Carine Senior High School

From Drama Room to Logie

by Danelle Dower, Sherrie Lee, Wai Kwan Low

The girl who once starred in the Carine SHS production of `The Brass Medallion' with Guy McKenna has gone on to the pinnacle of Australian television, becoming its most popular personality.>

 Logie Award (1995, 96, 97, 98, 99 & 2000) Most Popular Actress - "Blue Heelers" (1994) .

However, on this glamorous awards night, Lisa grabbed more attention for the way she wore her hair. `I wore my hair a bit curly that night and it created this huge thing... Suddenly I was controversial because of a hair do. I thought it was really funny that people were more concerned about my hair than that I'd won the gold logie.'

This comment shows the sensibility of Lisa's nature, that she is able to see the ridiculous side of an often superficial and materialistic industry. It is possibly this down-to-earth nature by which Lisa has captured the hearts and minds of the Australian public.

Looking After Maggie
In her television role Lisa appears each week as a constable in an Aussie country town. Of her character, Lisa has said `... my character is quite moralistic and I'm protective of her. If I don't like what's happening to her I'll say so.' It is certainly for many the integrity and strength of this character, Maggie Doyle which adds appeal to this much-acclaimed show. She is a sensible woman with strong moral values. Each week Maggie is watched by over three million people throughout Australia.

There is no doubt that it is Lisa who has brought this remarkable character to life.

Starting Off
This twenty-six year old, fun-loving ex-Carine girl, started off her career in Coles ads as a `checkout chick' and later moved into roles in plays.

She was involved in a couple of TV pilots, a play and a musical in Sydney, and there was even a time when she sang with a band. With all her talent she was handed the role as Maggie Doyle in 7's hit series `Blue Heelers.'

Hal McElroy, the executive producer of Blue Heelers, saw Lisa's special talent. She is able to combine vulnerability and strength in such a way that audiences love. `Drama, romance, comedy, action - she can do it all as far as I'm concerned', Hal McElroy said.

When comparing herself to her TV character, Lisa says modestly `She's a rock, I'm a pebble'.

Lisa, who now lives in a trendy St Kilda home, likes to surround herself with flowers. `Fresh flowers make me feel happy... I like delicate soft flowers, but I also like tulips and gerberas that burst open and fill the room with happiness.'

The Perth-born petite star is soft at heart. She enjoys nothing better than a night at home, a movie, a hot cuppa, and the relaxed feeling when snuggled up on her comfy checked couch by the crackling open fire.

When asked about Butter Bear, her childhood sweetheart, Lisa says `I'm pretty attached to him... He's big, yellow and furry and has flowers for ears and wings a little crazy, I guess, but I love him.'

Lisa seems like the down to Earth, girl-next-door. (She has admitted to being a complete slob around the house!) Her public image is neither sophisticated nor glamorous but she has good morals and values, as the public can see from the advertisement that warns young women to be wary at night. She is a caring helpful person.