ISOBEL COLEMAN
NOOSA EXCLUSIVE
More than two million Australians watched them win The Block All Stars but, on Sunday morning, Phil Rankine and Amity Dry were just two happy parents having fun in the sun with their kids in Noosa.
In fact, they were making the most of their last day in Noosa, before heading south and it was clear from their faces, they didn’t want to leave. “We’ve always loved it here and this is the first real holiday we’ve had in over a year,” Amity told Noosa Today. “It’s been an amazing year but we really needed a break and this was the obvious choice. We used to stay on Hastings Street but now we have the children, we love staying on Gympie Terrace.” Phil and Amity first featured on The Block in 2003. But it wasn’t until they took part again, in The Block All Stars, that they showed what they were made of and won – and became instantly recognisable wherever they went. “But we don’t mind that. Because we did reality TV people think they know us and I guess they do in a way,” Amity said. “We invaded their TV so it’s only fair we stop and chat with people – that’s all part of it. We never say no,” Phil added. But taking part in The Block wasn’t the only thing that made 2013 such a huge year for the couple, and their children Jamieson and Poppy. A singer/songwriter in her own right, Amity also hit the road with her critically acclaimed show, Mother, Wife & the Complicated Life. This smash hit musical show takes a hilarious and heart-warming look at marriage and motherhood, and has toured Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Penned by Amity, the show has enjoyed packed houses and standing ovations and also saw the family travel to the USA, after an invitation to perform at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. Now Amity and Phil, a concert promoter who manages and markets the show, plan to bring the show to Queensland – and maybe even Noosa. “We’d love to bring it here if it’s possible,” Amity said. It was clear the family loved Noosa and wished they could stay longer. “We haven’t been for five years and we are really impressed with how Noosa has grown as a holiday location,” Phil said. “It’s so family-friendly and the customer service is excellent. We’ve enjoyed five-star dining that caters for kids, which is amazing. “Gympie Terrace is a perfect location – we can walk everywhere and the kids love swimming in the river.” And young Jamieson was quick to point out that he not only took surfing lessons, but stood up, too! “It’s clear the people who work here, love working here, and who wouldn’t,” Phil said. And if they could move here for good? “I’d like a house on the canals, maybe Witta Circle,” Amity said. “Now that would be great!”
