Sunrise Weatherman Sam Mac Celebrates a Decade of Television Adventures
Sam McMillan, widely known as Sam Mac, has become one of Australia's most travelled weather presenters during his ten-year tenure on the popular breakfast show Sunrise. The veteran broadcaster has delivered forecasts from locations as diverse as Japan, Uluru, and the tiny Western Australian town of Xantippe, embracing every opportunity for live television adventure.
A Decade of Relentless Travel and Memorable Moments
This year marks a significant milestone for the entertainer, who is celebrating ten years on breakfast TV. McMillan has taken a moment to reflect on career highlights from a role he describes as both "fortunate" and "privileged." He notes the exciting yet blurry nature of his schedule, which rarely allows for extended stays in any single location.
"Most places, we spend less than 24 hours," McMillan explained. "So you don't really have a lot of time to stop and look back. This is a great opportunity to reflect a little bit and be proud of the places we've managed to visit, the people that we've met, and the stories that we've had the privilege to tell."
Shining a Light on Small Towns and Unforgettable Adventures
Audiences are familiar with McMillan's comedic presenting style and his visits to obscure Australian towns. He expressed a genuine passion for highlighting small communities, recalling the memorable Australia A to Z segment where viewers voted on destinations for each letter of the alphabet.
"We only realised when we were about halfway through that there's only one 'X' town in the entire country, and it's in WA, and it's called Xantippe," he said. The remote wheat farming town, with a population of about 20 in 2016, welcomed hundreds when Sam Mac and his crew arrived.
"They're the types of adventures that you really remember fondly," McMillan added. "It's something to be grateful for that we get to see these places that otherwise you would never go in your life. I love all the characters that we meet on our travels. That's one of the real joys of this job."
From Bungee Jumps to Natural Disasters: A Career of Highs and Lows
The father of two has been involved in numerous daring activities broadcast during breakfast hours, including shark cage diving, bungee jumping, and even releasing a song with The Wiggles. His first day as a weatherman featured a bungee jump, setting the tone for a career filled with unexpected twists.
"There's always some sort of adventure and twist," McMillan remarked. "And that's why Sean Flynn is an amazing producer, and also why I experienced a lot of trauma." Beyond the fun, the national weatherman has also covered dangerous natural disasters, adding depth to his broadcasting experience.
Personal Life and Future Plans
Before joining Sunrise, McMillan lived in Perth, where he hosted radio shows including the 92.9 Em and Sam Mac Show in 2009. He moved to Sydney in 2011 to pursue television, a decision that has clearly paid off. Sunrise has frequently brought him back to Western Australia for live crosses from locations like Margaret River, Broome, and Cottesloe Beach, as well as for Telethon appearances.
This year, McMillan plans to bring his family to Perth for Telethon, introducing his fiancée and two daughters to Western Australia. Recently, he relocated to Melbourne's Yarra Valley with his partner, Rebecca James, and their daughters, Margot and Mabel, seeking a more family-friendly lifestyle surrounded by nature.
"We've got so much more space than we had in Sydney," he said. "It's a beautiful area with wineries and nature, and I wanted our daughters to grow up surrounded by nature. When I'm spending time at home now, I really feel switched off from the high pace, hectic lifestyle of work."
The couple got engaged in 2023 and, while wedding plans have been delayed by parenting and business ventures, they hope to marry within the next year or two. McMillan's decade on Sunrise showcases a unique blend of professional adventure and personal growth, making his story a testament to the dynamic world of breakfast television.
