She went from fashion modelling to editing iconic magazines and from running an ASX 200 company to becoming a leader in the not-for-profit world. Deborah Thomas’s career has been ever-changing with soaring highs and challenging lows. There’s almost nothing she hasn’t done—or survived. So, is she a game changer? Let’s find out.
Gemma Acton: Deborah, it is hard to know where to begin. You’ve had the most extraordinary career—from modelling to magazines, from leading an ASX 200 company to running a not-for-profit. What has propelled you along in your career? Has it been chance, determination, ambition, good luck, hard work, all of the above?
Deborah Thomas: I would say I’ve been very lucky in my career and had major opportunities that I’ve taken. It’s really about not being afraid when someone offers you something—even if it feels a little outside your comfort zone—and then giving it your all to make it a success.
I grew up in a time when young women weren’t taught much about careers. We didn’t have career counsellors. But I had a working mother who taught me and my sister that if we wanted independence and freedom, we needed to earn our own income. That desire for independence, especially financial independence, has driven me.
Gemma: And you seized those opportunities from a very early age. Starting with modelling, you made a fairly quick transition into magazines. How did that come about?
Deborah: It seems quick, but it actually it wasn’t. I went to art school and modelled to support myself. That led to travelling and modelling overseas, but I never intended to be a full-time model. Eventually, I returned to find a career. After studying fine art, I went to NIDA, then into television, which led to advertising.
One day, Lisa Wilkinson rang me and asked if I’d be interviewed for Cleo magazine. This was back in 1987. I got the job and just kept asking, “What else can I do?” That curiosity and drive helped me work my way up.
Gemma: And you had some notable supporters early on?
Deborah: Yes, Lisa gave me that first opportunity. Kerry Packer was another incredible supporter, along with John Alexander at ACP. My family and friends have been constant supporters too—especially my mother, brother, and sister. My sister’s a judge, and we were all raised to pursue what we loved.
Gemma: Tell us about those magazine days in the ’80s and ’90s—some of the standout memories?
Deborah: The first Cleo issue I worked on featured Elle Macpherson. I interviewed her, and Nicole Kidman too—back before she went to Hollywood. Then I edited Mode, Australia’s answer to Vanity Fair. Elle magazine was a highlight—I attended Chanel shows in Paris, visited Coco Chanel’s apartment. All amazing experiences.
But The Weekly was where the most meaningful part of my career happened. The readership was huge. Everyone wanted to be featured in the magazine. It was a powerful, loved magazine with a legacy dating back to 1933. I felt the weight of that history.
Gemma: You became Editor-in-Chief and then Editorial Director. What did it mean to be custodian of such an iconic brand?
Deborah: It was a huge responsibility. We couldn’t compete with the 24-hour news cycle, but we covered events with emotion and legacy in mind—like 9/11, the tsunami, Princess Mary’s wedding. It was always about getting it right for the record books.
Gemma: You also worked with some legendary women—what did you learn from them?
Deborah: Yes, there was Ita Buttrose, Maggie Tabberer, Carla Zampatti, Quentin Bryce —all strong, stylish, persevering women. They paved the way. I learned that style, grit, and grace could go hand in hand.
Gemma: And of course, there was Kerry Packer. What was it like working with him?
Deborah: He was scary but fantastic—so perceptive and supportive. He loved The Weekly and The Bulletin, which his father helped start. He could be tough, but he respected performance. He had a deep understanding of the Australian public.
Gemma: At that point, you hadn’t had children. You became a mother later in life. How did that impact you?
Deborah: I had a late miscarriage at 41, which was heartbreaking. Then, unexpectedly, I got pregnant again at 45. Oscar was born when I was 46—the best thing that ever happened. My husband stayed home, and we reversed roles. It was wonderful.
Gemma: Not long after that, you moved into local politics. What drove that decision?
Deborah: It was about community. Malcolm Turnbull, our neighbor at the time, encouraged me to run. I enjoyed listening to people’s concerns—it wasn’t all that different from magazines, in a way.
Gemma: Then came a major pivot: CEO of Ardent Leisure, an ASX 200 company. What was that like?
Deborah: The share price dropped when my appointment was announced, which wasn’t great, but I understood. I was an unknown quantity. But I’d been on the board for two years. My job was to drive strategy and marketing, particularly to women, who were most of our customers. It was challenging but rewarding.
Gemma: And then another pivot—to lead Camp Quality, a nonprofit. What drew you there?
Deborah: I’d previously supported Camp Quality and ran into the chairman, who mentioned they were hiring a CEO. I applied and got the role. Then the pandemic hit, and 65% of our revenue disappeared overnight.
We had to pivot—fast. We created new revenue streams like raffles and a social enterprise. In five years, we’ve doubled our services and nearly doubled revenue, reduced costs, and formed strong partnerships.
Gemma: You’d worked closely with families facing childhood cancer. Then in 2023, you got your own diagnosis. Did that prepare you?
Deborah: I was shocked. I had no symptoms. Routine testing revealed stage 3 endometrial and ovarian cancer. I don’t know if work prepared me, but it gave me perspective. Nothing is harder than seeing a child go through it.
Gemma: Did the treatment affect how you felt about your appearance?
Deborah: Absolutely. I lost my hair, eyebrows, eyelashes. I wore scarves, sometimes wigs. I still went to events when I could. But sitting in chemo with others going through the same thing was humbling. You realise you’re not alone.
Gemma: Where did you draw strength from?
Deborah: My sister, who went through the same thing. She called me every day. And my husband Vitek—he looked after me through everything. Support is everything. We even have a service called Cancer Hub to help connect people to resources.
Gemma: You don’t sound like someone who’s ready to slow down.
Deborah: Not yet! I love working. I’m involved with a family trust which is focused on making a better Australia—especially in arts and Indigenous initiatives. I still feel I can make a difference, and that drives me.
Gemma: And you certainly made a difference at The Weekly which you handed over to —Robyn Foyster. We have her here today.
Robyn Foyster: I admired Deborah before we met. She’s been an inspiration to me and so many women. We were lucky to work in the halcyon days of magazines—with big budgets, big readership figures, and incredible teams.
Deborah: Robyn is a powerhouse—Game Changers, The Carousel, Women Love Tech—she’s done so much. And it’s true, one of the privileges of our careers has been lifting up the next generation of amazing women.
Gemma: Deborah, we could talk all day, but sadly, we’re out of time. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Deborah: Thank you, Gemma—and thank you, Robyn.
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