Lisa Wilkinson was born on December 19, 1959 (Age: 66 years old) in Wollongong, New South Wales is a renowned Australian journalist, television presenter, and former magazine editor.
Lisa has been a powerful voice in Australian media for decades. She remains a respected figure known for her sharp interviews and fearless journalism.
Wilkinson gained fame and good net worth as the editor of Dolly and Cleo magazines before transitioning to television.
Her bio shares her story of becoming a household name as a co-host of Today (2007–2017) and later joined The Project (2018–2022).
Read Lisa Wilkinson’s Wiki, and learn more about her husband, children, family, education, career, awards, net worth, and more.
Lisa Wilkinson Wiki & Early Life
| Full Name | Lisa Clare Wilkinson |
| Profession | Journalist, Television Presenter, Magazine Editor |
| Age | 66 years old |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1959 |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia |
| Current Address | Australia |
| Email ID | Yet to be updated |
Lisa Wilkinson Husband, Children
Lisa Wilkinson is happily married to Peter FitzSimons, a well-known Australian author, journalist, and former rugby player. The couple tied the knot on September 26, 1992, in a beautiful ceremony in Sydney, Australia. Their strong bond and shared passion for media and storytelling have made them one of Australia’s most admired power couples.
Together, they have three children: Jake FitzSimons (born in 1993), Louis FitzSimons (born in 1995), and Billie FitzSimons (born in 1997)
Lisa and Peter have built a loving family while balancing their successful careers, making them an inspiring duo in both their personal and professional lives.
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Husband | Peter FitzSimons |
| Children | Son: Jake FitzSimons, Louis FitzSimons Daughter: Billie FitzSimons |
Lisa Wilkinson Family
Lisa Wilkinson was born into a close-knit family in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. Her father, Raymond Wilkinson, and mother, Beryl Wilkinson, provided her with a strong foundation of support and encouragement. Details about her father’s profession and also the names of her siblings are yet to be updated.
| Parent’s Name | Father: Raymond Wilkinson Mother: Beryl Wilkinson |
| Siblings | Yet to be updated |
Lisa Wilkinson Education
Lisa Wilkinson completed her schooling at Campbelltown High School (now known as Campbelltown Performing Arts High School) in New South Wales, Australia. The details about her higher education like college or university are yet to be updated.
In 2019, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) by the University of Wollongong in recognition of her remarkable contributions to journalism, media, and business.
| School | Campbelltown High School |
| Alma Mater | University of Wollongong |
| Highest Qualification | Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) |
Lisa Wilkinson Career
Wilkinson’s career is a fascinating story of hard work, determination, and influence. Starting as a teen magazine editor, she worked her way up to become one of Australia’s most trusted and respected journalists.
Let’s explore her incredible career in detail.
Early Career in Magazine Journalism (1978–1999)
Lisa Wilkinson’s journey in media began at just 19 years old when she joined Dolly, a popular Australian teen magazine. She quickly proved her talent, and by 21 years old, she became the youngest-ever editor of Dolly magazine. Under her leadership, the magazine’s popularity soared, making it Australia’s number-one teen publication.
Her success at Dolly caught the attention of media moguls, and in 1984, she was appointed Editor-in-Chief of Cleo magazine.
At Cleo, Lisa rebranded the magazine to focus on modern, independent women, making it a massive success. She also mentored young writers, helping to launch the careers of many, including a young Nicole Kidman who appeared in early Cleo covers [1].
After a decade of leading Cleo, Wilkinson was promoted to International Editor-in-Chief, overseeing the magazine’s editions in various countries, including New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Transition to Television (1999–2007)
With her reputation as a media powerhouse, Lisa gradually moved into television. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, she became a regular panelist and commentator on talk shows, including Beauty and the Beast [2], where she debated social issues.
In 2000, she officially joined television broadcasting as a co-host on Weekend Sunrise (Seven Network). Her engaging personality, sharp interviewing skills, and journalistic integrity made her a fan favorite.
During this period, Wilkinson also worked as a columnist for major newspapers, including The Daily Telegraph and The Huffington Post, further establishing her as a leading voice in Australian media.
Mainstream Success on Today (2007–2017)
In 2007, Wilkinson was invited to join Channel Nine’s morning show, Today, as a co-host alongside Karl Stefanovic. This role cemented her status as one of the most influential women in Australian television.
For 10 years, Lisa became a household name, delivering breaking news, interviewing global leaders, and covering major stories. Some of her most memorable interviews included:
- Prime Ministers and world leaders
- Hollywood celebrities and influential figures
- Survivors and advocates of social justice movements
Lisa Wilkinson was known for her strong advocacy for women’s rights and fearless journalism. In 2017, she made headlines when she resigned from Today due to pay inequality, making history as the first female co-host to demand equal pay with her male counterpart.
Prime-Time Television on The Project (2018–2022)
Shortly after leaving Today, Lisa joined Network Ten’s prime-time current affairs program, The Project [3] in 2018. Here, she continued her hard-hitting journalism, covering major social issues, political debates, and breaking news.
Her time on The Project was marked by:
- Powerful investigative stories
- Courageous discussions on gender equality and mental health
- Exclusive interviews with major figures
However, in 2022, Wilkinson stepped down from the show, citing the need to focus on new projects, writing, and advocacy work.
Author, Public Speaker, and Current Projects (2022–Present)
Lisa remains an active and influential figure in Australian media. In 2021, she released her bestselling autobiography, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Like This [4], where she shared insights into her personal and professional journey.
Wilkinson now works as an independent journalist, public speaker, and media advocate, continuing to use her voice for women’s rights, youth empowerment, and media integrity.
| Year | Role | Organization/Show |
| 1978 | Editor | Dolly Magazine |
| 1984 | Editor-in-Chief | Cleo Magazine |
| 1990s | Media Commentator & Panelist | Various TV Shows |
| 2000–2007 | Co-Host | Weekend Sunrise (Seven Network) |
| 2007–2017 | Co-Host | Today (Nine Network) |
| 2018–2022 | Co-Host | The Project (Network Ten) |
| 2022–Present | Journalist, Public Speaker & Author | Independent Projects |
Awards
Lisa Wilkinson’s remarkable career in journalism and media has earned her several prestigious awards and recognitions. Below is a list of her most notable achievements:
| Year | Award Name | What For |
| 2016 | Member of the Order of Australia (AM) | Contributions to media, journalism, and advocacy for women’s and youth issues. |
| 2019 | Honorary Doctor of Letters (University of Wollongong) | Outstanding contributions to journalism, media, and business. |
| 2022 | Logie Award for Most Outstanding News Coverage or Public Affairs Report | Interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project, bringing national attention to workplace harassment. |
| Multiple Years | Walkley Award Nominations | Excellence in journalism and investigative reporting. |
Lisa Wilkinson Net Worth, Salary
Lisa Wilkinson’s estimated, net worth is approximately $70 million and her annual salary is around $1.5 million, largely due to her lucrative contracts with major networks like Nine and Ten, along with income from book deals, endorsements, and consulting work.
| Net Worth in Dollars (Approx.) | $70 million |
| Salary (Approx.) | $1.5 million |
Lisa Wilkinson Height, Weight & Physical Stats
Lisa Wilkinson stands 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) tall, she carries herself with confidence and elegance with brown hair and beautiful brown eyes. both on and off-screen. While details about her weight and body measurements are yet to be updated.
| Height | In centimeters: 167 cm In meters: 1.67 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | Yet to be updated |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be updated |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
Instagram, X, Facebook
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| X |  @Lisa_Wilkinson |
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Interesting Facts About Lisa Wilkinson
- Lisa Wilkinson became the youngest-ever editor of Dolly magazine at just 21 years old.
- She played a key role in launching Nicole Kidman’s early career by featuring her in Cleo magazine.
- Lisa was the first female co-host of Today to demand equal pay, leading to a national debate on gender pay gaps.
- She is a strong supporter of women’s rights and has worked with organizations like The Fred Hollows Foundation.
- Lisa’s bestselling memoir, It Wasn’t Meant to Be Like This, details her struggles and triumphs in the media industry.
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FAQs
What happened to Lisa Wilkinson?
Lisa Wilkinson concluded her tenure with Channel 10 in December 2024, following a period marked by legal disputes and media controversies.
Is Lisa Wilkinson still employed?
Lisa Wilkinson is no longer employed by Channel 10, having officially parted ways with the network.
Is Lisa Wilkinson still married to Peter FitzSimons?
Yes, Lisa Wilkinson remains married to author and journalist Peter FitzSimons. The couple has been together since their marriage in 1992.
Is Lisa Wilkinson still being paid by Channel 10?
No, Lisa Wilkinson’s contract with Channel 10 ended on December 31, 2024, concluding her association and salary from the network.
Has Lisa Wilkinson written any books?
Yes, Lisa published her autobiography, “It Wasn’t Meant to Be Like This”, in 2021, where she shared her experiences in the media industry.
Why did Lisa Wilkinson leave The Project?
Lisa left The Project in November 2022, citing personal reasons and public scrutiny following the Logies speech controversy.
What magazines did Lisa Wilkinson work for?
Lisa worked as an editor for Dolly magazine and later became Editor-in-Chief of Cleo magazine, where she played a major role in revamping the publication.
What is Lisa Wilkinson’s net worth?
Lisa Wilkinson’s estimated net worth is $70 million, and her annual salary was around $1.5 million at Channel 10.
