Australian television presenter Carrie Bickmore has shown her resourceful side during a family Christmas celebration in Western Australia, refusing to let the country's severe insect season spoil her holiday.
A Quintessentially Australian Christmas Accessory
The 45-year-old star of The Project took to Instagram on Thursday to post a series of sun-drenched images from her relaxing Christmas Day. The photos depicted a blissful family gathering at Eagle Bay, but one detail stood out: Carrie's practical yet unusual choice of headwear.
Amid what she described as the worst fly season in 40 years, Bickmore accessorised her beach ensemble with a protective head net. Worn like a veil over her crocheted straw hat and black sunglasses, the net became a key part of her festive outfit as she smiled through the onslaught of pesky insects.
Her light yellow, smocked bikini with a subtle floral print and red bow décolletage showcased her toned physique, but it was the pragmatic net that captured followers' attention. "The worst fly season in 40 years did not dampen the most amazing week with my sisters and nieces and our kids in Eagle Bay," she wrote in her caption. "The most perfect slice of heaven."
Social Media Reaction and Cheeky Quips
The post prompted a wave of amused and admiring comments from her followers, including fellow television personality Rove McManus. "Good to know head nets are in this year," he joked in a cheeky remark.
Other fans praised her inventive style, with one commenting, "Trés net chic – colour coded for outfits and all! Love." A third added, "Absolutely love the look, you look amazing with the net. Merry Christmas Carrie." The images proved that even during an intense insect season, holiday cheer and family time could prevail.
A Legacy of Advocacy Beyond the Beach
This lighthearted festive moment comes after a significant honour for Bickmore's serious philanthropic work. In November, she was named the Victorian Australian of the Year in recognition of her substantial contributions to brain cancer research and awareness.
Her dedication stems from personal tragedy. After her late husband, Greg Lange, passed away following a nine-year battle with brain cancer in 2010, Bickmore established Carrie's Beanies 4 Brain Cancer Foundation in 2015. The charity has since raised an impressive over $27 million for the cause.
Her efforts expanded further in 2021 with the launch of The Brain Cancer Centre. This initiative brings together leading researchers, doctors, and institutions to develop new treatments and clinical trials. To date, the program has secured an additional $45 million in funding for research projects nationwide.
During the emotional award ceremony, Bickmore confessed to feeling uneasy about the personal accolade. "I feel like there are so many people, not only in the brain cancer space but in the world, that are doing incredible things. It made me deeply uncomfortable," she shared.
However, she accepted the nomination on behalf of the wider cancer community, reflecting on her husband's journey as the catalyst for her advocacy. "While I graciously accept the award, if I could go back and make that little 21–year–old, young Carrie not have to watch her boyfriend have a seizure in bed and then endure a nine year battle with brain cancer — I would do that," she stated, calling it one of the most horrific experiences of her life.
She ultimately realised her platform could help prevent others from enduring similar pain. Carrie Bickmore's story is thus one of resilience—both in facing personal loss and in tackling a swarm of flies to enjoy a perfect, peaceful Christmas with her loved ones.
