Australia’s Heartland Gets a Makeover as The Block Turns 21

The Block is back for its 21st season – which includes its 1,000th episode – and will premiere Sunday, July 27, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Daylesford, about 80 minutes from Melbourne, is known as one of Australia’s top weekend getaway destinations and the capital of spas and mineral springs. 

For the first time in the show’s history, the teams this year will build homes from scratch that are exactly the same in layout and size, once again designed by longtime Block architect Julian Brenchley.

Also new this year, all-nighters are outlawed, and the building site will be locked every night. This means time-management skills from the contestants are a must, or some rooms won’t be completed in time. 

Host Scott Cam is back for his 19th season, joined by co-host Shelley Craft in her 18th season with The Block. Plus, Dan Reilly continues in his role as sole foreman, while Marty FoxShaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer return for the make-or-break weekly room judging.

“Since all the houses have identical layouts, it really comes down to the contestants’ own creativity where they’ll have to think outside the box to catch the judges’ eye for a win,” Scott Cam said. “They have to produce something spectacular from week one.”

Shelley believes the unique twist of the houses being new builds will resonate with Block viewers and also help the contestants. 

“For the contestants it’s a fresh start every week,” she said. “Rather than a dirty, grubby, messy start where they had to demolish a room and rebuild it in a week, coming into a clean frame is a much better mindset to be in.”

The five teams who will build a house in Daylesford are: 

  • PlumberSonny (44) and dental practice manager Alicia (42), married couple from QLD
  • Barber Robby (37) and hairdresser Mat (41), best mates from SA
  • Geologist Han (29) and social media and marketing analyst Can (31), couple from WA
  • Police officer Britt (30) and police officer Taz (30), married couple from WA
  • Dance teacher Em (33) and engineer Ben (32), married couple from VIC

The Block’s executive producer and creator, Julian Cress, said the five couples cast this year have brought the show back to basics for season 21.

“What the audience can expect this year is what I would call a classic Block series,” he said. “We have a really diverse cast of hard-working people who are very competitive, engaged with their design, and of course we will have some high and lows.” 

Julian said Daylesford was an idyllic location for The Block. The production and the entire crew moved there for three months during the build and were embraced with open arms. 

“There is a reason why Daylesford is the number one weekend tourist decision in Australia – it’s a very beautiful town with an amazing community. We hope to show how incredible Daylesford is to not only Australia, but to the rest of the world.” 

And this year there will be another first for Australian television: a purpose-built Sponsor Village onsite, which transforms how sponsor interaction is done on a program like The Block.

Some facts and figures about the history of The Block

  • 186 contestants
  • 103 homes renovated 
  • 210+ bathrooms built
  • 103 kitchens built
  • Broadcast in more than 170 territories around the world
  • Over $39 million in prizemoney given away

The Block moves to Daylesford and premieres on Sunday, July 27, at 7.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now. 

#TheBlock
Follow @TheBlock on FacebookInstagramTikTok and Twitter
Learn more about The Block at: nine.com.au/theblock

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
9Network Publicity
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Thursday, 10 July, 2025

Nine Audio Unveils National Commercial Leadership Team

Following the recent announcement of Amanda Unwin as Sydney Sales Director, Nine Audio is pleased to confirm the appointment of several highly experienced sales and operational executives to lead its refreshed market approach:

  • Christine Lester will join as Melbourne Sales Director in mid-August. Christine brings extensive experience from SCA, where she led Independent and Direct teams since 2018, and previously held senior sales roles at ACP, demonstrating exceptional knowledge of the Melbourne client base.
  • Michael Graham will also join in mid-August as Brisbane Sales Director. Moving from his commercial leadership role at Car Expert, Michael previously held senior leadership positions at SCA, ARN, and Nova in the Brisbane market, positioning him to significantly enhance Nine Audio’s local team.
  • Noel Quick, currently a Group Business Director at Nine Perth, assumed the role of Sales Director for Nine Audio on July 1. A long-standing senior leader in the Perth market, Noel brings extensive experience from his time leading SCA in the region. He will continue his GBD responsibilities across the broader Nine group until September 30, when he transitions to full-time as Sales Director Nine Audio.
  • Jonathon Mandel has been appointed National Head of Digital Sales, joining from independent digital agency Bolster, where he served as Head of Media. Prior to Bolster, Mandel was Head of Digital Product and Operations for LiSTNR. He will be instrumental in driving revenue outcomes for Nine Audio’s digital audio product from September 29.
  • Rick Lenarcic, currently National Head of Direct Sales, will transition into the role of Head of Sales Operations. Over the past six months, Rick successfully refreshed the national direct sales approach and in his new capacity, he will oversee the Traffic, Commerce, Research, Engineering/Technology, and Syndication teams across the Radio business. Rick brings over 30 years of media experience, including roles as COO of Grant Broadcasters/ARN Regional and Head of Regional Media SCA.
  • Chris Gregson will lead the Powered Audio team, integrating with the existing creative assets of the Nine Radio business to form a formidable creative services group for the market.
  • Brian Gallagher, Nine Audio Commercial Director, said: “It is an absolute privilege to have attracted executives of this caliber to lead the commercial teams at Nine Radio. As the team progressively onboards over the next couple of months, we will see a new level of competitiveness emerging from our commercial teams across the country. With radio listening continuing to deliver great reach and digital audio audiences growing strongly, our integrated sales approach, led by the industry’s best, positions us to capture great growth in the year ahead.”

For further information, please contact:
Senior Communications Manager, Nine
Caitlin Lynch
clynch@nine.com.au

Wednesday, 9 July, 2025

Recipe for Murder? Australia’s Most Bizarre Triple-Murder Mystery

This one-hour special, filmed over the course of the trial, delivers the full story as you’ve never heard it, with previously unseen recounts from the proceedings and an FBI-style profile analysis of Erin Patterson. It delves into the mysterious events surrounding the fatal lunch in the quiet country town of Leongatha, where three guests died and a fourth was left fighting for his life after consuming a dish of beef wellington laced with poisonous death cap mushrooms. 

The documentary features the only person to speak at length with Patterson, investigative journalist Sam Cucchiara, known for his work on A Current Affair, who details his strange viral interview with her. 

Adding to the depth of analysis is FBI-trained criminal profiler and former homicide detective Kris Illingsworth, who explores what has become one of Australia’s most bizarre and riveting crime cases. 

Illingsworth analyses the case in an attempt to determine if these deaths were a terrible, tragic accident, or if Patterson deliberately killed her lunch guests. She examines the strong connection each victim had not just to Patterson but to the Baptist Church, and for the first time considers if religious retribution could have been a possible motive. She also discusses Patterson’s alleged dumping of a food dehydrator, examining it not just as a potential disposal of evidence but as a psychological distancing from a dark crime.

The documentary features exclusive insights from other key contributors, including 9News court reporter Amber Johnstone and Daily Mail reporter Tita Smith, who shares her chilling account of Patterson’s world inside her home. 

Additional contributors include Ashlea Hansen, a highly respected senior journalist; Nathan Hersey, Deputy Mayor of South Gippsland Shire Council; Scott Rae, a local mushroom enthusiast; and Simon Claringbold, a death cap mushroom survivor from Canberra.

The intriguing Murder by Mushroom will bring audiences right up to date with the public knowledge of the case, offering a comprehensive look at events following the conclusion of the sensational trial of Erin Patterson. 

The program has been sold to Channel 5 (UK), Three/Warner Bros Discovery (NZ) and will be sold to other international partners via ITV Studios Global Partnerships. 

Murder by Mushroom is produced by Perpetual Entertainment for the 9Network.

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
9Network Publicity
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Monday, 7 July, 2025

State of Origin III: The Decider Exclusive on Nine

With the series tied 1-1, it all comes down to the final 80 minutes of play where the star studded NSW Blues are out to clinch back-to-back titles, against a desperate Queensland outfit coming off a nail biting Game 2 victory.

Nathan Cleary will be tasked with pulling the trigger on Blues big guns Latrell MitchellStephen Crichton, Payne Haas, Brian To’o, Angus Crichton and Jarome Luai in front of a sold out home crowd at Accor Stadium.

While preparing for a raid from North of the border, Billy Slater’s Maroons are out to emulate the folklore of their famous Queensland spirit to score another underdog victory.

Cameron Munster will lead from the front when returning enforcer Josh Papalii and debutant Gehemat Shibasaki are thrust into the spotlight alongside Harry GrantValentine Holmes speedster Hamiso Tabui-Fidow to get the job done.

Wide World of Sports’ exclusive Origin coverage will be hosted by James Bracey and feature the biggest names in modern rugby league history, with Origin legends Andrew Johns, Cameron Smith, Paul Gallen, Brad Fittler, Phil Gould, Darren Lockyer and Johnathan Thurston on hand to dissect every moment of the action.

Danika Mason will deliver live updates from the sideline alongsideFittler and Lockyer, while Emma Lawrence and Allana Ferguson join the panel to analyse the key match-ups with Nine’s unrivaled line up of rugby league experts. In the commentary box Mathew Thompson is flanked by former NSW and Queensland captains,Andrew Johns and Cameron Smith.

In the pregame show, feature pieces deliver an insight into the incredible tale, 43 years in the making, of rugby league Immortal Arthur Beetson handing down his Queensland front row jersey to Tino Fa’asuamaleaui via his father.

Moments before kick off, Steve Mortimer’s daughter, Erin, will perform the national anthem 40 years after her father guided the NSW Blues to their first series victory with members of the historic 1980 team to gather on the field prior to the match.

Both coaches will open the doors to Wide World of Sports in both camps, with viewers getting unprecedented access to exclusive content when Thurston and Johns cross live from inside the Queensland and NSW team sheds. Channel 9 will cross live during the broadcast to both Origin coaches, Billy Slater and Laurie Daley.

Get closer to the action with 9Now’s exclusive camera angles focussed on Nathan Cleary and Cameron Munster and Spider Cam available direct to your phone while watching the main event on the big screen. Download the app or head to 9now.com.au

o   Player Cam QLD – Cameron Munster
o   Player Cam NSW – Nathan Cleary
o   Spidercam – An eagle-eye view of play to take you that little bit closer to the action

After the game you can catch up with the mini-match for all the best bits in a 20-minute breakdown and the post game show on 9Now straight after the broadcast.

AMPOL STATE OF ORIGIN III – NEW SOUTH WALES v QUEENSLAND
LIVE from Accor Stadium, Sydney

Sydney                 7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Brisbane               7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Melbourne            7.00pm LIVE on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Adelaide               6.30pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 7.00pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now
Perth                    5.00pm LIVE on 9GemHD, 5.30pm on Channel 9HD and 9Now

THE BUILD-UP TO ORIGIN III ON NINE

100% FOOTY: FROM THE GROUND – ACCOR STADIUM, SYDNEY – Monday, July 7, 8.45pm AEST. 100% Footy is on ground at Accor Stadium, Sydney ahead of Origin III with Phil Gould, Cameron Smith, Paul Gallen, journalist Danny Weidler, host James Bracey and special guests.
Available on Channel 9 in Sydney/Brisbane, 9Now Nationally and YouTube.

FREDDY AND THE EIGHTH LIVE STUDIO SHOW – Tuesday, July 8, 8.45pm AEST. 
NSW Blues legends Brad Fittler and the Eighth rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns preview Origin III with host Danika Mason joined by NFL Las Vegas Raiders and NRL players in studio with a live audience.
Available on Channel 9 in Sydney/Brisbane, 9Now Nationally and YouTube.
 
9NEWS –
 Will be live from Accor Stadium on game night. No need to worry about any dramatic, last-minute team changes – we’ll have our eyes and ears all over the build-up from the second the teams arrive at the stadium on 9News. 

SIX TACKLES WITH GUS
Phil “Gus” Gould sits down with Mat Thompson every week to give a sermon like no other on the greatest game of all. 
 
QUEENSLANDER – The Sunshine State’s favourite sons, Wally “The King” Lewis and Darren Lockyer, give their Maroon-coloured preview of how the Queenslanders are shaping up for Origin III with 9News reporter Adam Jackson. Available on 9Now and YouTube.

THE BILLY SLATER PODCAST – ORIGIN SPECIAL FROM MAROONS TEAM CAMP
Get the hot take from the greatest fullback ever to play the game, Queensland coach Billy Slater, hosted by Peter PsaltisListen here.

STATE OF ORIGIN III: THE DECIDER
WEDNESDAY, JULY 9, AT 7:00PM AEST
EXCLUSIVE, LIVE AND FREE ON NINE

For further information, please contact:
Ryley McKay
Senior Publicist and Digital Manager – Sport

Friday, 4 July, 2025

The Crime That Shook the Nation: The Murder of Stephanie Scott

This harrowing true-crime documentary explores the devastating case that shocked Australia to its core: the brutal and senseless murder of Stephanie Scott, a vibrant, 26-year-old school teacher and bride-to-be from the quiet farming town of Leeton in New South Wales.

Stephanie was preparing for the happiest time of her life. With just days to go before her wedding, she visited her workplace, Leeton High School, one last time to finalise her lesson plans before taking time off for her honeymoon. She never came home.  

The Murder of Stephanie Scott follows the remarkable work of Detective Inspector Tim Clark and Detective Sergeant Justin Milne, who quickly realised this was no runaway bride. They came to uncover a horrifying truth, which led them to school cleaner Vincent Stanford, a socially isolated man harbouring violent fantasies.

The series offers a behind-the-scenes account of how local police and detectives, driven by instinct, speed and sheer determination, pieced together a case that not only brought justice for Stephanie but probably saved other lives.  

Through exclusive access to police interviews, gripping firsthand accounts and dramatic recreations, viewers are taken step-by-step through the investigation, from the first filed missing person report to Stanford’s chilling taped confession.

The special also examines Stanford’s violent past in the Netherlands, including disturbing incidents that raised serious questions about missed warning signs for offenders arriving from overseas.

Esteemed Walkley Award-winning investigative journalist Dimity Clancey, who covered the story at the time, and 9News Sydney 6.00pm presenter Peter Overton both feature in the series, explaining how the case unfolded in the media and gripped the nation.

With insights from those who knew Stanford, and interviews from leading international criminologists, this is a harrowing portrait of how a seemingly quiet man plotted his murderous horror, in plain sight.

Murder Down Under – Natural Born Killer: The Murder of Stephanie Scott is produced by Perpetual Entertainment for the 9Network.

MURDER DOWN UNDER
NATURAL BORN KILLER: THE MURDER OF STEPHANIE SCOTT
TUESDAY, JULY 15 AND WEDNESDAY, JULY 16 AT 8.30PM
CHANNEL 9 & 9NOW

For further information, please contact:
Aimee Ball 
9Network Publicity 
aimee.ball@nine.com.au

Wednesday, 2 July, 2025

Every Game of the 2025 NRLW Season is Live and Free on the 9Network and 9Now

Wednesday, 2 July, 2025

Deb Knight Returns to Full-Time TV Role

Deb will take on the role of presenter for the national 9News Morning bulletin at 11:30 AM each weekday and will also present 9News Afternoon each weekday in Sydney. In addition to her expanded weekday responsibilities, Deb will continue to host A Current Affair on Saturday nights.

As a result of this new commitment, Deb will step away from radio where she’s host of the nightly Money News program across the Nine Radio network (2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR).

Fiona Dear, Nine’s Director of News and Current Affairs, welcomed Deb’s return to a dedicated television role:
“Deb is an exceptional journalist and a beloved figure on Australian screens. Her extensive experience, versatility and deep connection with audiences make her the perfect fit for these key news presenting roles. We are thrilled to have her back full-time in our 9News and Current Affairs family.”

Greg Byrnes, National Content Manager of Nine Radio, acknowledged Deb’s significant contribution to radio:
“Deb has been an integral part of the 2GB on-air team since 2020, but her ties to talk radio stretch back much further. Nationally, the Money News program with Deb as host, has recorded some of its best ratings on record and she finishes up as No. 1 overall in Sydney. We’ll miss Deb on and off the air but as she’s remaining in the Nine family she’ll never be too far away.”

Deb Knight shared her excitement about the new chapter:
“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping back into a full-time television role with 9News and Current Affairs. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of the daily news cycle and connect with viewers during these important bulletins. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in radio, particularly hosting Money News, and I’m grateful for the wonderful listeners who tuned in. I’m also very pleased to continue hosting  A Current Affair on Saturday nights.”

Deb will address listeners directly on the Money News program tonight from 7.00pm across 2GB, 3AW, 4BC and 6PR.

Her final Money News show will be this Thursday with a new host to be announced in coming weeks.

For further information, please contact:
Alex Dyer
9Network Publicity 
alex.dyer@nine.com.au

Tuesday, 1 July, 2025

Nine’s Talk Stations Now on Apple Watch

The new smartwatch app underscores Nine Radio’s commitment to device ubiquity, ensuring continuous access to popular stations 2GB, 3AW, 4BC, and 6PR for listeners on the move. The familiar user interface ensures a clear and intuitive listening experience, with essential metadata displayed on the now-playing screen.

Key features of the new Nine Radio smartwatch app include:

  • Live Radio Streaming: Direct access to all Nine Radio stations, including 3AW, 2GB, 4BC, and 6PR.
  • Intuitive Design: A familiar user interface designed for ease of use on a smartwatch.
  • Quick Access: Users can access their favorite station directly from their watch’s home screen.
  • Now Playing Screen: Displays essential metadata for the current program.
  • Smart Stack Integration: Allows users to pause/play streams or access the app.
  • Playing Now Control: Provides control over the stream and casting options.

Tom Malone, Nine Radio Managing Director, said: “This is about providing true freedom and flexibility in how our audience consumes audio content. Radio used to be on the bench top or side table, then it was in your pocket via your phone, now it’s on your wrist. Listeners can escape all of their screens for a walk or run, or trip to the shops, and still be listening to their favourite news, sport, opinions and entertainment via Nine Radio’s smartwatch app. It’s a seamless and untethered way to stay connected.”

Mia Stern, Head of Digital Growth at Nine Radio, added: “Our strategy is simple – maximise discoverability and accessibility. The new smartwatch apps allow listeners to tune in to their favourite talk radio station anywhere, any time and on any device. We’ve made it incredibly easy to use, with instant station access from your watch face and a user interface designed to feel instantly familiar and crystal clear.”

Nine Radio is committed to continuous improvement, with plans for on-demand content and AFL pop-ups in the Apple Watch app and CarPlay later in 2025.

For further information, please contact:
Caitlin Lynch
Senior Communications Manager
clynch@nine.com.au

Tuesday, 1 July, 2025

Trump Vs. Musk

This compelling documentary chronicles the unexpected alliance and spectacular fallout between two of the world’s most influential and unconventional figures.
From the early days of their bromance and shared ideology to the bitter public feuds now dominating headlines, Trump vs. Musk explores the forces at play in this high-stakes power struggle. Witness how a partnership seen by many as a modern-day oligarchy quickly fractured under the weight of conflicting agendas, ego clashes and differing visions for America’s future. 

Hosted by Nine’s US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley, this special features exclusive insight from key insiders and global observers, including:

  • Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director of WIRED
  • Ryan MacThe New York Times technology reporter and co-author of Character Limit: How Elon Musk Destroyed Twitter 
  • James Fishback, an insider who knows both men, CEO of investment firm Azoria and architect of the DOGE Dividend proposal
  • Michael Wolff, Trump biographer and The New York Times best-selling author

Through their expert analysis, Trump vs. Musk provides a gripping perspective on how these two supremely powerful men, individually capable of reshaping industries and nations, have navigated a relationship that has sent shockwaves through politics, boardrooms, and the very corridors of the White House.

Don’t miss this exclusive special on Wednesday, July 2, at 8.00pm on
Channel 9 and 9Now.
Reporter: Jonathan Kearsley
Producers: Tracey Hannaford and Alex Chance
Editors: Josh Webber and Andrew Page

For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Maiolo
9Network Publicity
alexandra.maiolo@nine.com.au

Tuesday, 1 July, 2025

The Age Launches New Subscription License for Swinburne University Students and Staff

Campus Access allows students and staff at Swinburne to have complete access to a premium digital subscription to the wide range of journalism in The Age from today. 

With plans to make the licensing deal available to universities around Australia, Swinburne is the first Victorian university to enter into the arrangement following the University of Sydney partnership announced earlier this year.

The Campus Access partnership will allow students and staff to access a complimentary subscription to The Age with their Swinburne email. With personalised subscription access, students and staff can download the Good Food and news apps, enjoy puzzles, browse Today’s Paper and stay informed with independent coverage of news, politics, business, world, food, travel and culture. 

Campus Access is a strategic partnership that fosters collaboration and innovation for The Age and Swinburne. Delivering independent journalism, bespoke events, and direct engagement opportunities, this initiative aims to build a more informed community by enriching learning and stimulating critical thinking.

The initiative is the latest strategic move to engage audiences with quality journalism. 

Patrick Elligett, editor of The Age, said: “This is more than a subscription deal. It is an exciting partnership that will set Swinburne’s students on a path to a better informed future with The Age’s brand of rigorous and fearless independent journalism.” 

Agos Garola, Director of Corporate Subscriptions & Licensing for Nine Publishing, said: “We are delighted to partner with Swinburne University of Technology, an institution that clearly shares our passion for ensuring its students and staff have access to quality journalism.This collaboration reinforces our commitment to making trusted news accessible to the next generation. We look forward to a strong and growing partnership.”

Professor Pascale Quester, President and Vice-Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with The Age to keep our community informed on the news shaping their world and their studies. Information is power, and this partnership will further help our students become job-ready graduates. This is just one way we’re bringing people and technology together to create a better world.”

Matt Macklin, Director of Communications and Media at Swinburne University of Technology, said: “With misinformation more common than ever, it’s crucial that our students and staff have easy access to verified and comprehensive news sources. This partnership empowers the Swinburne community to understand the world around them and gather balanced and expert commentary on the news that impacts them.”

For universities enquiring about Campus Access, please contact Jason Britton from Nine Sales on jason.britton@nine.com.au

For further information, please contact:
Adrian Motte
Senior Communications Manager
amotte@nine.com.au

Tuesday, 1 July, 2025