New duo take the microphone in NBL24

The Tasmania JackJumpers are thrilled to announce Tasmanian mental health advocate, former Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year and emerging media personality Mitch McPherson will take on the role of Game Day MC, presented by MyState Bank, for all home games during the 2023/24 NBL season.

Mitch will be joined by local DJ and entertainer Leah Clark in engaging the crowd and elevating the game day experience at MyState Bank Arena and the Launceston Silverdome in NBL24.

“We’re so delighted to have found Mitch and Leah through the Tassie’s Got Talent audition process with the help of MyState Bank. We had quite a number of amazing applications through an exhaustive process and it wasn’t an easy decision at all but we’re very excited by what they both bring” CEO Christine Finnegan said.

“Leah and Mitch are fresh faces and voices in this space, but we think they have a huge amount of potential and they can really make the roles their own. They embody the JackJumpers spirit and will be fantastic additions to our game day”.

Leah is no stranger to the JackJumpers home venues as one half of Kombi Krew, the JackJumpers much-loved DJs who provide the incredible music selection each home game and ensure the crowd ride the highs and lows of each game, and also performed at the recent Australian Boomers World Cup warm up games at Rod Laver Arena in August.

“It’s just incredible to be selected for this role! We absolutely love the JackJumpers and have had the privilege of being part of the game day in a different way but I’m excited to leave [her husband] Beau on the DJ decks and take the mic this season” Leah said.

“My day job is dancing and having fun with kids (and adults!) all across Tasmania with Kombi Krew Silent Discos, so I’m excited to do that on a much bigger scale with a not-so-silent disco!” Leah said.

Mitch is well known to Tasmanians having founded local mental health charity Speak Up Stay ChatTY in 2013 following the death of his younger brother Ty, by suicide.

Over the past 10 years, he has performed hundreds of presentations telling his impactful story to thousands of people both locally and nationally, helping others to prioritize their own mental health and look out for those around them.

“I’m absolutely stoked to get this opportunity and to help spread some joy through such an exciting and well-loved platform. The JackJumpers games are one of the best sporting spectacles in Australia and so to be part of that and help get the crowd and the boys going is incredible.

“I’m absolutely still committed to Stay ChatTY and will continue my work with the amazing team” Mitch said.

Finnegan said that Mitch’s work aligns perfectly with the JackJumpers’ values.

"We are an organisation heavily focused on mental health, and to have Mitch supporting our organisation whilst he continues in his Stay ChatTY position, is a bonus for our club and supporters" Finnegan said.

Mitch will roll solo with the microphone for the first two games at MyState Bank Arena, with Leah committed to do some charity work in South East Asia in early September.

“Jimmy and Nath obviously did an amazing job in the first two seasons. They’re good mates of mine and I’m stoked they’ve got their national radio gig and smashing it in on the mainland”.

“Leah and I don’t feel like we have to fill their shoes (or jerseys!) or be the same as them. We’ll bring our own vibe and mix things up a bit with the amazing team at Max Events,” McPherson said.

“See you all October 6!”.