Vivian Schenker

Board member and Reader

Vivian Schenker edited copy

Vivian has nearly forty years of experience as a broadcaster and media/communications manager in both the public and community sectors.

For nearly thirty years she was a journalist and presenter at the ABC and SBS, working on news and a variety of current affairs programs before becoming the host of Insight on SBS TV, and then the presenter of the ABC's Radio National Breakfast. After a short but eventful period working in federal politics as a Senior Communications Director, she moved into the not-for-profit sector as Media and then Media and Communications Head at the Australian Red Cross until her retirement.

Vivian has travelled extensively in most of her roles both in Australia and overseas, interviewing former and current political, business and community leaders and talking with people from a huge variety of different backgrounds. Highlights included two trips to Australian bases in the remotest parts of Antarctica, coverage of the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 1984, many stories and a documentary in remote aboriginal communities around Australia, trips to refugee camps in Asia and Africa and coverage of countless federal elections and budgets. She also hosted or chaired many conferences and panels.

She has also provided high level training in media presentation and crisis management both in Australia and overseas.

About two years ago, Vivian joined 2RPH as a reader and then also as presenter of Inclusive Agenda, following in the footsteps of both of her parents who spent many of their retirement years at RPH.

Vivian spends the rest of her time with friends and family including an increasing tribe of adorable grandchildren; travelling (pre and hopefully post Covid); playing bridge (badly); singing in a local community choir; reading and cooking.