarah and Alex every day, it’s such a privilege and none of that is lost on me.”
Brooke, whose television journey commenced as a political correspondent for SBS and later NITV before her 2019 entry into Today, expressed heartfelt sentiments about missing the dedicated team behind the scenes. She specifically mentioned the producers, technical crew, and floor staff.
“We’re just so lucky,” she said. “You learn people’s kid’s names, you see people’s parents and dogs and you all become a part of each other’s lives because you’re in it every day together and to be able to build those friendships. It’s a real privilege.
“I think we are so lucky that we get to wake up every day and for the most part have fun together,” she added.
“We wake up and try to make other people happy and informed. I always joke and say if you’re not learning, you’re laughing. I think that’s true, that’s definitely what we do on set and behind the scenes, is we have a really good time.
“And we take the job so seriously. It’s such an important part of people’s day, getting them up to go to work or school or wherever they’ve got to go during the day.”
Brooke remains open to the possibility of returning to television in the future and envisions her studies at Oxford University as an opportunity to enhance the depth of her work.
Of her new adventure overseas, Brooke added:
“I settled on the Masters of Public Policy because I thought this is sort of what fits best with my journalistic career thus far.
“I thought if I don’t do this now, then I’m probably never going to. I am at that age where if I leave now and go and study and come back, I’ll still only be 38,” she said.
“That still leaves plenty of time to sort of carve out the next part of what my career is.
“I’d love to be able to come back and still do things with Nine and figure out what that looks like.”
Steven Burling, Nine’s director of morning television, conveyed the entire Today team’s pride in Brooke’s accomplishments on the show and applauded her for embracing a new challenge.
“It’s been an absolute privilege having Brooke as a key part of the Today family over the past five years,” he said.
“A great broadcaster, a talented journalist and a passionate advocate for issues concerning Indigenous Australians and young women, Brooke will be missed by her co-hosts – who are also her great mates – and the entire production team.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Brooke as she embarks on this challenge in the latter part of the year, she inspires us all as she follows her dreams, wherever they take her.”
