Survivor Australia 2021 cast revealed: who made the cut?
They’re calling it the Brains vs Brawn series - find out who made the Survivor Australia cut here.
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They’re calling it the Brains vs Brawn series – meet the cast of Survivor Australia 2021.
Some 24 hopefuls will vie for the cash prize of $500,000 and of course the season crown.
With Covid meaning production couldn’t base out of Fiji this year, the 2021 series was shot in Cloncurry in Queensland, about an hour drive from Mt Isa.
It is the eighth hit out for the reality format with two teams going head to head when it kicks off on Channel 10 on Sunday (July 18) at 7.30pm. Host Jonathan LaPaglia returns.
Here, we take a look at the 24 contestants, 12 in each team.
BRAINS TRIBE
Andrew Ucles, 33, Survival Expert, Northern Territory
Eccentric, passionate, and curious, Australian Wildlife and Survival Expert
Andrew hasn’t just come face-to-face with some of the world’s most
dangerous animals, he’s ventured to all corners of the globe to seek them
out. He’s used to raking in the likes and winning audiences over via his
successful YouTube channel, but will he be able to win over his fellow
Castaways?
Baden Cooke, 42, Ex – Pro Cyclist, Victoria
Champion cyclist turned businessman, Baden, spent 14 years competing at
the highest level. The Olympian has won over 50 races, and even secured a
green jersey in the 2003 Tour de France. Having also played poker at a high
level, Baden has a strategic mind and is a pro at convincing others to do the
dirty work for him.
Cara Atchison, 47, Real Estate Agent, NSW
Real Estate Agency Owner Cara, may be known as the Duchess of Double
Bay, but can she bring her reign to the Outback? At the age of 20, the quirky
adventure seeker realised that she had a secret power. As an empath, Cara
can sense and feel emotions as if they’re part of her own experience –
someone else’s pain and happiness, become her own.
George Mladenov, 31, Public Servant, NSW
A self-described ‘spin-doctor for the government’, Labor Party President
George believes his whole career has been preparing him for the game of
Australian Survivor. Cunning, an expert negotiator and a master
manipulator, this high achiever will stop at nothing to make it to the final
Tribal Council.
Georgia Jane Ray, 35, Forensic Psychologist, Queensland
Forensic Psychologist Georgia is gearing up to use her profession and play
the most mentally calculated game Australian Survivor has ever seen.
Although she may seem like the girl-next-door, she’s spent years delving
into the mindset of Australia’s most devious criminals and will use her razor-
sharp judgment to profile her Tribe mates.
Hayley Leake, 31, Pain Researcher, NSW
Master charmer and academic researcher Hayley is a switched-
on Australian Survivor superfan who plans to excel in the game of
competitive manipulation. As a professional Pain Researcher, her job is to
administer placebo psychological therapy to patients and test the brain’s
response to treatment. Also wielding a degree in physiotherapy, Hayley
plans to make friends with her healing hands.
Joey McCann, 35, Head Of Partnerships, NSW
Tradesman-turned-Wolf Of Wall Street tycoon, Joey is no stranger to the
ruthless realties of playing at the top of his game. With a stamina of steel, he
has completed 140 marathons and will be a force to be reckoned with when
it comes to endurance challenges. Determined to kill with kindness, Joey is a
bundle of positive energy and resilience that rarely waivers.
Laura Wells, 36, Environmental Advocate, NSW
Environmental advocate Laura holds a degree in Biology and a passion for
Marine Science. With her work as a conservationist, she is leading the
charge as an advocate and ambassador for change. As a curve model, Laura
is ready to break the stereotype that models are all beauty and no brains.
Mitchell Shaw, 33, Doctor, Queensland
As a highly intelligent and successful Doctor, Mitch is stepping into the game
as one of the smartest competitors on paper. Wielding an IQ in the top 1%
of the world, he may well be the secret weapon for the Brains Tribe. As a
trusted GP in Brisbane, he prides himself on his ability to connect and earn
the trust of his patients.
Phil Ferguson, 28, Artist, Victoria
Viral sensation and internet superstar Phil aka @chilliphilly is best known for
posing in his culinary themed crocheted hats, all over Instagram. His kooky
persona has seen him skyrocket to stardom and win over the affection of
fans all over the globe. With the ability to naturally charm everyone he
meets; this will be his biggest strength within the game.
Rachel Downie, 50, Teacher And Businesswoman, Queensland
Outspoken, award-winning educator Rachel has a passion and
determination for life and refuses to be pushed around. Named as the 2020
Queensland Australian of the Year, Rachel’s groundbreaking work as a
Teacher, Principal and Entrepreneur, has transformed the education system.
Wai Chim, 38, Author, NSW
As an international award-winning Author of six children and young adult
books, Wai is an academic powerhouse. With degrees from some of the
most prestigious Universities in the world, this self-proclaimed nerd is a
book worm with passionate purists.
BRAINS TRIBE
Shaun ‘Benny’ Burdo, 38, Entrepreneur, NSW
Spending years soaking up the high life in Sydney, Benny hit rock bottom
mentally, realising that the cars, money, and success all meant nothing.
Reassessing what he wanted from life, Benny packed his bags and moved to
Los Angeles, California to pursue multiple business opportunities. From
running a call centre and being a door-to-door salesman, to selling $4
million plus properties, one thing is certain – Benny can hustle!
Chelsea Hackett, 22, MMA Fighter, Queensland
Professional MMA Fighter, Chelsea is ready to touch gloves with the Brawn
Tribe. Having won her first bout at 13 years old, the two times Muay Thai
world champion fighter is a physical force to be reckoned with. With a
tactical mind and strong social game, Chelsea will have no qualms severing
ties to catapult herself ahead of the competition.
Daini Tuiqere, 26, Personal Trainer, NSW
At a towering 6ft 3, Personal Trainer and bodybuilder Daini, is bringing a
whole lot of muscle to the Brawn Tribe. Born in the land of the long white
cloud, with Fijian and Maori heritage, Daini was raised by his Mum, Aunt and
Nanna, and credits being raised by women as the reason for his macho-free
attitude.
Dani Beale, 34, Corrections Officer, NSW
As a Corrections Officer in one of Sydney’s maximum-security prisons, ex-
Army truck driver Dani is used to high-pressure situations. Having spent time
as a Jillaroo in the WA Outback, she’s no stranger to the harsh, dry
conditions. Dani wants her Tribe mates to think she’s an average all-rounder
and team player, but when push comes to shove, she’ll take no prisoners!
Emmett Pugh, 31, Health Coach, Western Australia
Self-titled ‘Plant-Based Superman’, Emmett is all about educating people on
how to unlock their greatest potential. Obsessed with pushing his body to
the absolute limit, he’s no stranger to an Ironman, ultra-endurance run or
rigorous CrossFit workout and believes the best bodies are fuelled by
nature.
Flick Palmateer, 28, Professional Big Wave Surfer, Western Australia
Currently ranked second in the world for Big Wave Surfing, it’s no surprise
that Flick is a fearless and strong competitor. She holds the record for the
biggest wave surfed by an Australian woman and is also an accomplished
artist, with exhibitions in the works.
Gavin Wanganeen, 48, AFL Legend, South Australia
As one of the most prolific AFL players of all time, former Port Adelaide and
Essendon player Gavin has 300 games, a Brownlow Medal, AFL Premierships
and a stand in Adelaide Oval to his name. He was the First indigenous
Australian to win a Brownlow Medal, has been inducted into the AFL Hall of
Fame and is also a life member.
Gerald Youles, 26, Champion Wood Chopper, Queensland
World Champion Wood Chopper Gerald is ready to bring some brute force
to the Brawn Tribe. This charismatic kid from the bush is a fifth-generation
cattle farmer, who knows his way around the Aussie Outback. The extremely
competitive axeman has carved out a living not only winning world
championships, but in the unique trade as a master axe grinder. It’s his life
passion and is one of only a handful of people in the world to master the
trade.
Janelle Durso, 43, Cleaner, Queensland
Aussie battler and hardworking mother of three Janelle shouldn’t be
underestimated in this game. With a cackle that can carry on for miles, she
is ready to stir the pot in the Brawn Tribe. Janelle’s family are her world and
she has always prioritised them. Now, she’s putting herself first. Ready to
play the best game ever, she has her on eyes on prize to be able to set her
kids up for life.
Kez McGee, 25, Bodybuilder, Western Australia
Although Personal Trainer and Bodybuilder, Kez, might have a sweet face,
the West Australian will be nothing but ruthless when she steps into the
Australian Outback. Her intense physical training has equipped her for the
hunger, the physical challenges and the social aspect which she will
incorporate into her gameplay.
Shannon Lawson, 30, Model, NSW
Shannon is a full-time Model, health and fitness advocate and Instagram
personality. Despite the glamorous life she presents on the ‘gram, she
considers herself physically fitter and stronger than most. An athlete in her
own right, she is a trained dancer and boxing instructor with a fitness
routine that will have the Tribe sweating up a storm
Simon Mee, 31, Carpenter, Queensland
A self-proclaimed golden child, Simon has always been exceptionally good at
everything he puts his mind to. A recent career change saw him pack up his
desk job and pick up the tools to become an apprentice Carpenter. An ex-
bodybuilder, Simon is still dedicated to training hard and maintaining his
ripped physique and brute force.
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