Geraldine Hickey: A Comedian's Journey Through Nature and Self-Discovery
On a bright Monday morning at Yarra Bend Park in Melbourne, the largest area of natural bushland within the inner city, a serene atmosphere prevails. The park is alive with the gentle hum of nature and human activity: birds chirping overhead, dogs splashing in the water, and families enjoying leisurely strolls. Amidst this tranquil setting, comedian Geraldine Hickey pauses near Dights Falls, scanning the trees with a quiet reverence. "There were some tawny frogmouths here," she remarks, though they are nowhere to be seen today. Accompanied by her dogs, Harry and Lloyd, Hickey embodies a blend of deadpan charm and warm candidness that has made her a household name in Australian comedy.
A Career Built on Authenticity and Humour
With a career spanning over two decades, Geraldine Hickey has become a staple at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, winning its top award in 2021. Her television appearances on shows like Spicks and Specks and Have You Been Paying Attention?, along with her stint on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!, have cemented her status in the entertainment industry. In person, Hickey's on-stage persona translates seamlessly; she speaks with a hearty laugh and frequent use of "mate," making her feel like an old friend within minutes of meeting.
Passions Born from Lockdown: Running and Birdwatching
Hickey's interests in running and birdwatching emerged during the Covid lockdowns. She took up running as part of a step challenge with her wife, Cath Bateman, initially sceptical about her ability to sustain it. "I remember the first time I ran for 20 minutes, and I was just like, oh my god," she recalls. Her birdwatching obsession began when fellow comedian Sean Dooley challenged her to spot birds within a 5km radius. Since 2020, Hickey has released annual calendars featuring her own bird photographs, taken with an "aggressive-sized zoom lens." She describes the hobby as meditative, adding, "I’m trying to make it cool, mate."
Yarra Bend Park: A Sanctuary for Reflection
Yarra Bend Park serves as a key refuge for Hickey, offering peace and quiet amidst her busy life. She has used the park as a space for emotional release, such as when she grieved her father's death during the comedy festival. "I’ve sat on benches and cried here," she shares, highlighting how the natural environment provides solace. This connection to personal experience is central to her comedy, as she draws material directly from her life, stating, "I’m not good at making stuff up."
New Show: A Weight Off My Chest
In her latest show, A Weight Off My Chest, Hickey addresses her decision to undergo breast removal surgery in 2025. She describes a lifetime of discomfort with large breasts, which felt like "two big sandbags" that hindered activities like running. The surgery was motivated by practical reasons, such as the difficulty of finding suitable sports bras, rather than gender dysphoria. Hickey is careful to distinguish her experience from gender-affirming top surgery, emphasising her affirmed gender identity and respect for transgender narratives. "I’m aware of how I look – I’m aware that a lot would assume that I’m non-binary, [but] I’m quite affirmed in my gender," she explains.
Advocacy and Personal Stories
The show also touches on the work of Hickey's wife, Cath Bateman, an abortion nurse who established a reproductive health clinic in Morwell. Hickey expresses pride in Bateman's efforts, which have provided 300 free abortions in a year, sparking both support and backlash from online commentators. Hickey approaches such criticism with calm resolve, viewing it as an opportunity to discuss safe and accessible abortion care. Through her comedy, she aims to foster understanding and share diverse life experiences, believing that "one of the great things about comedy is all the different voices that you get to hear."
As Hickey continues to navigate her passions and personal journey, she remains a compelling voice in Australian comedy, using humour to explore themes of identity, health, and human connection in the heart of Melbourne's natural landscapes.
