Christien de Garis appointed Seven Perth News Director and Geoff Dunn confirmed as Sydney News Director – The Seven Network today announced the appointment of Christien de Garis as Perth News Director, effective October 2025.
Reporting to Seven’s Director of News and Current Affairs, Ray Kuka, Mr de Garis will lead the editorial and managerial direction of 7NEWS Perth.
The Perth-born award-winning journalist brings more than two decades’ experience across broadcast news, government communications and branded content to Australia’s #1 news service. He began his career with Seven West Media’s regional newspapers in Bunbury and Kalgoorlie before moving into broadcast roles with the ABC, Network 10 and Seven Perth.
Mr de Garis worked as a senior crime reporter in Perth and Sydney, covering one of the toughest rounds during the infamous Brothers 4 Life gang war in Sydney. He also served as a senior advisor in the WA Government. Most recently, he led a major creative content team in the advertising industry on national and international campaigns.
He has received three WA Media Awards: Best Television for 7NEWS Flashpoint’s COVID-19 documentary (2020); Best Regional News Coverage for the ABC team’s coverage of the Esperance bushfires coronial inquest (2019); and Best Broadcast Feature for longform reporting on ABC’s Stateline (2008).
Mr Kuka said:
“Christien is a fierce newsman with deep WA roots, strong leadership and a sharp editorial mind. His appointment is a true homecoming, and I’m excited to see him lead this exceptional newsroom.
“He is an old-school journo who loves exposing hypocrisy, holding power to account and chasing the kinds of stories that get people talking. He also knows how to craft great television – from crime rounds to award-winning current affairs.”
Mr de Garis said:
“Coming home to Perth to lead one of the most talented newsrooms in the country is a massive honour.
“I’ve worked with many of the team over the years, as a journalist and as an advisor. That time outside the newsroom only deepened my belief in journalism’s power and purpose.
“I’m proud to return and help build on the strength, legacy and momentum of 7NEWS Perth.”
Mr de Garis will also join the Seven West Media (WA) Executive Team, reporting to CEO Maryna Fewster.
Welcoming the appointment, Ms Fewster said:
“Our newsroom is unique in Australian media – a fully integrated news operation that blends the very best of broadcast journalism in 7NEWS with the heart of SWM’s publishing business.
“We have two notably experienced journalists leading our newsroom in Christien and Christopher Dore, the Editor-In-Chief of publishing including The West Australian and The Nightly, who will build a formidable partnership leading their teams that are such an institution in our state.
“It’s no secret that our connection to the community is at the heart of the remarkable success of both 7NEWS in Perth and The West Australian and it’s print and digital footprint throughout the state.
“I’m delighted to see how broadcasting will continue to grow and evolve under Christien’s leadership at 7NEWS,”
– she said.
Seven has also confirmed the permanent appointment of Geoff Dunn as Sydney News Director, following his time in the role in an acting capacity.
A newsroom veteran, Mr Dunn has spent almost 30 years with 7NEWS Sydney in senior producing and leadership roles, including Executive Producer of Sydney’s 6pm bulletin for more than two decades.
Mr Kuka said:
“Geoff knows this newsroom and this city like few others. He’s earned the trust of his team, brings a deep editorial instinct, and leads with calm and clarity. He’s already shown what he can do, and I’m thrilled to officially welcome him to the role.”
Mr Dunn said:
“It’s a privilege to lead the Sydney newsroom. This team delivers exceptional journalism every day, and I’m proud to continue working alongside them.”
Media Release – Seven
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Christien de Garis appointed Seven Perth News Director and Geoff Dunn confirmed as Sydney News Director
