Indigenous TV presenter Matty Mills: why I changed my name

Digging deeper into what he thought was a tragic family secret led to some searing personal reflection for Getaway presenter Matty Mills.

Getaway presenter Matty Mills. Photos: Tim Pascoe

Who Getaway presenter Matty Mills.

Where Double-storey townhouse in Sydney’s south west with partner Paul Hlaihel. Favourite thing My four-year-old 40kg sheepadoodle Cosmo is my pride and joy. He is the most incredible dog and I often feel I don’t deserve his unconditional love. Inspiration Homely with memorabilia from around the world. Also I love movies – I have a massive movie wall. Home is It’s the place I can be myself and most comfortable.

Matty Mills and his “pride and joy” sheepadoodle Cosmo

It’s been 30 years in the making, but Getaway finally has its first indigenous presenter. Matty Mills has joined the cast of the long-running Channel 9 travel show – although signing up in April 2021 meant that Covid almost dashed his dream.

“I did feel for a long time that it was not going to happen. I have not even had the chance to leave the country yet, but I am so proud of the first shoot I did, which was all about indigenous Sydney.”

30 years on, Matty is Getaway’s first Indigenous presenter

Matty, who previously carried his mother’s maiden name (Webb) has now taken on his father’s surname.

“I grew up with the belief my dad had died. After rediscovering my father and reconnecting with my Aboriginal family, out of pride, I chose to have my indigenous family name.”

Matty, 26, recalls watching Australian living legend Ernie Dingo as a child on The Great Outdoors and says he’s still stupefied to have landed “the most sought after job in the industry”. “It does feel surreal, I am living out my childhood dream, but it has taken a long time to get here.”

He first came to prominence in 2014 in the The Star Observer magazine’s NAIDOC edition with a bold statement: Gay, Black and Proud. Mills had taken a step back from being in front of the camera to work as an executive assistant on Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic. “Baz inspired me to continue to tell stories, it’s the reason why I landed back in TV.”

Words: Catherine Nikas-Boulos  Pictures: Tim Pascoe

Matty cherises his Deadly Award

The Deadly Awards were an annual celebration of Aboriginal excellence at the Sydney Opera House. I was lucky enough to win one while they were still around. I was the youngest person to win a Deadly Award back in 2011.

The Yidaki connects Matty to his culture

The Yidaki or Didgeridoo as it’s widely known, is a traditional Aboriginal instrument that I learnt to play as a teenager. I feel it centres me and keeps me connected to culture.

Matty’s favourite face and body treatments

I use these products everyday for my face and body. I love supporting First Nation businesses and this one is highly recommended, all the way from Alice Springs.

Matty is a proud Kamilaroi man

This is my favourite piece of art in my house and reminds me of Kamilaroi country, where most of my family are.

Getting comfortable

I love my oversized lounge pillows. There is nothing like snuggling up on the couch and watching your favourite TV show.

Reuniting with this dad after foster care

This photo holds a firm position in my heart. It’s the first photo we took when we moved to live with my dad after foster care.

Matty Webb, as he was formerly known

I was lucky enough to work as Baz Luhrmann’s assistant for Elvis and I still pinch myself knowing I got to work for such a talented and kind man.

Nana is always close to his heart

My maternal grandmother passed away last year and we were very close. There is a small amount of ashes in that teardrop so I always have her close to me.