Channel 10
While Americans have been trying to outwit, outplay and outlast each other for 32 seasons on Survivor, Australians have barely gotten onto the island.
Now, over the course of 55 days in Samoa, 24 eager contestants will get their chance to make fire, forage for food and snuff out each other’s torches when Australian Survivor starts Aug. 21 on Ten at 7.30 PM. In the end one will emerge as the winner of $500,000 and the title of sole Australian Survivor.
“The level of competition we are seeing this season is nothing short of nail-biting,” host Jonathan LaPaglia tells WHO. “Of course they must also compete in grueling, and at times dangerous, challenges. But I think the mental stresses of the game may have an even bigger impact on them. Every two days they must vote someone off the island, or be voted off. The strategies involved end up consuming them.”
So who are the lucky ones ready to make their mark on the series? Here’s a contestant primer, complete with their responses to a WHO game questionnaire:
ANDREW
Age: 29
Occupation: Marketing executive
State: QLD
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I am a superfan of US Survivor. I watched Richard Hatch beat Kelly Wigglesworth in Borneo to firefighter Jeremy Collins taking it all out in Cambodia. I’ve watched and re-watched every season. I am going to try and emulate Tony Vlachos’s gameplay from Season 28 Cagayan, looking for idols, playing fluidly between alliances and playing at a speed so fast that the other contestants cannot keep up.
Q: Can you rough it?
A: Every travel vacation I have had has been in nice hotels — definitely no sleeping bags or hostels. My best roughing it experience would have been camping with friends in Lamington National Park near the Gold Coast for two nights a few years ago, and it was horrible. There were leeches, mosquitos and poorly constructed tents, which fell down in heavy rain during the night.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: ‘I am someone who has had to survive in life, growing up in a housing commission estate, where my parents displayed that hard work and determination regardless of life’s adversities will always pay off at the end of the day. I played this game no different. I worked hard to ensure I always maintained control of this game, adapting and making aggressive, big moves to get to where I am at this moment, in front of the jury. I outwitted, outplayed and outlasted each and every jury member. I deserve the title of sole Survivor and the $500,000 prize.’
BARRY
Age: 44
Occupation: Radio host and ex Rugby International player
Q: So, superfan or newbie? Who was your favourite Survivor winner and why?
A: Couldn’t really tell you.
Q: Who at home is cheering you on and who would you have come out for a family visit if you get that far into the game?
A: Kerrie, she is my rock.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: Hard to say, but if I stay true to myself, whatever will be, will be. Loyalty is very important to me. Other means in the past have seen me being hurt due to my own lack of respect.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: The truth.
BIANCA
Age: 36
Occupation: Private investigator
State: VIC
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: If I can marry up elements of my idols Boston Rob (cunning, strategic, observant, proficient at challenges, sense of fun in his tribe) and Cochran (smart, strategic, self deprecating) and put that with elements of Stephenie (physically capable) and Sandra (neutral/loyal/doesn’t rock the boat), I’ll be set! Fingers crossed I can pull that off. That’s my plan at least.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: On Survivor, my word will be meaningful for as long as it suits my game plan and the situation I find myself in. I will break alliances if necessary, but I would try very hard to keep my core alliance with one male from days 1 or 2. You have to pick someone to trust and be loyal to.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: That the game started for me before I even left to come on the show, with my physical, mental and strategic preparation. Regardless of the outcome, I feel I’ve been successful because I lived my dream and I thank them for their contribution.
BROOKE
Age: 23
Occupation: Sales executive
State: VIC
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I actually had only seen about three episodes of Survivor before I applied. Since getting accepted, I have now seen about three seasons. I can’t say I can compare myself to anyone I have seen yet, but according to others, I’m a ‘Parvarti’. I think she was the flirt…Oops.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: My plan is to try and be everybody’s friend and to put in the effort to form relationships with each person on the island. I usually find that I bond with guys a lot quicker than I do with women, so my time will be devoted to developing strong bonds with the girls.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: I guess this all depends on what happens over the 55 days but I think it will go something like this… ‘I have been completely real this entire time, I have tried to minimise the lies and hurt for each and every one of you over the last 55 days, I came in here unprepared and not a crazy fan of the show, but I have grown and proven to be a fierce competitor, I have given each and every challenge 100 percent of my efforts and energy.’
CONNER
Age: 23
Occupation: Law student
State: ACT
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: Yes, I’m a huge fan and have seen almost all of them. I’d like to play like Todd Herzog and Spencer.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: My word in real life is my bond. In the game though, it might not be.
Q: Can you make fire?
A: Maybe. We’ll see what happens when I’m out there.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: I’ve played a strategic game and hope they respect that. And I need the money to fund my education.
CRAIG
Age: 32
Occupation: Emergency services recruitment officer
State: QLD
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: Yes, I love it. I would want to play like Amanda Kimmel, just not her final tribal council performances. But I would love to be like Cirie Fields with her strategy brain.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: I am going to play my game and make the moves that will better my position until the end.
Q: Can you make fire?
A: No.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: Being humble. Acknowledging all the other players in the game and admitting my game plan.
DES
0Age: 59
Occupation: Courier driver
State: QLD
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: Yes, I’ve watched all 32 seasons and would like to play like Cirie Fields. She used strategy as her greatest weapon.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: In the game, my word is glass. It’s meant to be broken in case of fire.
1Q: Can you rough it? Have you gone on many camping trips?
A: I’ve been on plenty as being ex-Army, so I’ve had lots of different exercises in the outdoors.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: That I am more deserving than the person next to me.
EL
Age: 33
Occupation: Army corporal and charity worker
2State: QLD
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: Yes I love it. I would be happy to be any style of player other than the bullies, liars and manipulators.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: I won’t know until I’m out there, but thinking forward, I want to remain focused and keep my eye on what’s ahead. I will not look sideways or get too entangled in island politics. Instead, I’ll work hard in camp, put in during challenges and provide morale for my team. Post-merge, I will be a little more subtle and try not to be a threat, lay low and seek and destroy alliances. I will stir the pot where I can.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: I’m going to suck them in by saying that I played with integrity, mateship and respect.
EVAN
Age: 30
Occupation: High school teacher
State: VIC
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: LOVE IT! LIVE IT! I even have an idol spreadsheet I created with every single idol that has been played or not played or fake! I would say I would be most like Jonathan Penner in the way that he is a storyteller and how he analyses people and says it how it is when required.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: The pre-requisites are lying and removing emotion. From my experience of watching every Survivor season, you need to be an active player in people’s eyes. Rarely does someone win by not doing something. You need to adapt at every vote.
4Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: My pitch will be that I made an effort to connect with each and every person on the jury and although our overall plans did not meet, I still valued our time. I will apologise for hurting anyone but reiterate that we all knew what we were signing up for and that it was a component of the game that is absolutely necessary to win. Apologising goes a long way. I will add that even with a light frame, I was able to compete and outwit longer than anyone else in the game.
FLICK
Age: 23
Occupation: Personal assistant and bartender
State: QLD
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
5A: Yes, I’ve seen almost all of the series. I think I am a mix of a few like Kelly Wentworth, Parvati, Julia and Michelle.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: I will break a promise if it means staying in the game.
Q: Can you rough it?
A: My first-ever time camping, my boyfriend took us up the Rocky Mountains, As if I wasn’t scared enough, we had a ranger tell us there were bears around and not to leave out any food scraps. You can safely guess I didn’t sleep at all that night.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: My overall game play. That I was the most strategic, social, competitive and down-to-earth player.
JENNAH-LOUISE
Age: 27
Occupation: Law graduate
State: NSW
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I have watched some of the US version. I hope to go in as an individual and present something new that has not been seen on the US version.
Q: Can you rough it?
A: I have travelled to 25 countries, the majority being developing countries whether doing volunteer humanitarian work or backpacking. One of my ‘best roughing it’ experiences was New Years Eve 2014 to 2015. My partner and I stayed the night in hammocks in a remote Cambodian jungle. We ended the year eating fried insects, drinking jungle juice and swimming under a waterfall.
7Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: You can go in with a set of ideas; however, a major factor of the game is the people and their characteristics. The way in which you play with one person can essentially be very different to the way in which you play with another.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: This is difficult to answer as it depends on the type of game I play to get to final tribal council.
KAT
Age: 26
Occupation: Partnerships and brand manager
8State: WA
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I’ve been watching Survivor since I was a child. I think my style of game will be like Natalie’s in San Juan del Sur. She was super savvy, no bullshit and kept herself in the thick of things without hogging the limelight.
Q: Can you make fire?
A: I can light a candle. Does that count? Ha! But no, I’m not skilled in the art of fire making.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: No idea as yet. It’ll all depend on who I’m on a tribe with and how we fare in challenges early on.
9Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: My rawness, my realness and my honesty.
KATE
Age: 28
Occupation: Financial analyst
State: WA
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
0A: I remember watching it as a kid, but I haven’t watched a whole series. I’ll play more of a hero role because my values and morals are everything I stand for as a person and no amount of money could make me sacrifice that.
Q: Who at home is cheering you on and who would you have come out for a family visit if you get that far into the game?
A: My family, friends, surf club and other volunteer organisations and probably half of Perth who supported me through my trial. My best mate Amber, who sadly to moved to Canada last year —I would love her to be there.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: I can only answer that when I’m there.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: The fact I’ve remained true to myself and true to my word. Yes, what I’ve been through in the past has been tough, but this experience is indescribable, unmeasurable and invaluable. It really shows what you stand for as a person.
KRISTIE
Age: 24
Occupation: Senior account executive
State: NSW
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I’ve been watching the US version on and off since season 1. My favourite players are Parvati and Sandra because they are sassy and understand how to move heat around.
Q: Can you rough it?
A: I covered off a fair bit of Southeast Asia, Europe, US and Canada. I’ve been known to sleep in my car when too far way to get home after a night out.
2
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: I’ll just be myself, back myself and collaborate with those who know the game. And do what I’ve got to do. Survivor is all about solidifying confidence in the nerves of your alliance. It’s even more important to know when to let them go.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: You didn’t even see it coming.
KYLIE
Age: 38
3Occupation: Firefighter
State: VIC
Q: So, superfan or newbie? Any favourite contestants?
A: I’m hoping to be a blend of Jeremy, Cydney and Aubrey.
Q: Who at home is cheering you on and who would you have come out for a family visit if you get that far into the game?
A: My girls are my biggest fans and I love any opportunity to share the experiences of life with them. My husband is my biggest supporter and closest friend, my lovely friends John and Ben, and my brother Andrew and sister Ellen.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: In real life, my word is my bond. In the game, anything goes as long as someone else doesn’t do it to me.
4Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: Raw, vulnerable, honest, completely me and owning my game.
LEE
Age: 40
Occupation: Aerial photographer and ex pro cricketer
State: QLD
Q: So, superfan or newbie? Any favourite contestants?
5A: I’m daily watching the current series. I liked Joe’s style as he worked hard, stayed loyal and never backstabbed anyone.
Q: Who at home is cheering you on and who would you have come out for a family visit if you get that far into the game?
A: My family and close friends. I would have my mum and two boys come out and visit me.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: At this point, I just want to stay true and keep my word.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: Someone that worked hard, stayed loyal and tried to help every other survivor on the way.
MATT
Age: 29
Occupation: Magician and mentalist
State: SA
Q: So, superfan or newbie? Any favourite contestants?
A: I have probably watched 20 or so seasons of Survivor. I don’t really know if there is an exact player I want to be like, but Rupert when he first played has many traits I would love to possess — his love of the game, his ability to be an outsider/underdog but break through boundaries and to be someone who is genuinely liked in the game.
Q: Can you rough it?
A: I think four days at Falls Festival in Lorne several years ago could be considered pretty rough. Dirty, no showers and surrounded by drunks was a pretty interesting experience to say the least!
7Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: I’m going into this game with multiple game plans as I think you have to be very fluid to do well in this game. At the start though, I am happy to look to form an alliance/friendship with strong competitors but not become an outcast to the strong groups. In life, my word is everything. In this game, no one’s word means anything. I will break alliances if I feel it’s the right move to play.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: I hope people respect how I would have played the game, and though I may have to backstab or play with people, my hope is that I can do it in a way where they respect my game play and general honesty and friendship. In saying that, the game could play out completely differently than I expect, so my pitch will very much differ depending on my game. No sob stories about family life, etc, though.
NICK
Age: 28
Occupation: High school teacher
8State: SA
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I am a huge fan and have watched all 30 seasons, most of them twice, and I am active in the online community, too. I will have the strategic acumen of Rob Cesternino (Amazon and All-Stars), the geeky angst of Stephen Fishbach (Tocatins and Cambodia) and the challenge dominance of Crystal Cox (Gabon).
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: The way I see it, you have to realise there can only be one winner. When you resign yourself to the fact that 95 percent of us will leave as losers, it helps you play like there is nothing to lose. I need to remind myself of this all the time and never get complacent. The moment you slack off is the moment your torch goes out.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: That I did this for my family and for the memory of my mum. I don’t want to rely on the standard cliché of ‘outwit, outplay, outlast’ because it means so much more to me. I have been preparing the layers of this game for 15 years and I need to peel back the curtain on every decision I made, big or small, and show them why no one else deserves it more than me. I want to involve the jury as much as possible because all any of us want is to know that our time out here meant something to the game. If I can weave them into the narrative, hopefully they will grant me their vote.
PETER
Age: 62
Occupation: Air traffic controller
State: ACT
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: Yes I’m a fan. Yes, I’ve watched many episodes, I have my own game-play that is an amalgamation of what works from show observation and what I can add to.
Q: Can you rough it?
A: Travelled lots, camped lots, and RAAF tactical training equals very rough.
0Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: It is complex and involves many layers and aspects. It’s split into stages of strategy (predictive), operational (day-to-day) and tactical (agility depending upon evolving and emerging circumstances). I’ll use team cohesion prior to the merge then win as many individual challenges. My word is everything in the real world but means nothing at the island. I will be clinical and ruthless whilst portraying the nice, trusting guy.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
A: The fact that I played a fair game and worked hard to minimise any harm to anyone. No nastiness, nothing personal — just clinical game-play and working through a preordained strategy and moving left and right as situations demanded. I would talk to them about how we all knew the rules and how we all made some great friendships and supported each other though hardships despite all being competitive.
PHOEBE
Age: 27
Occupation: Criminal lawyer
1State: NSW
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: Yes, I’m a big fan! I’d like to play my own game, but if I can take Parvati’s social manoeuvring and Wentworth’s bold approach, that’d be good.
Q: Can you make fire?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you have a limit to what you are going to do to win the competition? Or rather, what is your moral game compass?
A: In life, my word is extremely meaningful. But this is a game and if I don’t trust you, my word might not mean much.
Q: Picture yourself at final tribal council. What is going to be part of the pitch that wins you the competition?
2A: I’ve played a great game – socially and strategically. It really depends on what the jury want to hear!
ROHAN
Age: 28
Occupation: Model
State: VIC
Q: So, superfan or newbie?
A: I haven’t watched enough to follow one player’s moves.