9 May 2022
Jade Robran (1998) is a TV personality and journalist and has worked in the media industry for over 20 years including the Seven Network covering the AFL Grand Final and Melbourne Cup Carnival and a Today Show correspondent for Channel 9 where she had the opportunity to interview Sting, Serena Williams and Roger Federer. After departing in 2017 for Melbourne, Jade returned this year (2022) to host Afternoons with Jade Robran on Fiveaa. You can also see Jade in the Stan series “Show Me the Money” with her husband Ben Williams.
What is your favourite memory of your time at Pembroke?
I wasn’t much of an academic but I had a heck of a time socialising and meeting people at school... if only my teachers knew then that I’d make a career out of talking!
School camps were always awesome — sailing and kayaking for a week and being in the outdoors, that’s still a wonderful memory.
What is your biggest career highlight?
As a reporter I’ve met and interviewed some amazing people — Rafa Nadal, Princess Mary, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Grant — too many to name but a career highlight was definitely travelling to India with South Australia’s first couple to enter into surrogacy. The whole journey was very eye opening. It was such a privilege to be welcomed into their lives in such an exciting yet terrifying moment. There were so many twists and turns but in the end, two beautiful babies came home to Adelaide. But being a sports nut, working at the Australian Open, AFL Grand Final, Spring Racing Carnival... all of those big events are pretty awesome.
What do you enjoy most about working in radio?
I love talking so to get to do it for a living is a bonus!
I feel very privileged to be in a position where I can use my voice to help and educate people. I love sharing people’s stories and achievements and we have a good ol' laugh along the way. The world’s very serious at the moment so it’s important to keep smiling.
My favourite thing to do in Adelaide is...
Head down to our shack on the river and hang out with my family and friends. I live a pretty socially hectic life so I like to keep my private life exactly that.
What is the one thing you've always wanted to try but you've been too scared to?
If I want to do something I will. Being scared doesn’t put me off. I’d never jump out of a plane or bungy jump because that scares me but I’d never want to do it.
If you could interview anyone, past or present, who would it be?
This one is close to home. I’d love to sit down and interview my Dad and his two siblings, Barrie and Julie. I don’t know a lot about the Robran family tree as I lost my grandparents quite young and my Dad, Uncle and Aunt don’t talk about the past. They’re a trio who have grown up in the sporting spotlight and privately haven’t spoken much about life together. So, I’d love to sit down with them and learn more about my family... for me but more importantly for generations to come.
The best advice I have ever been given was...
Those who mind, don’t matter. Those who matter, don’t mind.
Who was your favourite teacher at Pembroke and why?
Mr Callaghan. He was very nurturing and thoughtful but tough when he needed to be.
Name a dish that reminds you of your childhood.
Pasta... any pasta, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Nothing much has
changed to be honest. It’s still a favourite.
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
I’d tell myself that the final year of school won’t define you forever if you don’t want it too. That you’ll meet incredible people in your future who will have your back and believe in you. That chapters make for an exciting life. To keep taking risks and rolling the dice because it keeps life entertaining.