Former TV presenter Fiona MacDonald, best known for her work on the children’s program Wombat and game show It’s a Knockout, has died aged 67.
Ms McDonald grew up on a cattle property at Blackall in outback Queensland.
She and her sister Jacki were both regulars on Australian screens in the 1980s.
Former children’s television host, Fiona MacDonald, with her Wombat co-host, Agro, in the 1980s. (Supplied: NFSA)
In November 2021, Ms MacDonald was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).
She announced her own passing on social media, writing “my sister Kylie is posting this because I have left the building”.
“Last night brought an end to a very tough few months,” she wrote.
Fiona MacDonald (centre) shared the news of her passing via Instagram, which was uploaded by her sister Kylie (right). (Australian Story: Marc Smith)
“Was very peaceful, the boys and Kylie stayed with me to say goodbye. While I’ve never wanted to die, the thought of leaving my tortured body was a relief.
“The last few months have been tough.”
Fiona MacDonald was the host of It’s a Knockout in 1987. (Supplied: NFSA)
She said the “black humour” that had served her through the first years of her diagnosis had “turned to despair”, and she had made the decision “after much soul searching” to cease all medical supports.
“When you love life as much as I do, it takes a great deal of courage to make choices that lead to farewell.
“So let’s not call it goodbye as I hope to see you again on the other side.”
Ms MacDonald left television after It’s a Knockout and became an expert in wine, writing brochures and wine descriptions.
She got married in the 90s and had two boys, Harry and Rafe.
Speaking to Australian Story in October last year, Ms MacDonald said the disease had taken her voice, leaving her unable to deliver her trademark witty one-liners and quick-fire banter that made her a natural on television.
“Stealing the power of all muscles inch by inch until you can’t walk, can’t hold hands, can’t talk, swallow or breathe,” she said via a computerised voice she used to communicate with.
“Then you die. There is no treatment, no cure.”
Together with her sister, Ms MacDonald drove around Australia raising money to support research into MND before her death.
“She put her armour back on, pulled herself together and with a bit of a f*** you approach, said, ‘This is what I’m going to do’,” her neurologist, Professor Dominic Rowe told Australian Story at the time.
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‘A wonderful storyteller’
Children’s TV producer Dina Browne, who worked with Ms MacDonald on Wombat, said she was an incredibly funny, quick-witted woman.
“An absolute dream member of staff and a wonderful talent who believed very much in the quality of children’s television,” she said.
“Everybody loved her.”
Children’s TV producer Dina Browne. (ABC News: Lexy Hamilton-Smith)
Ms Browne said they became lifelong friends and that Ms MacDonald’s hardship with MND was a cruel thing to watch.
“It has been hideously difficult for her, to have a death sentence like that when you are so vibrant and so alive,” she said.
“It was shattering for everybody.
“And then she took it upon herself to do this big tour around Australia and raise money for motor neurone disease and the research.
Fiona MacDonald has been remembered fondly by those who worked with her on the show. (Supplied)
“What a courageous, brave and unselfish thing to do — because it wasn’t about her, it was about the research that would save other people.”
ABC presenter Jenny Woodward also paid tribute to Ms MacDonald. They worked together on Wombat for two years.
“Fiona was one of those people who lit up the room when she walked in,” she said.
“She had a cheeky sense of humour and an infectious laugh and always had a keen eye for a story.
“She was great fun to work with, and a wonderful storyteller on camera and in real life.”
Ms MacDonald hosted the children’s program Wombat in the 1980s. (Australian Story: Marc Smith)