Belated tributes for iconic Sylvania Waters star
One of Australia's first ever reality TV star has died, but her death went unreported for over a year.
Noeline Donaher, the star of Sylvania Waters, died on May 2023, with Australian pop culture producer Matt Fulton bringing attention to her death by sharing a Facebook post written by Donaher’s son, Mick, on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Holy c*** — Noeline Donaher DID pass away May 2023, and there wasn’t a blip in any news/media,” Fulton wrote on X.
“How did we miss this news? I had to do a deep dive to find the info. It really was not reported anywhere," the pop culture producer added.
The Facebook post announcing her death was shared on May 30 2023 and read: “Dad has asked me to share with you all the sad news that Noeline Donaher, his partner of over 40yrs, recently passed away."
“Noeline absolutely loved Appendix J racing ... Together they raced everything from a couple of Valiants to a Lotus Cortina ... More importantly she made lots of great friends over the years and had many laughs/memorable times at tracks all around Australia, including Tasmania and WA!
“I’m just with (her husband) Laurie today and going through some old pics on the wall and in albums so thought I’d share a few of them with you all and say THANKS, on their behalf, to the Appendix J Old Boys for many years of fun, friendship and great memories.”
Sylvania Waters which aired for 12 episodes in 1992 caused a lot of controversy at the time, because of its unique concept.
The show followed the Donahers as they went about their lives in their home in the titular south Sydney suburb of Sylvania Waters.
At the time, some critics and viewers criticised how the reality TV show depicted the family, saying that it showed all Aussies – as “materialistic, argumentative and heavy-drinking”, according to the SMH.
When the series aired in the UK, The Daily Telegraph Mirror dubbed the show “a vicious putdown tailor-made for British audiences” and many viewers were shocked at the antics of the Australian family.
Viewers of the show were stunned to learn that her death went unreported, and many shared their condolences on X.
“Vale the original Kath Day-Knight,” wrote one follower, referring to Sylvania Waters influence on another beloved show, Kath and Kim.
“One of the world’s first reality TV series, and one that put Sylvania Waters on the map," added another.
“Get me a bourbon, Laurie,” wrote a third, citing one of her iconic lines.
“Sad. I grew up around the corner and went to school with their kids,” added a fourth.
Images: X