Australian Families To Star In Positive, Trans-Tasman TV Series Debut

A new series premiering on Australian screens on 24th March 2019 puts family units to the ultimate test in a range of exciting and unique challenges. With $25,000 up for grabs the XVenture Family Challenge TV series features 16 families (2 adults and 2 teens) from across Australia and New Zealand and is set to air on Channel 10 in Australia and Three in New Zealand.

After the success of the inaugural TV series in New Zealand in 2018, XVenture were excited to open up the opportunity to Aussie families in the second series.

Hosted by Network 10's Kate Freebairn and award- winning New Zealand Musician, Jason Kerrison, in the first series of its kind to air in Australia, the energy-fueled show is the ultimate Trans-Tasman clash of the families. Inflatables, virtual reality, drones and a Grammy award- winning songwriter make for the ultimate melting pot of fun, entertainment and competition. Family teams need to work together to build trust, communicate and collaborate quickly in order to be successful.

Whilst the series is fast- paced and action packed, there is a deep purpose for its creation. XVenture Family Challenge Series Creator and Director, Mike Conway says, "During the teenage years there are so many changes facing a young person. If we can provide opportunities for them to develop emotional agility and resilience they'll build closer relationships and have a much greater chance of success in life. The series provides the opportunity to do this with their family in a safe and supportive environment." Mike is renowned for his unconventional and passionate approach in creating cutting-edge individual and team development programmes globally.

"It's been such a wonderful experience spending time with families from all parts of Australia and New Zealand. Our production team experienced first-hand how these family teams evolved over the course of the challenges. Improved communication, collaboration and most importantly trust were at the heart of their transition", said Mike Conway, who is an Honorary Professor at University of Wollongong and also currently the Emotional Agility and Mind Coach for Australia's National Soccer Team and Sydney FC.

Tune in to 10 on Sundays from 24th March 2019.

Presented by ecostore, XVenture Family Challenge is created, developed and produced by global experts in learning, leadership and team development, XVenture. XVenture is a group who is dedicated to creating rich learning, leadership and media content solutions designed to create Winning Minds in business, elite sport, schools and universities. The XVenture Family Challenge TV Series was born out of the recognition that creating an environment where families can learn and grow together is a positive way to develop Emotional Agility, Resilience and Leadership for greater success in life.

Interview with Zanthe Juric

Team Juric are from Freshwater, Sydney their team includes: Rob Juric (Dad), Tania Juric (Mum), Jake Juric (son) (14) Zanthe Juric (daughter) (12).

Team Juric from Sydney are soccer mad! They love to have a kick about together in the local park (and in the house!) and all play competitively for local teams. Zanthe does ballet and jazz eisteddfods and cross country running. Jake body surfs, plays water polo and swims. Rob cycles, runs and works out. Tania plays tennis and jogs weekly with the dog. Together they do family fun runs for charity, weekend bike rides and love adventures.

Question: How would you describe XVenture Family Challenge?

Zanthe Juric: It is a series of challenges that put families to the test to see how well they work together. It is fun, collaborative, challenging and a once in a lifetime experience.

Question: Why did you and your family decide to participate in XVenture Family Challenge?

Zanthe Juric: We decided to participate in the XVenture Family Challenge as it would bring us closer together as a family and it would be a fun experience to see how we actually work together as a family. Also my brother wanted to win the prize money!


Question: What was the most difficult challenge your family had to overcome?

Zanthe Juric: I think the most difficult challenge my family and I had to overcome was the feeling of the unknown. Not knowing what we were actually going to do was hard for us, since we like to plan ahead.


Question: Which of the challenges was your favourite?

Zanthe Juric: One of my favourite challenges was the "Walk On Water" Challenge because it was in the pool and I love being in the water. Also it had an individual component as well as a team component.


Question: What did you learn about yourself and your family whilst competing on XVenture Family Challenge?

Zanthe Juric: I learnt that not the same person in the family is the leader all the time, it changes depending on what we are doing e.g. in the drone challenge my brother Jake was the leader since he had the most experience with drones, whilst in the music challenge I was the leader since I have more experience in dance. I also learnt that although we are not often all at home together at the same time (due to our busy schedules) we work really well as a family and we know what each of our strengths and weaknesses are.


Question: How has XVenture Family Challenge changed the way you communicate with your family?
Zanthe Juric: XVenture Family Challenge has not really changed the way I communicate with my family. I have always been very comfortable communicating with all of my family so am very lucky!


Question: What are you most looking forward to seeing on the finale of XVenture Family Challenge?

Zanthe Juric: Looking forward to seeing what our recorded time was in the last obstacle challenge.


Interview by Brooke Hunter