Michala Banas: “I was born with one kidney”

About 1.7 million of us have kidney disease and don’t know it. This actor wants that to change

Who Actor Michala Banas Where Townhouse with her husband Toby and dog Gordon.

Favourite thing The moment I walked through the front door of my home I loved it. Especially as it has a little atrium at its centre. Inspiration Welcoming and comfortable with lots of plants and several touches of mid-century charm. Home is It used to be a place. But corny as it sounds, home is honestly wherever my husband and dog are.

“Please get your kidney function checked at your next doctor visit – it’s a simple blood test that could save your life.”

Actor Michala Banas is a passionate advocate for kidney health having been born with one kidney.

“My young nephew also has a kidney condition, so this is a cause that is really important to me and my family.” As an ambassador for Kidney Health Australia, she highlights the sobering fact that 63 people die in Australia daily to a kidney related illness and 1.7 million people have early stage kidney disease but are completely unaware. Ever the trouper, Michala certainly has a lot on her plate, wrapping up ABC series Turn Up The Volume where she plays a quirky woman who runs a music school and recently made her directorial debut on a yet- to-be-released comedy web series called Counter Girls. Her cherished home of 10 years in Melbourne is her refuge away from the demands of work. “We have renovated the bathrooms and remodelled the outside deck with a big folding door from our kitchen/dining area. In the warmer months, we spend lots of time in our backyard. It’s so lovely and private, and when my dog isn’t harassing them, the birds come to visit.”

Words: Catherine Nikas-Boulos

Michala is always up for a game

I love games. Board games, card games, word puzzles. You name it. Bananagrams is so much fun. It’s like scrabble on steroids.

Plants fill the townhouse

There are many plants in our home. We are surrounded by greenery and it makes me so happy.

A beloved book by author Charlie Mackesy

This was a gift from my husband and it’s just such a beautiful book. It’s one you can pick up any time, open at any page and feel like you’ve been given a hug.

But first, coffee

A cup of coffee is part of my morning ritual. This machine is small but does a great job.

Old school cool

This is a 1968 HMV Rhapsody and yes, it works. We have the radio on a lot in our home, and I love it so much.

Michala’s dog Gordon gets his own special storage solution

My husband Toby made this and it houses all the essentials for our dog Gordon. It’s mostly full of toys.

Kidney Health Australia an is incredibly important initiative for Michala and her family.

I’m an ambassador for Kidney Health Australia and their Red Socks Run. This organisation and event is important to me as I only have one kidney, and my nephew also has a kidney condition.

redsocksrun.org.au