Annalise Braakensiek

By Sara Templeton

We've had a few letters complaining about the lack of local models profiled within these hallowed digitised pages. So, to remedy this problem, we'll take a look at one of Australia's own - Annalise Braakensiek.

Born on the 9th of Decemeber, 1972, Annalise grew up on the East Coast of Australia. She saw a varied and colourful childhood, travelling back and forth between Sydney and Byron on a double decker bus, of all things. The Saggitarius later moved with her family to live on a biodynamic farm.

At just fifteen years old, the ambitious girl took off for a backpacking adventure, leaving all her creature comforts behind. She saw much of Europe, including Switzerland, Austria, Italy, France and the Czech Republic (called Czechoslovakia back then). She even picked up the German tongue while travelling in and around the region.

Upon her arrival home, Annalise finished her HSC and then decided to apply for an Arts degree at the University of New South Wales. She got in, even completed a double degree.

But the travel bug had bitten deep and half-way through her Arts degree, Annalise deferred her course and headed for Asia. She did some modelling in Japan and saw the sights of Bangladesh, Nepal, the Philippines, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia. To call this girl well-travelled is an understatement.

But what of the Bondi-beach-babe today? Where is she and what is she doing? Well, some of you, probably the ones who watch SBS, may have noticed Annalise on one of the network's Aussie comedy's called Pizza. It all started with one publication - Australia's Inside Sport Magazine.

After shooting for the sports magazine, Annalise was catapulted into the world of fashion, glamour and more fashion. Next, Annalise headed over to the US where she scored a deal with Irene Marie Modelling agency in New York. This opened yet more floodgates to the fashion world.

She set off for Miami after being granted a working VISA and from here it was just go, go, go! She starred in Cosmo, was placed in more TV roles and even headed to places like Holland, France, Greece and Morocco to model swimwear.

At the end of her travels, Annalise returned home to a rapturous welcome, not only from friends and family, but also from the media. She went on to appear in a plethora of Australian mags, was voted by Ralph magazine as the 4th sexiest woman on the planet and I guess that about finishes how Annalise's life turned out.

The beautiful blonde now has her own radio show on Monday nights (6-8pm) on Bondi 88.0FM in Sydney. She has collated numerous calendars, continues to act and model plus has her own website.

Annalise's perfect day would be spent at the beach, she loves sunsets and she goes for snowboarding/skateboarding/surfing types, so all those who ski, rollerblade and boogie-board can forget it. She's not a big fan of homophobes, aggressive people or double standards and yes, her boobs are real.

Perhaps Australia's pinup girl of the moment, Annalise Braakensiek will continue to do Australia proud, whether she's jetsetting around the globe or simply catching up with friends at Bondi beach.