Current Affairs
Marcus has a knack for deciphering complex or sensitive information and presenting it in a digestible, engaging way whilst maintaining journalistic integrity and balance. From 2020-2024 he was employed as Senior Producer for The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere), producing timely reports on social issues, scientific breakthroughs and other health/sports-related news. Marcus also has a background in political research work for several programs including Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell (ABC TV, ITV Studios) and The Goddam Election! with John Safran (SBS, Princess Pictures 2016).
For examples of segments covering topical subjects from a more intimate, emotive angle, check out the Human Interest page.
‘Bionic Brain’ for MND patients
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2021)
Biomedical engineers at the University of Melbourne have developed a groundbreaking piece of technology which allows people with upper-limb paralysis to text, email and perform online tasks using nothing but their thoughts. The first clinical trial patient, Phil O’Keefe, is loving the results.
Towns Without Fluoride
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2023)
Over 60 small towns in regional Victoria still don’t have access to fluoridated water, resulting in a dental health crisis impacting thousands of children…and compounding inequities between people living in the country and those in the city.
A Truckload of Stress
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2024)
Following an increase in road deaths due to truck-related accidents, a new report from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has uncovered a shocking lack of awareness amongst Aussie drivers concerning how to drive safely around trucks. In this segment, experienced truckie Peter takes P-plater Aaron for a ride to educate him on these driver safety 'blind spots'.
Surgical Suckers
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2024)
The idea of using leeches to treat serious injuries sounds like ancient pseudoscience, but in fact these slippery suckers are still used in modern medicine to drain congested blood when reattaching amputated fingers and limbs. Presenter Isabelle Carr visits a hospital where leeches are life-savers, and meets the farmer providing these parasites to doctors all over the country.
Firies fighting toxic chemicals
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2022)
Experts around the world thought nothing could be done to remove toxic chemicals from firefighters’ bloodstreams. But thanks to a hunch from members of the Melbourne Fire Brigade, a Macquarie University study has revealed a surprisingly simple solution.
Eat Up!
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2024)
One in five Australian kids regularly experiences food insecurity, often arriving at school without lunch and experiencing increased physical, mental and social challenges as a result. But with the help of a growing army of volunteers, Lyndon Galea is on a mission to change that...one cheese toastie at a time.
Groundbreaking tech giving amputees a leg up
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2024)
As recently as fifteen years ago, prosthetic knees were about as complex as your average door hinge. But war, increased rates of diabetes and huge leaps forward in computer science have resulted in a new 'golden age' for prosthetic technology. Unfortunately, not everyone who needs these devices gets access.
Seniors Sewing PPE
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2020)
During the first COVID lockdown of 2020, hospitals surrounding the sleepy seaside town of Barwon Heads were rapidly running out of PPE gowns. Luckily, this town is home to a passionate and cheeky community of seniors who came to the rescue with their sewing machines.
Afghanistan Women’s Soccer Team
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2022)
When the Taliban seized control of Kabul in August 2021, members of the Afghanistan Women’s football team found their lives thrown into serious danger. Since being evacuated to Australia the team have reformed, determined to represent the silenced women of their home country.
Wetsuit Playgrounds
The House of Wellness (Channel 7, Stratosphere 2022)
Neoprene wetsuits are a second skin for any serious surfer…but they’re notoriously difficult to recycle. Leading surfwear retailer Rip Curl has finally found a solution by thinking way outside the box.