Sunrise star Sam Mac has revealed that he and his family are moving to Melbourne, sharing a heartfelt reflection on the decision and what it means for their daughters.
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Thinking back to the beginning of his relationship with his wife, Mac said, “In the very early days of our relationship and in the midst of covid lockdowns and border closures, Bec took the ultimate leap of faith – packing up her life in Melbourne and moving to Sydney for me! For us.”
He recalled the challenges of living together at the start of their romance.
“It was 2021 and I was living in a tiny apartment with two cats (what a catch!) and somehow, out of all the single ladies in Australia, I managed to fall for the one with a severe cat allergy.
“Miraculously, we managed to survive those rocky early days living together, getting by on a diet of cheese, wine and antihistamines.”
Over the following four years, Mac and his partner achieved significant milestones.
“We bought a house, renovated a house, launched a business, got engaged and had two beautiful girls,” he said.
While life in Sydney had its highlights, Mac admitted that his intense work schedule as a Sunrise presenter made things difficult.
“My Sunrise travel schedule of more than 120 flights a year meant it was extremely tough on Bec while I was on the road. Something was missing, grandparents (aka unpaid babysitters). My parents live in Adelaide and Bec’s parents live in Melbourne.”
He recounted the moment he realised moving to Victoria was the right choice.
“It was roughly a year ago and Margot, our then two-year-old, was at her grandparents house near the Yarra Valley. They’ve got a beautiful big yard that flows onto a national park.
“She was holding a lizard, we could hear the kookaburras in the distance and a couple of kangaroos hopped straight past her.”
Mac said witnessing his daughter’s reaction was life-changing.
“Up until this point in her life, these creatures only really existed in books and movies, but here they were, in her grandparents backyard. Margot’s face lit up in a way I’d never seen before (even more so than when I serenade her with my guitar! Unbelievable, I know).
“They say when you have children, you start to see the world through their eyes and in that moment, I could see pure joy and wonder. It was crystal clear – this is the childhood I want for our girls.”
He also shared a personal motivation for the move.
“I also had a strong desire to repay Bec for flipping her life and believing in us when I was just the weird cat-loving weatherman in the smelly Sydney bachelor pad,” Mac joked.
Reflecting on the changes parenthood has brought, he added, “It’s funny how having a family instantly changes your lens on life,”
“You realise very quickly that it’s not about you anymore. A three-year-old and a one-year-old don’t care about how close they are to the city or the fact they have glimpses of the Harbour Bridge from their bedroom window.
“They were things I wanted and things I worked hard for. They had their time and place, but that’s the old Sam. The new Sam is Dad and Dad priority number one is to keep his family happy.”
Looking ahead, Mac said life in Melbourne promises exciting changes.
“Our Melbourne life is going to look very different and I’m excited! The grandparents are now nine minutes away instead of nine hours! Our girls will have a big backyard with trees to climb and animals to find.
“Plus, Bec and I are doing our research and seriously considering getting them goats for Christmas. At the very least it’ll be chickens.”
He joked about his new domestic role, “I might even be getting a ride on mower. What?! Who am I?! Oh, that’s right, I’m Dad now, that’s who (not Sam). Disclaimer: The ride on mower will probably just be for a photo for my Insta while I get Jim’s Mowing to do the actual work.”
Mac wrapped up his announcement with an excitable, “See you soon Melbourne!”
Images: Instagram
