A Unique Family Setup
Sunrise news presenter Edwina Bartholomew is currently enjoying a unique lifestyle that allows her to balance her professional and personal life effectively. She splits her time between two locations, which has become a successful arrangement for her and her family.
Living in Sydney
Edwina spends three days a week in Sydney, where she can focus on her role as a breakfast TV presenter from Monday to Wednesday. During this time, she has the opportunity to be on her own, allowing her to recharge and prepare for the rest of the week.
She finds that having some time alone helps her maintain a good balance between work and personal life. “I go for a walk and just relax and meet friends for dinner,” she says. This time away from her family not only gives her a chance to unwind but also makes her a better parent when she returns to Carcoar.
Life in Carcoar
The other four days of the week, Edwina is in the NSW Central West town of Carcoar, where her husband, Neil Varcoe, and their two children live all week. The couple has two kids, Molly, who is six years old, and Tommy, who is four.
Edwina notes that the kids have adapted well to country life. “They can ride their bikes anywhere. We went up to the tennis courts and tried out Molly’s roller skates. It’s just a really simple, lovely childhood.”
She mentions that last weekend, despite the heat, the children enjoyed being in the river at the back of their house. This kind of activity is a regular part of their daily lives, which Edwina believes is beneficial for their development and happiness.
Balancing Work and Family
While Edwina is currently content with her current setup, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility of moving to Carcoar full-time. “It’s working well right now so I don’t anticipate an imminent move,” she says.
However, there are times when her schedule changes, and she finds herself in Sydney during the week. For instance, when TV WEEK spoke to her, she was in Sydney doing Sunrise on a Friday morning, and had brought Tommy with her to stay Thursday night.
“Last night he came in at 1.15am, saying, ‘Mum, can you read me a story?’” she recalls. “And it’s like, ‘No, not right now, but you can come in and go to sleep.’” These moments highlight the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life.
Personal Reflections
Edwina reflects on how important it is to have some time for herself. “I think I underestimated how nice it was to just have a couple of nights of uninterrupted sleep,” she adds.
Her experiences have shown her that taking time for personal relaxation can significantly enhance her ability to be present and engaged with her family.
Despite the challenges, Edwina remains grateful for the current arrangement and the opportunities it provides for both her career and her family. She continues to navigate the demands of her profession while ensuring that her children receive the love and attention they need.
This unique setup not only supports her professional goals but also allows her to maintain a strong connection with her family, making it a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
