Fiona MacDonald, Beloved Children’s TV Host, Dies at 67

Fiona MacDonald, a prominent figure in Australian television known for her roles in the children’s program Wombat and the game show It’s a Knockout, passed away at the age of 67. The former TV presenter succumbed to motor neurone disease (MND), a condition she had been battling since her diagnosis in November 2021.

MacDonald, who grew up on a cattle property in Blackall, Queensland, was a familiar face on Australian TV throughout the 1980s. Her life, filled with warmth and humor, was shared with her television audience as she navigated the complexities of her illness.

Announcing her own death, MacDonald left a poignant message on social media, penned with the aid of her sister Kylie. “My sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building,” the message stated, reflecting her acceptance and the peacefulness she found in her last moments. “While I’ve never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief,” she wrote.

In an interview with Australian Story, MacDonald described the devastating effects of MND, which left her unable to speak or move with ease. “Stealing the power of all muscles inch by inch until you can’t walk, can’t hold hands, can’t talk, swallow or breathe,” she explained, using a computerized voice to communicate. Despite the grim prognosis, MacDonald maintained her renowned sense of “black humour” throughout the ordeal.

Her sister, Jacki MacDonald, also a television regular, joined Fiona on a nationwide tour to raise funds and awareness for MND research. Professor Dominic Rowe, her neurologist, noted her determination to battle the disease and contribute to its research. “She put her armour back on, pulled herself together and with a bit of a ‘f*** you’ approach, said, ‘This is what I’m going to do’,” he recounted.

ABC presenter Jenny Woodward, who worked alongside MacDonald, described her as someone who “lit up the room” with her spirited personality. “Fiona had a cheeky sense of humour and an infectious laugh,” Woodward recalled, adding it was “devastating that she has gone at such a young age.”

Fiona MacDonald’s legacy extends beyond television. After leaving her on-screen career behind, she ventured into the wine industry, further showcasing her talents in writing and description. MacDonald is survived by her sons, Harry and Rafe, and is remembered by many for her bravery and humor in the face of adversity.