Triple M Gold Coast Breakfast Radio Announcer.
Triple M Gold Coast Breakfast Radio Announcer.
If you see us LOLLing in our cars on the way to work in the morning, we’re undoubtedly listening to Ali Plath on Triple M. As a Gold Coast breakfast radio announcer alongside Spida and Flan, Ali brings heart, humour and genuine connection to the airwaves. The team recently won BEST ON AIR TEAM (PROVINCIAL) at the ACRAs, a testament to their chemistry and Ali’s passion for live radio. For Ali, the thrill of unpredictable, live moments keeps her hooked, along with the joy of connecting with listeners and sharing real, heartfelt stories.
Ali’s journey is rich and varied—from a tomboyish Mormon upbringing to a 30-year touch-footy legacy with the Tigers. We sat down with Ali to chat about her love for early mornings and the Gold Coast community.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I have lived here full time on the coast for three years now, but have a lonnng association with the Gold Coast, particularly with sport. I started playing touch footy at Owen Park in Southport over 30 years ago for the mighty Tigers Touch club and have many wonderful memories and friendships from those years. My son moved to the GC and we’ve all now seen the (sun)light!
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I feel more at peace and settled than I have in years. My four kids (31, 30, 18, 17) all live here, my friends old school and new, my JOB, HOTA markets with the fam on a Sunday, being spoilt for entertainment, AMAZING restaurants & cafes, the beach/mountains/lemon butter cake from Tarte…..how long can this answer be?! The GC has a super strong sense of community which, in my opinion, many who don’t live here are unaware of. People wrongly presume the Gold Coast is all tourism and ever transient, but I’ve learned and love that the history is rich and the sense of genuine community is very strong.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I grew up with three brothers who kept me….well, on the run and constantly looking over my shoulder for something or someone to come flying at me! I was a bit of a tomboy, which is no doubt why Mum put me into ballet, tap and jazz for 8 years. Sport then took over and there was no turning back. Touch footy was my passion for the next 30+ years (Ali represented Australia for many years). I also grew up a strict Mormon until I got kicked out at the age of 19 which people usually find quite amusing.
What does a typical working day look like for you in breakfast radio?
Alarm at 3.30am, I get up, look in the mirror and think, “do better”. Most of the time I’ve been on this show, I’ve had to be in at work by 4.30am, however, I begged for an extra 15 mins grace so as I’m not late EVERY day. Mics are on from 5-9 and I love every second of it. After the show we’ll do some planning for the next day and then mostly wander around the office preventing other colleagues from doing their work. Oh, and at least once a day I still catch myself looking at Spida and thinking, “he is sooo tall!”
What’s the best thing about working on the radio?
The thrill of live radio is hard to explain, and I will never grow tired of it. Every moment can go in a direction you weren’t expecting, it gets the heart pumping. I absolutely LOVE connecting with our listeners and sharing in their funny stories, heartfelt moments and being that listening ear that we all need from time to time. I spend more time with my cohosts and producer often than my own family and fortunately I love and value them all so much. We make each other cry with laughter, sometimes cry with emotion, annoy each other no question…. we are family.
What’s your proudest career moment?
I honestly believe it’s when I was given my first brekkie radio job at MMM Hobart. It took a lot of time, dedication, sacrifice and to be honest, a lot of pants crapping moments to get to finally landing that role. I had a lot of fear, trepidation and a healthy dose of imposter syndrome while I was learning the ropes at various commercial radio stations, but I had belief in myself and encouragement from others that kept me going. It was a real moment of absolute joy and relief to get that job after working towards it for years.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Cafe: Le Café Gourmand, Madison’s, Greendays
Bar: Brooklyn Wine & Tapas, Miss Moneypenny’s for a bottomless brunch
Restaurant: Too hard! Mozza Mozza, Anekawa, Eddy & Wolff, The Glenelg Public House and Sandy’s Bar & Grill at Pac Pines do an amazing Barramundi dish!
Beach: Oooh, another tough one as so many to choose from! Back in the day, Greenmount for holidays, but more recently I’ve spent the most beach time at Talle Creek with my eldest daughter Jess and the grandbabies.
How do you choose to spend your weekends?
Racing around like a blue arsed fly! These last three years on the show have been some of the busiest in my entire life. I’m hoping my friend’s will forgive me for being the worst ever at keeping in touch and catching up. I’m sure it will get easier when the last of my kids gets their license! (tell me it gets easier. Please.)
Born and raised on the glittering shores of our beloved city, Bronte Langbroek’s journey has come full circle as she now co-hosts the lively 90.9 Sea FM breakfast show, Bronte & Lakey for Breakfast. With her infectious energy and unwavering passion for her hometown, Bronte spills the beans on her love affair with the Gold Coast, her career highlights, and what makes mornings with Bronte & Lakey an absolute blast.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I am a born and bred Gold Coaster – this is my hometown. I was born at the former Allamanda Hospital in Southport and spent the first 18 years of my life here, going to primary school at St Vincent’s in Clear Island Waters and high school at Somerset College in Mudgeeraba. I returned after university in 2017 and now again to be part of the 90.9 Sea FM breakfast show, Bronte & Lakey for Breakfast!
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
I love the familiarity of the coast, while also enjoying the fantastic progress it has made to make it an entertainment and holiday destination. There are the establishments I know and love that my family has visited for years, but also so many new and exciting businesses opening each week to experience and enjoy.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Surprisingly, I am naturally quite introverted and a homebody, saving a lot of my energy and outgoingness for work. I try to stay up to date with the latest news, celebrity stories and TikTok trends (which I tell myself is for work). I enjoy walking, working out and reformer pilates, plus I’ve taken up running for the first time this year and i’m loving it. I’m extremely competitive and driven, which bleeds between both my professional and personal life… I’m terrible to play a board game with!
What’s your proudest career moment?
Definitely taking the post of 90.9 Sea FM’s Breakfast radio show. This is the biggest full circle moment of my life; being the radio station I grew up listening to, worked for previously and always dreamed of being part of. It is a huge honour that I take very seriously and one that has left me filled with endless gratitude that I have been trusted to help wake up the people of my hometown which I love so much.
What’s the best thing about working on the radio?
The comradery! I love sharing stories about my life and then having people relate to it. It’s such a personal media; we are 100% authentically ourselves, which at times can be intimidating when you’re sharing personal thoughts, feelings and experiences. But when we give people the platform to relate to their own stories and they DO, there is no better feeling.
What can listeners expect from Bronte & Lakey for Breakfast?
From the moment we found out we were teamed up for 2024, Lakey and I agreed that we wanted to lead each show with the F word… FUN, and we have stuck to that. Whether it’s making fun of each other, having fun at the expense of ourselves, or bringing a fun story, trend or game to the show, we want people to start their day smiling. With so many other platforms filled with negativity and bad news, we want our show to be an escape for listeners – laugh with us or at us, as long as you’re having fun that’s all that matters.
What are your Gold Coast favourites?
Favourite café: Two Birds One Stone café at Q Super Centre, Mermaid Waters
Favourite restaurant: Georges at Sorrento
Favourite bar: Edgewater at Isle of Capri
Favourite beach: Kingscliff
How do you choose to spend your days off?
Before I met my partner Dylan, the energizer bunny, my days off were much lazier. I’ve had to convince him to embrace ‘no alarm days’ on weekends so I can catch up on sleep after five days of 4am starts! So, I start by enjoying a sleep in followed by either a workout or a leisurely walk. Breakfast is my favourite meal to enjoy out so we often café crawl and drink copious amounts of coffee. I love online shopping and watching trashy reality television while vegging out at home. Then a perfect Saturday night would include early drinks and dinner with friends or maybe going to watch some live sport but still be home by 10pm because of my weak body clock!
Meet Carla Tooma — queen of the mic. With a vibrant career spanning over a decade, Carla has been the trusted voice on 1029 Hot Tomato, keeping locals in the loop about all things Gold Coast on air and online. From covering red carpet glam at the Logies to bringing you the latest buzz from the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, she’s been there, done that, and still rocks the mic. Not just a radio sensation, Carla is a go-to MC for events across southeast Queensland, effortlessly transitioning from business forums to glam events. And this festive season, she’s taking the GC by storm as part of the 9NEWS Gold Coast team.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
I am a proud born and bred Gold Coaster.
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
Absolutely everything! From the beaches to the laid-back lifestyle, the family-friendly atmosphere, and don’t even get me started on our thriving food scene. Living here is like being on a permanent vacay – every day feels like a weekend. Both my husband and I are hometown enthusiasts and can’t wait to watch our own family grow in this fantastic place we call home.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I would describe myself as a mix of news, family, community, and events!
In the news realm, you’ll find me as a presenter and journalist at 9NEWS Gold Coast. Before that, I had a blast at 1029 Hot Tomato and myGC.com.au.
Off camera, I’m a proud mum to an adventurous 15-month-old son, navigating the joys of parenthood alongside my wonderful husband.
My love for the Gold Coast and the performing arts extends to serving as a Board Director for the Gold Coast Eisteddfod. Prior to that, I spent 5 years on the YPGC Board.
I also moonlight as an MC and am fortunate to host some amazing events across our sunny corner of the world. If it is Christmas Carols – I am known to sing a tune or two!
You are joining 9NEWS Gold Coast this festive season. Tell us a bit about that.
I am so thrilled to join the 9NEWS Gold Coast team and fill in while Eva Milic and Paul Taylor enjoy some holiday time.
The legendary Bruce Paige joins me from Boxing Day too which will be so much fun! I grew up watching 9NEWS Gold Coast, so it’s definitely a pinch-me moment to be behind the desk.
How did you get started in journalism and what inspired you to become a presenter?
From a young age, I was captivated by the news. I also had a passion for public speaking and loved the exhilaration of addressing a crowd. This is what led me to pursue a journalism degree at Bond University. Internship stints at the TODAY Show in Washington DC and Cosmopolitan Magazine UK solidified my commitment to a career in the media industry, but I really wanted to work a little closer to home.
I landed my first job at 1029 Hot Tomato and myGC.com.au, and spent over a decade there as a presenter and journalist. After becoming a Mum, it was time for a change and I am loving every minute of my new gig at 9NEWS Gold Coast.
What do you love most about your job?
Keeping Gold Coasters informed about the latest happenings in our city. It’s an absolute privilege to be the voice that connects people to vital information. I am also so lucky to work with an amazing team – everyone is passionate, dedicated and a daily source of inspiration. Plus, I am not going to lie, it’s pretty awesome having a glam squad to do my hair and makeup every day!
What advice would you give to aspiring journalists who are looking to enter the field?
My advice revolves around two power moves: intern like your career depends on it and network like there’s no tomorrow. Dive into newsrooms, soak up the hustle, and put your hand up to give it a go – that’s where the real learning happens.
As for networking – it’s not just about schmoozing; it’s about building relationships. Attend events, connect on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out. Who you know can be just as important as what you know. So, intern hard, and network harder.
What are your Gold Coast favourites:
Favourite café: BSKT
Favourite restaurant: Hachi Japanese Restaurant
Favourite bar: At home – with wine thanks to Somm!
Favourite beach: Miami Beach
How do you choose to spend your days off?
On my days off, it’s all about soaking up the sun at the beach or pool with my favourite squad – my husband and son. Before hitting the sand, we usually kickstart the day with a stroll into Nobby Beach for a caffeine fix and acai bowl!
We always try to squeeze in a catch-up with friends and family too, usually at a surf club with a great view.
This local legend has won the hearts of the community with her vibrant energy and irresistible charm. From reporting on the waves as a surf enthusiast to gracing our screens as a TV presenter Liz Cantor needs no introduction (but we’ll give her one anyway). You can see her on Creek to Coast, Weekender, Powerball and presenting weather for 7 News Gold Coast. You can also hear her beach and surf reports on 102.9 Hot Tomato. We chatted to the delightful Liz about why she loves her job and the Gold Coast.
How long have you been a Gold Coast local?
After finishing school I moved to the coast in 2001 (My family are from Noosa).
What do you love the most about the Gold Coast?
Hands down the lifestyle. I live for the outdoors and we have the best of it in every direction we turn. But also the people. It’s never lost on me that Gold Coasters hand out smiles so freely. In recent years I’m also loving the emergence of an arts and culture scene – from musicals to festivals!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
From 16 years I was a competitive surfer for Billabong which enabled me to travel the world. Following this I made history as the first ever female surf judge to sit on the World Tour panel. Judging the likes of Layne Beachley and Lisa Anderson. This forged the way for women to participate in determining the world’s best surfers today. After a whirlwind year in 2005 which saw me win Channel 7’s reality show ‘The Mole’, I became a familiar face on Network Seven. These days I present the weather on 7News. The national Live Powerball draws, and on lifestyle shows Creek to Coast and Weekender. In 2016 I got married to Ryan and now my greatest job is as mum to two boys Kit and Fin and daughter Sky, and my dog Bear Grylls. When I’m not working I’m surfing or horse riding!
How did you get started in journalism and what inspired you to become a news presenter and reporter?
Finishing school it was a toss up between studying Marine Biology or Journalism, but I chose the later as my need to share stories and information is hard to suppress! I come from a family of storytellers. My mum was an English teacher and my relatives include camera operators, sports reporters, teachers, writers, authors and journalists. I guess you could say it’s in my DNA! I finished a degree in Journalism at Griffith University here on the coast. I did work experience at all the networks for years, before getting a foot in the door with Channel 7 through my competitive surfing on show Creek to Coast in 2005. I did a course with the Bureau of Meteorology before moving across to weather presenting.
Can you share any memorable experiences or stories that have stood out to you during your time as a news presenter and reporter?
From a news perspective presenting weather during the 2011 Brisbane floods is etched in my mind. I will never forget the pictures and how much impact the information I was sharing had during that time. On Creek to Coast swimming alongside Humpback whales was unforgettable. On Weekender my first time visiting outback Queensland was life changing. Seeing towns such as Winton and the way they live out there opened my eyes to a whole other side of Australia. I loved it!
What do you love most about your job?
Interviewing people. Especially everyday people! I get such a kick out of being able to draw out information and stories from others and then share it! EVERYONE has something to tell if you ask the right questions.
What advice would you give to aspiring journalists who are looking to enter the field?
Be ready to be married to the job for a few years! It’s a hard industry to break into, but if there is no other job option for your soul, if you’re there with passion and love for what you do, you will make it with persistence and a humble ego.
What are your Gold Coast favourites…
Café/coffee spot: I love coffee from Liquid Things, Miami
Restaurant: Date night for Ryan and I is preferably at Piatto
Bar or place for a drink: A spicy margarita at The Tropic, Burleigh because of the ocean view!
Beach: Like asking me to choose my favourite child… but cough, Rainbow Bay
How do you choose to spend your days off?
If it’s a weekday and the kids are at kindy/school, I’ll be horse riding with my best mate Tegan in the Gold Coast Hinterland. If I have the family with me then we’re surfing or at the beach and in the ocean in some form! If it’s an overcast day – my boys have me at Pizzey Park!
