PEOPLE
PASSIONATE PEOPLE Passion is a powerful driving force. When you’re a passionate person, you wear your heart on your sleeve. Being a passionate person is challenging, sometimes heartbreakingly so. It means you lead with your heart, and you put it on the line more often than most.
Radio isn’t the only thing Ali is passionate about, having performed stand-up comedy all the way to the Queensland Raw Finals, and also performing in several recent theatre productions. “I was lucky enough to be in a few musicals while in Hobart – ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘My Fair Lady’ were the big ones. I danced for many years as kid, and it was really special for Mum to be in the audience. There is nothing like being a part of a musical, I’d love to continue performing here if I’m able to get a role.” Away from radio and performing, sport has played a massive part in Ali’s life. She represented all the way to the Australian Women’s and Mixed Open touch footy teams. “I’ll give most things a go when it comes to sport, although it was only recently I finally had the opportunity to play AFL and cricket for the first time. I distinctly remember crying to my Mum when I was a kid because my three brothers were allowed to play cricket and I wasn’t because I was a girl. It might have taken me until I was 42 but I finally got there.”
Ali Plath Triple M Gold Coast breakfast announcer As a busy mother of four working as a breakfast radio announcer, Ali Plath certainly has a LOT to juggle. “Prioritising the right things in the right order is not my strong point. I’m very happy to leave the pile of clothes to be folded for one to up to 365 days if the opportunity for a catch up with a friend presents,” she said. “Connecting with people is my passion, it’s one of the biggest reasons I love working in radio. Luckily, I have a (mostly) forgiving family!” Ali loves the excitement of radio and that, “no two days are ever the same. Banter and harmless fun and stupidity are some of life’s greatest joys and I’m a firm believer that there’s not enough playtime for adults.” Ali’s journey to Triple M Gold Coast has taken her from the Redlands to Hobart to the Sunshine Coast before she landed her dream gig here at the end of last year. “It certainly hasn’t been a quick process getting here, but nothing this good should come too easy right? I started volunteering in community radio back in 2014 at Bay FM in Thornlands and I’m sure I was TERRIBLE! However, it did get my foot in the door with the serious radio gurus and in 2017 I landed my first big gig at Triple M in Hobart. At the time I was really scared and didn’t know if I was cut out for it, but I knew with all my heart that I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t give it a red-hot crack. Although it wasn’t our initial plan, I ended up living away from my family and doing the FIFO thing for three years. I have a very supportive family and I would not be where I am right now without them.” 98 96 GOLD COAST • PANACHE Magazine
Now settled in at 92.5 Triple M a huge smile appears on Ali’s face when asked what she thinks of her two co-hosts. “Flan is the most hilarious, adorable, Womble-like bestie you could ever have. He loves a hug, you can tell him anything and you definitely won’t get him off the phone in under 45 mins. Spida is equally the most hilarious, protective, GIGANTIC brother. He’ll be the first one there if you’re ever in strife. I honestly feel so lucky to have them both in the studio every day.” Ali is happy to call the Gold Coast home. “It’s quite bizarre because I grew up in Brisbane, but I’ve got this real feeling that I’ve finally landed at home. I just feel at peace here. I’m super happy in my job, plus I have long term high school and touch footy friends here. I’ve now been raising kids for 19 years and for a very long time I’ve dreamt of a paid radio career. I want to make myself, my (now ex) hubby and my kids proud. I couldn’t be more grateful for the sliding doors that have led me to where I am right now.”