Since her rise to fame on MasterChef Australia in 2009, Julie Goodwin has experienced both dizzying highs and heartbreaking lows. Through it all, her constant has been family, who came together to celebrate their extraordinary matriarch and reveal their hopes for the New Year. Read our Christmas 2025 cover story below, and for Julie’s signature Christmas recipes, click here.
It’s a typical Australian scene. As the afternoon sun shines down, three generations have taken to the beach for an informal game of cricket. Poppy bowls as Nanny takes to the bat; their sons ready themselves for ball-catching action. Meanwhile, one very excited granddaughter runs in and out of the lapping waves, squealing in delight as her mother watches on, beaming.
This is all taking place during the final moments of the Goodwin family’s photo shoot with The Weekly. It’s a day filled with laughter, a few tears and plenty of joy. A magical day on which the love they share is evident, even as the absence of one of their team leaves a bittersweet mark.
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
Julie and Mick Goodwin’s eldest son, Joe, and middle child, Tom – along with his partner, Crystal, and their four-year-old daughter, Delilah – are present for this special day. However, youngest son Paddy is unable to join in person. And while Julie dials him in on FaceTime, it’s clear he’s dearly missed by his mum, who’s readying herself for the first Christmas without all her boys around her.
“He’s on the trip of a lifetime, a European journey, with his longtime girlfriend and brand-new fiancée,” Julie says, her eyes misting up not for the first time today.
Paddy and Brooke are on a trip of a lifetime. Photo supplied.
“Brooke’s a beautiful girl, and they are beautiful together. And thank God for technology, because we’re with them on that trip. Every day they send us what they’re doing – selfies, photos of what they’re eating and the beautiful scenery. They are doing 26 countries over a six-month period. So they’re not home until January. We have, up until now, always been together on Christmas Day”
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
Who is Julie Goodwin’s husband?
Christmas has always been a family-filled affair for Julie and Mick. With a mother who was one of 11 and a dad with 12 siblings, Mick – himself one of six – grew up surrounded by a cast of thousands as they feasted on a traditional roast. Meanwhile, Julie’s much smaller clan of five – herself, younger sister Debbie, mum Marlene, dad Tony and maternal grandmother Edna – would usually travel down the NSW south coast for a camping trip; prawning and putting out a lobster pot for lunch, accompanied by salads and cold ham.
“My nan, God love her, used to always say, ‘I wonder what the rich people are doing today,’ as we sat out there feeling like kings of the world with our school prawns and the lobster we’d caught ourselves,” laughs Julie.
“Both Mick and I were from blue-collar families. There was not a lot of money flying around. Christmas was quite humble, but always beautiful. The focus was on being together and having fun.”
Julie and Mick ahead of Christmas in their younger years. Photo supplied.
The pair met at a St Vincent de Paul youth group in January 1989 when they were both 18. While they were friends at first, Cupid struck that September – and his arrow stayed. That first Christmas as a couple, Mick reminds Julie, “I bought you a silver bracelet from Prouds.” It was an expensive gift for a young student; clearly, love from the start.
By their first Christmas as newlyweds in 1995, they’d settled into the little house that would become their family home. The following year, Joe arrived just in time for the holidays.
They still have a home video of that Christmas Day, filmed on a borrowed camera. “He was due right on Christmas but came three weeks early,” says Julie. “It was the best Christmas present ever.”
Julie with Tom and Joe, dialling in Paddy. Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
Who are Julie Goodwin’s children?
Joe was soon joined by Tom and then Paddy.
“Just like our parents, we were living pay cheque to pay cheque and doing it pretty tough, to be honest,” Julie says. “But we made sure the special times were really special.”
They’d leave flour or talcum powder “snowy footprints” from Santa on Christmas Eve, much to the boys’ delight. “And the boys would laugh their heads off because Santa had to stomp across our sideboard to get to the Christmas tree,” Julie recalls. “You can’t walk on the furniture! But creating that magic doesn’t cost any money.”
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
Presents often came from Big W and were chosen to give lasting joy. “One year it was a sandpit,” she says. “It was wonderful how happy they were and how many hours they spent in it.”
Today, they are more financially comfortable, but Julie is mindful of the pressure families feel to create a perfect holiday, heightened by social media.
“We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect,” she says. “You’ve got to share that load and lower your standards – both for yourself and everybody around you.”
She suggests potluck-style meals, thrift-shop Christmases, or experience-based gifts like massages, car washes or dishwashing vouchers. “It doesn’t have to cost a cent.”
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
The power of two
Julie has spoken openly about presenting a happy exterior while struggling internally. Her mental health journey is ongoing, and throughout it all, Mick has been by her side – including a devastating night in 2020 when he drove her to a psychiatric hospital.
“The hardest part,” says Mick, “was when Jules was really unwell, and I realised I didn’t feel equipped to help her. I had to look beyond our network to get her well.”
He says the “rescuer” narrative leaves out how much Julie has supported him through deaths in the family and health battles. “We’ve always done things together as a team. I’ve never felt alone.”
Their sons have long witnessed this love. “One of the great privileges of my life is being raised by two people who love each other and love their kids and set an amazing example,” says Joe.
The family table is always full. Photo supplied.
They’ve also seen their parents’ generosity extend beyond family. Julie and Mick met while doing dawn patrols in Kings Cross, delivering food to those in need – a service they continue through charities and initiatives.
On Christmas Eve, they host an “orphans’ dinner” in honour of Mick’s mum, Kathleen. “We’ve had up to 30 people,” says Tom. “Mum puts on a big spread, and everyone leaves with a happy tummy.”
“And if that wasn’t an option,” Joe adds, “they’ve always cooked pre-made meals to deliver to friends who needed help.”
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
A new chapter
With their children grown and grandchildren arriving, life is shifting into a new stage. Delilah’s arrival, says Mick, has “changed our priorities. It’s changed the speed of life and slowed it down.”
“We’re at a phase where we need to appreciate these moments because you never know what’s around the corner,” says Julie.
She now chooses her work carefully, ensuring it allows time for family. Before taking on anything, she asks: “Does it fit the filters? Does it bring me joy? Does it give me purpose, or does it pay my bills?”
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
They’re also prioritising their health. “When we turned 50, we promised we’re not going to dick around about our health anymore,” Julie says. “Now we’re doctor botherers if we need to be.”
Her physical health has improved alongside her mental health. She gave up alcohol, prioritised exercise and incorporated strength training. Her advice on finding a movement routine: “Find the thing that doesn’t make you want to cry,” she laughs.
Photography by Peter Brew-Bevan
The next adventure
Julie is now focused not only on staying well, but also on using her story to help others. She’s embarking on a regional tour, Your Time Starts Now, where she’ll cook on stage, share stories, and spark important conversations about mental health.
“It’s important to keep talking about mental health in an honest way. To share stories as well as hear them. To know you’re not alone,” she says.
“You can wish you didn’t go through stuff, but then you don’t end up where you’re at. As much pain as I’ve been in, I’m thankful for where I am now – absolutely the best place of my whole life.”
Julie and Mick hope that 2026 brings continued good health and some travel. This year, Mick joined her on work trips to Broome and on the Indian Pacific – adventures they treasured.
Their next trip will be even closer to home. They’ve just been appointed caretakers of a 70-year-old caravan built in 1956 by Julie’s grandfather.
“Now it’s been handed on to us to do more travel. So we’ve got to make sure it hits the road!”
For dates, tickets and information on the Julie Goodwin: Your Time Starts Now tour, visit juliegoodwin.com.au
If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
The article originally appeared in the Christmas 2025 issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly. Subscribe so you never miss an issue.
Discover Julie Goodwin’s Christmas recipes on Women’s Weekly Food here.
Tiffany Dunk
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