Australia’s ‘first reality star’ Noeline Donaher’s death revealed after going unreported for a year-Meghna Amin-Entertainment – Metro

Noeline Donaher stared on Sylvania Waters (Picture: ABC)

Fans have been left paying tribute after discovering the death of Noeline Donaher.

The Australian reality star appeared on Sylvania Waters across 12 episodes in the early 90s.

Her step-son announced her death in a Facebook group in May 2023, saying: ‘Hi All, Dad has asked me to share with you all, in the Appendix J association, the sad news that Noeline Donaher, his partner of over 40yrs, recently passed away.

‘Noeline absolutely loved Appendix J racing and, along with my father Laurie, were a big part of the early days of “Grp N”. Together they raced everything from a couple of Valiants to a Lotus Cortina then the Iso Revolta a Camaro and a few beautiful Mustangs as well.

‘More importantly she made lots of great friends over years and had many laughs/memorable times at tracks all around Australia incl. Tasmania and WA!

‘Laurie and Noeline were also great supporters of the “App J”association in the early years and even sponsored quite a few club events back in the 80’s.

‘I’m just with Laurie today and going through some old pics on the wall and in albums so thought I’d share a few of them with you all and say THANKS, on their behalf, to the “AppendixJ Old Boys” for many years of fun, friendship and great memories.’

She was one of Australia’s first reality TV stars (Picture: Nine)

Donaher starred on Sylvania Waters, based on the Sydney suburb of the same name, with her partner Laurie, her sons Michael and Paul, and Laurie’s son Mick with his family.

It premiered in 1992, following their luxurious lives over six months, but was met with widespread backlash, with one critic saying it was: ‘Neighbours gone mad, Home & Away on drugs!’

Since the show aired, Donaher stepped back from the limelight and away from fame for the last three decades, however, she did write a book titled The Sylvania Waters diary and released a music video, No Regrets.

Paying tribute on X, @poiter58 wrote: ‘The OG reality TV show.. I enjoyed the show, reality TV went down hill soon after. RIP Noeline.’

‘I remember her, the first of the ‘reality’ shows. So long ago,’ @bridget54950027 said, while @kaysan54 wrote: ‘Ohhh how sad.’

Following tributes commented on his post, Mick added: ‘”Thank you” for all the kind thoughts and sharing some great memories of your time with Noaline Donaher.

‘I have shown this post to Laurie and he is extremely thankful that she is remembered by you all so fondly.

‘So on behalf of the Donaher family THANK YOU to all.’

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