Sheila McHale
Minister for Disability Services; Tourism; Culture and the Arts; Consumer Protection
Fri 25 August, 2006
Ben Elton to showcase Western Australia
Portfolio: Tourism
25/8/06
Famous British comedian, Ben Elton, will showcase Western Australia to hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide in an upcoming television show.
Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said WA would feature on the popular BBC World program ‘Peschardt’s People’ - a unique opportunity to show off the State’s fantastic attractions.
"The programs are being broadcast to hundreds of millions of people throughout Japan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, India, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand and Korea - some of our key international markets,” Ms McHale said.
“The well-known Western Australians profiled during the 13-week series will bring to life the famous landmarks and locations that have helped shaped their lives.
“We will learn about the places as well as the people. They will show us around the areas where they grew up and now live, explaining the stories of their lives, hopes, dreams and travel adventures.”
Ben Elton, an Australian citizen since 2004, who splits his time between bases in London and Fremantle, will show people around Perth and Fremantle.
“Ben will take the audience on a personal tour to his favourite spots, haunts and cultural attractions,” the Minister said.
Ms McHale said Bill Reed, a partner in Linneys Pearls Broome would also feature in an upcoming episode of ‘Peschardt’s People’.
The program will showcase Broome and the North-West and feature a visit to a pearl farm, demonstrate the evolution of the pearling industry and explain why WA cultured pearls are the best in the world.
The Minister said Atticus Fleming, the inaugural chief executive of Australian Wildlife Conservancy, recently appeared on the series. The program featured footage of unique local fauna around Mornington Station in the Kimberley and species of marsupials at Karakamia Sanctuary in the Perth hills.
Ms McHale said Michael Peschardt was one of the BBC’s most respected interviewers and presenters.
'Peschardt's People' can be viewed on Foxtel's BBC World on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Programs will also be repeated during weekday programming. The Ben Elton episode will air on August 26 and Bill Reed on September 9.
Minister's office - 9213 6900