Nicole Byers & Tom Moore
Nicole is editor-in-chief of The Australian Women’s Weekly, a coveted post she has held since 2017. Her husband Tom, is general manager of a construction firm.
THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF 2020?
Nicole: Producing a magazine while the entire team, and all the subjects of our stories, were in isolation or working from home. On a personal level, Tom and I found it challenging guiding Ellery, our sensitive five-year-old, through the strange and frightening times.
UNEXPECTED POSITIVES?
Nicole: Our little family bunkered down together and spent time crafting, cooking and doing puzzles – just being happy in our bubble.
Something our busy pre-Covid lives left little time for.
A LESSON LEARNED FROM THIS YEAR?
Nicole: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Save it for when the big stuff happens.
Tom: Never take a family visit for granted. My mum was supposed to be visiting us now and it might be years before Ellery sees her granny again.
HOW WILL YOU BE CELEBRATING
THIS FESTIVE SEASON?
Nicole: With a relaxed family gathering at my sister’s, enjoying a feast with intermittent dips in the pool and various games tournaments. Everyone brings their signature something to the table. Mum’s boozy trifle is the highlight for me.
ARE YOU TRAVELLING OVER SUMMER?
Nicole: Yes, to Brunswick Heads [in northern NSW] after Christmas. I refuse to travel on Boxing Day.
It’s my favourite day of the year spent eating leftovers and staying horizontal.
ULTIMATE SUMMER DESTINATION?
Nicole: Anywhere on a beach with a good book and fresh local seafood.
Tom: Thailand is up there for me – lovely people, great food.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
Nicole: A few quiet hours with a good book or a long
walk somewhere beautiful and peaceful. Tom: I find building things for our home or garden very therapeutic.
AN IDEAL SUMMER’S DAY INVOLVES…?
Nicole: Oysters, ocean swims and sunset drinks with friends.
HOLIDAY FASHION MUST-HAVES?
Nicole: Floaty shirt dresses to throw over swimmers, a bucket hat (Oroton has a great one this year) and a killer pair of sunglasses. I’m also obsessed with chunky sandals and slides.
WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST?
Tom: My sister-in-law, Tawiah, makes beautiful music in the UK which is the soundtrack for relaxed summer days.
AND YOUR READING LIST?
Nicole: The Lying Life of Adults by Elena Ferrante.
Tom: The Children Act by Ian McEwan.
WHAT WILL YOU BE WATCHING?
Nicole: For laugh-out-loud joy I’ll be revisiting the ABC series Rosehaven and rewatching Fleabag.
Tom: Succession. I find the power struggle within a rich and morally corrupt family really intriguing.
QUINTESSENTIAL SUMMER MEAL?
Nicole: My mum’s prawn salad with mango and coriander salsa.
FESTIVE TIPPLE?
Nicole: Aperol Spritz – it’s the closest I’ll get to the Amalfi Coast.
CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF SUMMER?
Nicole: Late-night swims in the pool with my sister on balmy nights. Digging for pippies for Dad to use as bait for fishing.
SUMMER SCENT? Tom: Jasmine.
YOUR HOPES FOR NEXT YEAR?
Nicole: To remember everything I learned in 2020 about treasuring time with my family and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.
Tom: I’m hoping we will be able to see my family in the UK. FaceTime only goes so far...