Port Mac Goss: My Tipping Point experience

THIS week’s Port Mac Goss column is a little bit different.

Columnist Dave ‘Scoop’ Lazarus had lined up Greg Davies, Unit Commander for Port Macquarie Marine Rescue, to talk about the upcoming summer season and water safety tips.

However, due to forced unavailability, Greg will be next week’s feature.

With the deadline looming, it was decided that we would get to know a little bit more about our regular columnist instead.

In particular, Dave’s recent experience on Channel Nine game show Tipping Point Australia.

“I was lucky to feature as a contestant on this show a few months back,” Dave said.

“It is amazing how many people who saw my episode took a genuine interest, questioning me on what it was like to be involved.”

Dave, tell us about the audition process to get accepted for the show.

I loved watching the English version and would tape it every day. Elsa, my partner, saw a Facebook ad advising potential contestants to apply for the new Australian version. She applied without me knowing and then she received an email to accept an audition via Zoom. There were three or four others in the same audition, and the producers asked a lot of questions to see what sort of personality and fun interaction would develop. I obviously passed that audition and was invited to fly to Melbourne for the taping of the show.

What was the experience like leading up to the taping? Did you have to pay for travel etc?

No! They allowed me to bring a friend with expenses including airfares, accommodation and limousine transfer to a beautiful motel around the corner from the studio, and a lovely breakfast at the studio. I was treated like a celebrity. It was so much fun.

Did you get to meet host and Aussie sporting legend Todd Woodbridge before the taping?

Yes, he spent about half an hour with me and the other two contestants. He is really down to earth, a lovely man and seemed very genuine.

How did you go on the show? Did you win any money?

Unfortunately, no. I got to the third round and got asked a question and doubted myself, and passed it to my opponent. She answered, and a lot of the “counters” went over the tipping point.

That was enough to get her the chance to win the $20k.

When the episode aired on TV, what was the response?

It was unbelievable! Just walking down the street, people saw me and recognised me and were genuinely interested in the experience. Before it aired, I noticed a lot of negative social media posts stating that the English version was so much better than the Australian version. However, it has proven to be rated better than any other game show in Australian history. In my opinion the English version is still good, but the live studio audience and the more relaxed Aussie “banter” between the contestants and Todd achieves better entertainment value. The good thing is, you don’t have to be smart to be a contestant to win, because the machine, as part of the concept, is unpredictable and many times a smarter contestant doesn’t get a chance for the jackpot.

Any tips for anyone who might want to apply to go onto the show?

Just be yourself and have fun. I really enjoyed the experience. Even though I didn’t win any money, the two-day, all expenses paid trip to Melbourne, and catching up with my son who lives there, definitely compensated for not winning the jackpot.

By Dave ‘Scoop’ LAZARUS