Hermoine Macura

Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) 2002

Hermoine_Macura

Seven years after graduating from the University of Wollongong, Hermoine Macura is arguably one of the best known Australians in the United Arab Emirates.

She is one of the main news anchors on the English language Dubai One TV, and a leading journalist, photographer and documentary maker in the Middle East.

Hermoine, who graduated from UOW in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies), has interviewed international celebrities ranging from actor Michael Douglas to the Duchess of York.

Prior to her work in TV, her articles have been published in several major newspapers and magazines across the world.

She has also directed and produced two documentaries: The Cedars of Lebanon about the 2006 war in Lebanon, and Believers, a short documentary on faith in the “10/40 Window”- the area from North Africa to China 10 degrees to 40 degrees north of the Equator.

Currently completing a photo-journalism book about minority groups in the Middle East (due to be published in Australia in 2010), Hermoine spent the Easter season getting back in touch with her Jewish roots in Jerusalem, while filming a documentary about Jesus in the Passover.

The daughter of a Serbian father and an Anglo-Indian mother, Hermoine grew up in Randwick, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

She decided to study at UOW “because it was listed as the number one university in the country”, and has many fond memories of her student days.

She was particularly impressed with her teachers in the Faculty of Arts. “My teachers shaped, encouraged and challenged me during my time at uni. I still have very fond memories of them,” she said. “My degree was an excellent starting point for my career.

“I also met and made some dear friends. My best friend from uni, Gloria Kalache, (who currently works as a news anchor for the Australian Network in Melbourne) is still my best friend, so it’s so true that the friends you make in school and at uni last a lifetime.” 

After graduating from her course, Hermoine worked in a variety of roles in print, radio and TV “until I had enough experience to be taken seriously”.

“I moved into TV full time when I came to Dubai in 2004. I soon began working as a producer and anchor on Al Aqariya’s international business bulletin before taking on my current role.”

Hermoine said she loves living in Dubai, and in her spare time works as a volunteer at Al Wasl Hospital’s Orphanage.

But she admits to occasional bouts of homesickness. “I miss Australia a lot. Every time I get homesick I sing the National Anthem to myself!” she said. NH

Last reviewed: 13 July, 2009