Back in the race
Geraldton must be breeding people for reality television with another two local personalities selected for the second series of The Amazing Race Australia.
Cut Loose Hair Designs owner and award winning hairdresser, Teresa Italiano, and salon co-ordinator Sue Bumbak will represent WA in the popular show, competing against 10 other teams for the $250,000 prize.
In the fi rst series of The Amazing Race Australia, Geraldton’s Dave and Kelly Miller and Renae Wauhop participated in the race.
Ms Italiano said being chosen for the show was a dream come true.
“It was something I have always wanted to do but I never thought it would be a reality,” she said.
“I’ve always loved the show and used to always think if it comes to Australia I would go for that.
“The fi rst season slid by and when the second came up I thought I have got to do this.”
Ms Italiano then went in to the salon where her employee and friend of 30 years Ms Bumbak suggested they do it together.
Ms Bumbak said they still couldn’t believe they were selected.
“We keep thinking this is hilarious because really, what are the chances,” she said.
The pair had to lie to family, friends and colleagues about their whereabouts during fi lming, with excuses for disappearing including being in the outback and having a breakdown.
Ms Bumbak said Geraldton obviously produced “good characters” for reality shows, including Megan Appleby from My Kitchen Rules.
Ms Italiano said she believed the work ethic from country-based contestants made them standout.
“When you come from the country you always try harder at whatever you do,” she said.
“You go the extra mile to prove that just because you are from country, it doesn’t mean you are not as good.”
The girls both feel a strong connection to the Earth and will be portrayed as the “hippy hairdressers” in the show.
And they have a secret weapon to assist them in their quest — an aura spray made of essential oils, which cleanses auras and removes negativity.
The Amazing Race Australia returns to GWN7 soon.
See The Sauce in Wednesday’s Guardian as the ‘hippy hairdressers’ talk tactics, strengths, weaknesses and fitness levels.
SOPHIE ELLIOTT
