Rae Johnston is NITV’s first ever science and technology editor. Picture: Richard Dobson
She is a multi-award-winning science and technology journalist, Wiradjuri woman, mother, broadcaster, voice actor and MC — and Rae Johnston shows no signs of slowing down. Having lived in the Whitsundays, Darwin and Wollongong, the western Sydneysider has come full circle and made it back home, landing in the inner city.
“I don’t really put much stock in material things. Places and experiences is what I focus on,” says Rae. “I was basically living right by the Great Barrier Reef, which was incredible, but as far as career opportunities, it’s pretty bleak — and I’m very ambitious.”
As NITV’s first ever science and technology editor, Rae is a self-confessed tech and gaming geek with almost a decade of experience appearing on every national television and radio news program in Australia. Juggling several gigs — Rae is voicing Janali Banks in the upcoming animated ABC and Nine children’s series, Space Nova and also works on the Take It Blak podcast — home time is a luxury.
“You know what they say, ‘You’ve got to make hay while the sun shines’. I’m in a really good place in my life. I don’t need more than I have, but I don’t think I could ever relax and have just one job. That would feel weird to me.”
Who: NITV presenter/content producer Rae Johnston
Where: Erskineville apartment with her husband Jess and son, Seth.
Inspiration: If I fall in love with a specific item, I’ll make it work
Home: is Where family is
Rae’s favourite item in her home is this chair from her nan. Richard Dobson
I don’t come from the type of family where inheritance exists, but this chair belonged to my nan. She was the strongest woman I have ever known and this chair helps me remember her
Certificate of a star that has been adopted for Rae.
This was a gift from my husband and the coordinates of the star corresponds with the date of our first kiss. I am a big space nerd so this was the most perfect, romantic gift. He knew it too — he was pretty proud of himself.
Gaming console and controller.
I feel like I have played video games my entire life. My mum got me into them when I was young and now gaming is a part of my career. I play them for leisure but I also get to review new games.
Rae using knitting as a relaxation technique.
My nan taught me how to knit when I was little and I have only just picked it up again. I spend so much of my time online and this is a physical barrier that stops me from engaging on social media or checking emails.
A copy of Stephen King’s IT.
I am a huge horror fan, and again, I can blame that on my mum. When I went to high school I came across all these new horror books in the library and I was hooked.
Rae’s favourite Ugg Boots from Sydney Rams.
I thought that if I was working from home I would need to be in office attire to help me focus. I did that for about a week, and now I just like to be comfortable.
Apple iWatch.
So, I did not know how much I loved this watch until I tried to go without it for a day. I love that it monitors my heart rate when I am exercising, and I love being able to track my progress. It’s a good reminder to move and stay healthy.
Jarin Street yoga mat.
Jarin Street is an 100 per cent Aboriginal owned company that makes environmentally friendly yoga mats. I love going to the gym and rolling this out. I’m not that great at yoga, but I do look pretty impressive with this mat.
Forget coffee, tea is Rae’s go-to.
My gosh, I love tea so much that there was a period of time where I wanted to open a tea emporium in the Blue Mountains. When I get stressed, I say, ‘I need a cup of tea and a 15 minute nap’.
Rae uses Willow & Co ochre face mask.
This is another great Aboriginal business set up by women from Wiradjuri country, which is where my family is from. I go for a hike every Sunday and when I get home I have a bath and put on this face mask.
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