Basil Zempilas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Basil Zempilas
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| 56th Lord Mayor of Perth | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assumed office 19 October 2020 |
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| Deputy | Clyde Bevan (2023–24) Liam Gobbert (2022–23) Di Bain (2021–22) Sandy Anghie (2020–21) |
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| Preceded by | Lisa Scaffidi | ||||||||||||||||||
| Personal details | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born |
Basil Anthony Zempilas
30 July 1971 Perth, Western Australia |
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| Political party | Liberal (2024−present) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other political affiliations |
Independent (until 2024) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Spouse |
Amy Zempilas
(m. 2009) |
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| Children | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Education | Hale School | ||||||||||||||||||
| Alma mater | Murdoch University (BA) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation |
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Basil Anthony Zempilas, born on July 30, 1971, is a well-known Australian TV and radio host, sports commentator, and politician. He lives in Perth, Western Australia.
He used to present sports news on Seven News Perth and co-hosted a breakfast radio show on 6PR. Basil is also part of the Seven Network's team that comments on AFL games. He has reported on the Olympic Games and other big sports events. In 2020, Basil Zempilas was elected Lord Mayor of Perth.
Contents
About Basil Zempilas
Early Life and Education
Basil Zempilas has Greek family roots. His mother, Jessie, was born on the island of Kastellorizo, and his father's family also came from there. He went to Floreat Park Primary School and then Hale School in Perth. He studied Media Studies and Mass Communications at Murdoch University in Perth, graduating in 1992.
Football Career
Before his media career, Basil played Australian Rules football. He was a ruckman and forward for the West Perth Football Club. He played 24 games in the West Australian Football League between 1990 and 1994. He scored 25 goals, including 5 goals in a semi-final game in 1993. He stopped playing due to an injury.
Media Career
Basil Zempilas started working at the Seven Network in February 1994 as a sports reporter. He quickly became known for his reporting. In 1996, he was named the "Best Television Personality" at a media awards event.
Sports Presenting and Commentary
In 1996, Basil became the weekend sports anchor for Seven News. He held this job until 2001. He also hosted a local football show called Basil's Footy Show.
Basil has been involved in the Seven Network's coverage of the Olympic Games since the 2000 Sydney Olympics. He reported on the 2002 Winter Olympics, where he called Steven Bradbury's historic gold medal win in speed skating. He also commentated on rowing, basketball, and canoe/kayak at other Olympic Games.
He became the main sports presenter for Seven News Perth. From 2012, he joined the Seven Network's team for AFL broadcasts. He often called Saturday night games and some Thursday and Friday night matches.
Basil also commented on the Australian Open tennis and hosts the yearly Channel Seven Perth Telethon, which raises money for charity.
Radio and TV Hosting
Basil used to co-host the "Lisa, Paul & Baz" show on Perth's 92.9 radio station. In January 2014, he moved to 6PR to host their breakfast radio show with Steve Mills.
In March 2018, Basil became a co-host of Weekend Sunrise, a national morning TV show. He later stepped down from this role in September 2019 to spend more time with his family, but he still fills in sometimes. In October 2020, he left 6PR. The next week, he was announced as the host of Triple M Perth's breakfast program.
In February 2022, Basil decided to reduce his work with the Seven Network. He stepped down from his role as sports presenter on Seven News Perth.
Political Career
Becoming Lord Mayor
In January 2020, Basil Zempilas announced he would run for Lord Mayor of the City of Perth. He said he would leave his radio job if he won, but would continue working with Seven News.
On October 17, 2020, Basil won the election, beating six other candidates. He received 1,855 votes, which was 29.44% of all votes. He won against his closest opponent, Di Bain, by 284 votes.
On October 19, 2020, Basil Zempilas was officially sworn in as the Lord Mayor of Perth. He said it was a great honor and responsibility. He promised to lead with a team effort to improve the city.
Re-election and Future Plans
In December 2021, Basil said he planned to run for Perth mayor again in the next election. He felt his first term was a bit short and wanted to finish the projects he started.
In 2023, Basil was re-elected as Lord Mayor. He received 3,264 votes, which was 56.50% of the total votes.
In January 2024, it was announced that Basil plans to join the Liberal Party. He wants to become a member of parliament for the Churchlands area. He said he would stay as Lord Mayor unless he is elected to parliament. He would only take time off during the election campaign in 2025.
Personal Life
In March 2004, a painting of Basil Zempilas was entered into the Archibald Prize, a famous art competition.
On September 6, 2009, Basil married his longtime girlfriend, Amy Graham. They got married on the Greek island of Kastellorizo. They have two daughters and one son.
Basil owns several properties. His main home is in Floreat, which he bought in 2019. He also owns a house in North Coogee and an apartment in Northbridge.
Images for kids
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Basil Zempilas
