The 2024 Christmas edition of The Australian Women’s Weekly has been unveiled today with a stunning cover featuring beloved Australian cook, artist, and television presenter Poh Ling Yeow, shot against the spectacular landscapes of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre.
Captured at the stunning Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve and Simpsons Gap in Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park just outside of Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the landmark shoot is the first time The Women’s Weekly Christmas cover has ventured to the Outback – and the results are nothing short of magical.
For Poh, the experience was deeply personal, she said: “It was a real-pinch me moment to be shooting the cover of such an iconic magazine – and one that I grew up loving – in such a beautiful and unique setting. I love the Northern Territory, and to shoot the cover in two Red Centre locations that I’d never been to before really was the stuff of dreams.”
“You have such visceral, spiritual reactions to so many locations in the Northern Territory that extend beyond its incredible natural beauty. I really felt this at both Rainbow Valley and Simpsons Gap. When we shot at Rainbow Valley, I was wearing some of my late mother’s jewellery, and I felt really close to her. She loved fashion and would have been thrilled to see me doing such an amazing shoot for her favourite magazine,” Poh said.
The Australian Women’s Weekly Editor, Sophie Tedmanson, described the shoot as a bold challenge that paid off beautifully.
“Our Christmas issue is always a highlight, but this year’s NT shoot was really something special,” she said. “Taking the cover to such an extraordinary location was ambitious, but the stunning Red Centre landscapes, colours and light – and Poh’s incredible energy – all exceeded our expectations,” Sophie Tedmanson said.
“I have long wanted to shoot in the Northern Territory, and our vision for the cover came together perfectly. More than 250kg of gear and stunning gowns were flown to the Red Centre so it was no small feat for the team to coordinate – but Poh and The Women’s Weekly team embraced the opportunity to create something unforgettable,” Tedmanson added.
“This issue celebrates Australia’s diverse communities and iconic landscapes – and we give special thanks to the Upper Southern Arrernte people of Wurre (Rainbow Valley) and Central Arrernte people of Rungutjirpa (Simpsons Gap), the Traditional Owners of the lands and Tourism NT for their support.”
Rainbow Valley and Simpsons Gap, both easily accessible from Alice Springs, provided the perfect backdrops for The Women’s Weekly 2024 Christmas shoot. Rainbow Valley’s striking sandstone bluffs and Simpsons Gap’s towering cliffs lit up with golden hues at sunrise and sunset, enhanced by a spectacular bloom of seasonal wildflowers.
Rainbow Valley is just over an hour from Alice Springs by car while Simpsons Gap is an easy 20-minute drive.
“This collaboration was a perfect synergy,” said Tourism NT Chief Marketing Officer Tony Quarmby. “We were thrilled to work with The Weekly for this special cover to showcase the Northern Territory’s epic Red Centre landscapes, along with Poh who we know has a real passion for the Northern Territory.”
Scenes for the TV special Christmas with The Australian Women’s Weekly, were also filmed on-location with Poh at Rainbow Valley and Simpsons Gap.
Now in its eighth year, Christmas with The Australian Women’s Weekly will air on 10 and 10 Play on Tuesday 10 December at 7.30pm.
Hosted by The Project’s Sarah Harris, alongside The Australian Women’s Weekly team including The Weekly’s Editor, Sophie Tedmanson, viewers will also be treated to a special MasterChef Australia reunion featuring Poh and Julie Goodwin.
Earrings from the Alice Springs based Tjanpi Desert Weavers were included in the shoot, with Poh wearing artist Ann Cleary- Farrell’s red inniti seed earrings.
“We’re so proud to have been able to showcase earrings created by Anangu women from the NPY Lands in Central Australia as part of this shoot. Seeing these stunning pieces by Ann Cleary-Farrell featured alongside beautiful gowns worn by the incredible Poh is an exciting moment for our artist and a celebration of her talent and creativity,” said the Tjanpi Desert Weavers.
The Australian Women’s Weekly’s 2024 Christmas issue hits news stands today, Thursday 28 November 2024.
