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Australian Survivor 2021: meet the cast

Who's who in the Brains v Brawn tribes.

Australian Survivor returns for 2021 with a Brains v Brawn theme, filmed in Cloncurry in NW Queensland.

Think you know the game of Survivor? Think again.

For the first time in Australian Survivor history, 24 of the strongest and most strategic minds the competition has ever seen, will go head-to-head in the Australian Outback, where they’ll settle the age old question: Brains or Brawn?

Over 48 days in the vast, arid outback of Cloncurry in North West Queensland, 12 of the most intelligent individuals will take on 12 of the most physically elite as they attempt to Outwit, Outplay, and Outlast the competition to take home the title of Sole Survivor and a life-changing $500,000.

The Brains Tribe aren’t just about smarts. They’re creative, mentally strong, charismatic, and strategic. Think political operatives, authors and doctors who have used their mindpower to get them to the top of their fields.

Forget bulging muscles and protein shakes, The Brawn Tribe not only have the physical strength, they’re hard workers with a drive and competitive edge that’s taken them to the top. With MMA fighters, professional surfers and models, they’re used to putting their bodies on the line and pushing themselves to the limit.

Both Tribes will take part in Reward Challenges, where they will compete for luxuries including food and camping essentials. In Immunity Challenges, they will play for Immunity, saving them from being voted out of the game at the next Tribal Council. At each Tribal Council, a Tribe must vote out one of their own to keep themselves in the running for the title of Sole Survivor.

Hosted by Jonathan LaPaglia, the sixth season of Australian Survivor is an unrelenting test of courage, endurance and strength that will push people to their limits and beyond.

Australian Survivor is an Endemol Shine Australia production for Network Ten. Brains v Brawn received support from the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and Screen Queensland.

Host: Jonathan LaPaglia

Internationally acclaimed actor, Jonathan LaPaglia has been guiding Australian Survivor Castaways through the toughest challenges, most brilliant blindsides and tumultuous Tribals for six seasons. He starred in the drama Love Child and received a Monte Carlo Television Festival Golden Nymph nomination for Best Actor In A Drama Series, for his role as Dr. Patrick McNaughton on the show. Receiving critical acclaim for his standout performance as Anthony “Rooster” Perish in the drama Underbelly: Badness, Jonathan was also lauded for his starring role in the television adaptation of Christos Tsiolkas novel The Slap, for which he received an AFI nomination for Best Lead Actor In A Drama Series.

Internationally, Jonathan has starred in Cold Case, The District, Windfall, New York Undercover and Seven Days, and has guest starred on The Mentalist, Law & Order, The Sopranos, NCIS, Bones, Castle, Burn Notice and S.W.A.T. Jonathan also recently featured in a starring role in the independent film Pioneer and has also appeared in Woody Allen’s Deconstructing Harry, The Dead Will Tell, The Hit List and The Reckoning. He recently featured in the 2019 biopic Ford V Ferrari starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Australian Survivor is Jonathan’s first hosting role and Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn will be his sixth season for the franchise.

Brains

Andrew
33, Survival Expert, NSW
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? Andrew brings a Bachelor of Environmental Science and extensive survivalist experience to the Brains Tribe, and if he won the grand prize, he would train to become a Survival Instructor for the Australian Defence Force.

Baden
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. After retiring in 2011, he turned his attention to business and now manufactures some of the world’s most high-end bikes. Baden wants to win to prove that he is still a formidable competitor. Being driven is in his DNA… and also tattooed on his back, so it’s no wonder this ultra-competitive Survivor fan will do anything it takes to win.

Cara
47, Real Estate Agent, NSW
New Zealand-born empath and Real Estate Agency Owner Cara, may be known as the Queen of Double Bay, but can she bring her reign to the Outback? Having spent over 15 years in the corporate world, Cara ditched a career in superannuation to start her own Real Estate Agency. 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. She can feel someone’s energy by simply holding their hands or touching their shoulders – a gift that will be a key part of her game plan when analysing and reading people.

George
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. George is very passionate about his hometown, Bankstown in Sydney’s South West, and is very active in the community. He’s the Treasurer and Director of the Football Club, Treasurer and Director of the Greyhound Club and President of the Labor Party in Bankstown. Although he’s never been camping and loathes every type of creepy crawly, he wants to win the game and pay off his parents’ mortgage, to thank them for everything they’ve done to support him.

Georgia
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 judgement to profile her Tribe mates. The mother of two and die-hard fan of the game, is willing to make big moves and play hard. Georgia is ultra-competitive and willing to do whatever it takes to win!

Hayley
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. With manipulation and deceit as her bread and butter, she will make for a formidable force in the game.

Joey
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. He will push himself to the limits and “do whatever it takes” to win, which he has tattooed on his chest.

Laura
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. Both physically and mentally strong, Laura has plans to play a big social game within the Tribe. Comfortable adapting to almost any situation, this brainy bombshell is setting her sights on conquering her next adventure.

Mitch
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. Family is everything to Mitch, so by far the hardest thing about this challenge will be leaving his wife and kids at home.

Phil
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. The fun-loving mastermind plans to get creative with his tactics to become the Sole Survivor and take home the prize.

Rachel
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 ground-breaking work as a Teacher, Principal and Entrepreneur, has transformed the education system. The innovative tool she created to allow children in jeopardy to report critical incidents via a user-friendly platform is now used by hundreds of schools across the country. Forever an overachiever, she balances her creative mind with a very active life that includes being a black belt in Karate, as well as a Tri Athlete, Surfer, Artist and Musician. Rachel really wants to take home the title of Sole Survivor to help build a school for disadvantaged kids.

Wai
38, Author, NSW
As an international award-winning Author of six childrens 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. A complex problem solver and creative thinker, she has always been reliant on her brain power to succeed. But a strategic game is going to be top priority, as Wai admits to not being the most physically fit competitor and has a huge fear of the outdoors.

Brawn

Benny
38, Entrepreneur, NSW
After bouncing between six different schools across the globe in his youth, entrepreneur Benny landed in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, where he made a name and big money for himself as a Real Estate Agent. 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
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. This fierce competitor doesn’t want the notoriety or money, she simply wants to win Australian Survivor to make herself proud.

Daini
26, Personal Trainer, NSW
At a towering 6 ft 3, Personal Trainer and bodybuilder Daini or ‘Big D’, 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. Between training, clients, running his own activewear brand and being a fur-dad to French Bulldog Dumpling, Daini averages just four hours sleep a day. While he is undeniably a physical force to be reckoned with, Daini plans on winning the Tribe over by being a good-vibes-only gentleman, before pulling all the stops to get ahead in the competition.

Dani
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! While she may seem hard-as-nails, she wants to win Australian Survivor to prove to her two nieces and all women, that you can achieve anything.

Emmett
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. At 19, he was named Perth’s Hottest Guy which catapulted him to the catwalks of New York City. He now models part time, and lives in Australia’s Margaret River region with his fiancé Johana and their Border Collie rescue pup, Marley. Emmett’s strategy is simple: team up with the strongest players and create a ‘superman team’. While he admits he can come across arrogant and condescending at times, Emmett will take to the game with no moral boundaries and won’t be afraid to rub people the wrong way.

Flick
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. She’s travelled the world on tour since the age of 16, and has learnt how to be sociable, resilient, and adapt to change. Her aim is to play a social game at first, but then manipulate and call the shots as the game progresses.

Gavin
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. The proud father of six is humble at heart and won’t boast about what he’s achieved. As a proud Kokatha Mala man, he wants to be the first Aboriginal player to win Australian Survivor.

Gerald
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. But don’t let the muscles fool you, this 125-kilo loveable larrikin can play a mean social game and plans to use these skills to build strong alliances within the Tribe.

Janelle
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. No stranger to competitive sports, Janelle has also played hockey for over 20 years and isn’t afraid of a little rough and tumble. Determined to show her daughter that women can do anything, she will be a forced to be reckoned with amongst the tribe.

Kez
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. Having training for body building competitions for five years, Kez says that she has been preparing for Australian Survivor without even knowing it. Her intense physical training has equipped her for the hunger, the physical challenges and the social aspect which she will incorporate into her gameplay. A self-confessed challenge beast, Kez is confident she will be dominating all physical challenges but also plans to be the smiling assassin and get out of any sticky situation with a cheeky smile on her face. She will be convincing others to make big moves for her and letting everyone else do her dirty work.

Shannon
30, Model, NSW
Shannon is a full-time Model, health and fitness advocate and Instagram personality. Known to her friends affectionately as Miss Congeniality, she thrives off winning people over and believes she has never met anyone that doesn’t like her. People can be quick to underestimate her, but this hustler packs a punch and is determined to prove people wrong. Despite the glamourous 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
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. Dreaming of competing for a very long time, this Survivor mega fan has a game plan and wants to be known as the greatest player to have ever played the game.

Talking Tribal
Survivors, Ready For More?
Delve into the strategy, alliances and drama that played out during the week that was with Talking Tribal, the official digital companion series to Australian Survivor: Brains V Brawn. Hosted by Australian Survivor fan favourite Luke Toki and NOVA’s Nathan Morris, they’ll be joined by special guests to flesh out theories behind the gameplay and follow the epic journey to one player being crowned Sole Survivor. Talking Tribal will also be available as a podcast, featuring extended content that will give an even deeper insight into the ultimate game. Go beyond the game and follow every challenge, powerplay and blindside with episodes, unseen exclusives and more at 10play.com.au/survivor or on the 10 play app.

7:30pm Sunday – Tuesday on 10.

6 Responses

  1. Only one player under 25. Most players in their early to mid 30’s. And a healthy dose of over 40’s. What other reality show would be happy with that sort of casting? This is one of the many reasons why I love Survivor.
    The casting again looks top notch. They aren’t there to gain notoriety or fame out of it… The players genuinely want to play hard and win. Perfect. Cannot wait!

    1. disagree on that last point – I think a lot of the cast got picked from their notability or profile outside of the show than a desire to compete on Survivor

      (See the current Sth African season on 10play for a truely competitive cast)

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