On a bright Monday morning at Yarra Bend Park in Melbourne, the largest area of natural bushland within the inner city, the scene is one of serene tranquility. Birds chirp overhead, dogs play in the water, and families enjoy the peaceful surroundings, a stark contrast to the bustling metropolis just beyond. Here, comedian Geraldine Hickey pauses near Dights Falls, scanning the trees for tawny frogmouths, a testament to her deep passion for birdwatching.
A Career Built on Authenticity
With over two decades in the comedy industry, Hickey has become a household name in Australia, winning the top award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival 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 person, her deadpan charm and warm, candid demeanor make her feel like an old friend, as she peppers conversations with "mate" and hearty laughter.
Finding Solace in Nature and Running
Dressed in reflective sunglasses, a birding legionnaire hat, and sensible shoes, Hickey embodies her dual passions for running and birdwatching, both of which blossomed during the Covid lockdowns. She took up running as a quicker way to reach 10,000 steps in a challenge with her wife, Cath Bateman, and was amazed when she first ran for 20 minutes. Her birdwatching obsession began when fellow comedian Sean Dooley challenged her to spot birds within a 5km radius, leading to an annual calendar of her own bird photos taken with an aggressive-sized zoom lens.
Yarra Bend Park serves as a sanctuary for Hickey, where she finds peace amid a busy career. She recalls sitting on benches here to cry, such as when her father died during the comedy festival three years ago, and reading messages of support from fans. This connection to nature and personal reflection fuels her comedic material, which she draws directly from her life experiences.
Addressing Personal Health and Identity
In her 2024 show, Don’t Tease Me About My Gloves, Hickey discussed her Raynaud’s syndrome and adult ADHD diagnosis, which boosted her self-confidence. Her new show, A Weight Off My Chest, delves into her decision to undergo breast removal surgery in 2025, a choice driven by lifelong discomfort with large breasts that felt like "two big sandbags." She explains that running was a key factor, as finding a suitable sports bra was a challenge, often requiring her to wear multiple layers.
Hickey is careful to distinguish her surgery from gender-affirming top surgery for transgender individuals, emphasizing that she experiences no gender dysphoria and is affirmed in her gender. She respects pronouns but notes her personal indifference, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse experiences without claiming others' narratives.
Advocacy and Comedy as a Bridge
The show also touches on Bateman's work as an abortion nurse, who established a reproductive health clinic in Morwell, performing 300 free abortions last year. Hickey proudly shares this, despite facing backlash from right-wing Christians online, which she views as an opportunity to discuss safe and accessible abortion care. For her, comedy is a tool for fostering understanding, allowing audiences to hear different voices and gain insights into varied life experiences.
Through her candid storytelling and reflective moments in nature, Geraldine Hickey continues to blend personal transformation with comedic artistry, inviting others into her world with openness and humour.
