ABC Host Lisa Millar Engaged, Discusses Happiness and Career Shift

ABC Host Lisa Millar Announces Engagement

Lisa Millar, known for presenting "Muster Dogs," "Where Are They Now," and "Back Roads," has announced her engagement to Simon Carless. The proposal occurred on New Year's Eve aboard their houseboat near Murray Bridge, South Australia. Millar, 56, expressed contentment with her relationship with Carless, a pilot.

The couple initially met in 2007 in Sydney. Millar's career subsequently led her overseas, serving as the ABC's North American bureau chief in Washington from 2009 and Europe bureau chief in London from 2015. During this period, she had occasional encounters with Carless, who was then separated, but no romantic connection developed at that time.

Their relationship progressed in November 2023 after a lunch meeting in Melbourne. Millar had returned to Australia in 2019 to co-host ABC's "News Breakfast." Following a holiday trip to London, the couple contracted COVID-19 and chose to isolate on Carless's houseboat, which subsequently became stranded on a sandbank for 28 days.

Millar indicated that this new phase in her life has shifted her priorities, leading her to place personal happiness before career demands, a change from her past approach.

Millar previously experienced a period of unhappiness two years prior, contemplating leaving "News Breakfast." This was attributed to early morning schedules, loneliness, and persistent online trolling regarding her appearance and the passing of her father, former Nationals MP Clarrie Millar. She received support from fellow journalist Leigh Sales and a professional counsellor, which helped her develop coping strategies.

Currently, Millar divides her time between Melbourne and Carless's houseboat. Her activities include bird watching, kayaking, and reading. She serves as an ambassador for Park Run and intends to obtain a pilot's license, having overcome a previous fear of flying.

Her professional commitments involve traveling across Australia for "Muster Dogs" and "Back Roads," shows that focus on regional Australian stories, reflecting her own upbringing on a dairy farm in Kilkivan, Queensland.

Millar's journalism career began at "The Gympie Times," followed by WIN TV, and then the ABC in Townsville in 1993. This eventually led to roles in Canberra and international postings, including Washington as a foreign correspondent in 2001.

She has found it straightforward to disengage from the daily news cycle since transitioning to her current roles, prioritizing her personal well-being.