Brenton Ragless

Brenton Ragless's Biography

Born in Blackwood, South Australia, Brenton Ragless has an extensive background in public speaking, broadcast media, public relations, audiovisual production, emergency services, meteorology, defence & tourism.

Prior to working at Channel 9, Brenton had earned national media exposure in providing commentary on fires & other disasters as a full-time spokesperson for the SA Country Fire Service (CFS) as well as a fire & emergencies reporter for ABC Radio.

His interest with the fire service evolved from the age of five when he tagged along with his dad to the Eden Hills CFS Brigade. On finishing Blackwood High School in 1993, Brenton followed in his father’s footsteps to become an active volunteer firefighter.

Brenton & his family were also competition swimmers with the Marion Swimming Club. At age 14, a serious hip injury kept him out of the water, so instead of competing, Brenton joined his mum pool-side to announce the competitors behind the blocks.

That opportunity led Brenton to a career in radio from 1994 with Adelaide’s 107.9 Life FM & later, 104.9 Star FM in Albury, NSW. While announcing, Brenton was also contracted to voice national forecasts for Telsta’s ‘Dial-It Weather Information Service’.

Over that same period, Brenton studied a Diploma of Business in Tourism, which led to casual work as a driver/tour guide for Grayline. He has since ‘moonlighted’ in tourism presenting a few local segments on Channel 9’s ‘Getaway’ & ‘Postcards’ as well as hosting events for Tourism Australia & other tourism bodies.

In 2007, Brenton graduated from a Masters Degree in Communication Management at UniSA, followed by a contract working in Public Affairs for the Department of Defence (Defence Science Communications) both in Adelaide & Canberra.

On returning to Adelaide in 2008, Brenton was selected to be Channel 9’s new weekday weather presenter following the retirement of Keith Martyn. For almost six years, he tailed the 6pm bulletin with the seven-day forecast while providing special reports on extreme weather events.

In 2014 - marking his 20th year in media - Brenton was honoured to take on a new role as co-anchor, reading the news with Kate Collins in Nine’s new hour-long format. An added highlight for Brenton has been co-hosting the annual Credit Union Christmas Pageant since 2008.

Outside of Channel 9, Brenton is a regular event host, speaker & commentator, & still provides support to the CFS as an advocate for fire safety & prevention, assisting with training modules & providing ground support to air operations.

Brenton is an ambassador for the CFS Foundation, Professional Firefighters Foundation, ‘Watch Around Water’ safety initiative, Asthma Foundation, Phoenix Society, Junction Australia, Cancer Council SunSmart initiative, Masters Swimming & the SA State Aquatic & Leisure Centre.

He also lends a hand in the preservation & promotion of Australia’s railway heritage & his father's own classic fire engine – a brilliant red, open cab 1961 International.