Harry Michaels OAM

NeverStandingStill

Name: Never Standing Still
Author: Harry Michaels

A Life of Vision, Determination and Purpose

From Cyprus to Australian television, football and a life full of unexpected turns.

Paperback · 164 pages · 156 × 240 mm $27.49 AUD inc. GST Dispatching from November 2026

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“Opportunities don’t come to you. You create them, then you keep moving forward.”

Harry MichaelsFrom the back cover

Harry Michaels was nine when his father was killed in a Cypriot village, and the childhood he knew ended that day. What followed was London, a ship called the Patris, twenty-eight days at sea and a country he had never seen. In Australia he became an actor, a producer, a football club president and a man who built his own television studio because nobody would lend him one. This is the account of how he did it, and who was beside him.

The paperback of Never Standing Still standing at a three-quarter angle, its cover showing Harry Michaels in a warm timber library.

A worn sepia photograph of three children standing side by side, the youngest in shorts between a girl in a pale dress and an older boy, a basket of flowers at their feet. — Harry with brother Tas and sister Angela

From Harry’s archive

A life, in five scenes

Photographs from the book’s archive section, shown at the size the prints deserve.

01 / 05

Cyprus, London, Australia

Cyprus and London

A sepia studio card printed ‘A Merry Christmas’ at the foot, showing a young man in a suit standing behind a boy, a woman and a toddler on studio steps. — Harry with Aunty Alexandra and family

A new dark granite memorial with a stone cross and an inscribed plaque, standing among older white graves in a sunlit cemetery with cypress trees and hillside houses behind. — My mother’s final wish was for me to return to Cyprus and build a new resting place for my father, replacing the grave that had stood for fifty years.

From Cyprus, with a life ahead.

His father, Mihalis Charalambous, drove a bus at Agios Tychonas, near Limassol, and was well known around the village. On Easter Monday, 14 April 1958, he was killed. Harry was nine, and the childhood he had known ended with him. His father’s sister, Aunty Alexandra, took him to London, where he washed cars on weekends and sent the money home. Then his mother sold about an acre of land for £90 and the family boarded the Patris.

“Migration requires courage, but courage doesn’t buy tickets.”
From the book, p.22

02 / 05

Finding an audience

Australian television

A yellowed press clipping headed ‘Harry Michaels, host of Greek Affair on the 0-Ten Network’, with a portrait of a smiling young man in a jacket and tie.

A group of people standing close together outdoors in front of a building, smiling, arms around one another. — Number 96 Reunion

Thirteen weeks became seven years.

Cash Harmon Productions kept him back over a weekend, then gave him the part. As Giovanni he appeared in around 150 episodes of Number 96 in about a year and a half, and was nominated for Best New Talent. When the job ended the phone went quiet, so he took an idea to Ian Kennon at Channel 10 — a Greek program, made for the community that had backed him. Kennon gave him thirteen weeks.

“I understood opportunities. You don’t complain because somebody has only opened the door a little. You put your foot through it.”
From the book, p.64

03 / 05

The beautiful game

Australian football

A monochrome match photograph: a player in a black-and-white striped shirt turns away from a defender in a light kit, the ball on the grass beside them and a sparse crowd behind. — Alan Brazil playing for Wollongong

A monochrome match photograph: a player in a dark BHP Steel shirt takes the ball past a defender in white, with spectators behind the advertising boards. — Paul Mariner guest appearance for Wollongong

A smiling man in a dark suit leans in with his arm around Pelé, who is seated in a black suit, in front of a sponsors’ media backdrop at a football function. — Pelé

He brought the world to Wollongong.

He had been a schoolboy goalkeeper and captain in London, and he never stopped loving the game. In 1988 he put money and management behind Wollongong City and set about getting the country to notice: Alan Brazil came, then Paul Mariner, then Trevor Francis. Wollongong finished first in the National Soccer League that regular season. He was later president of Sydney Olympic, and wanted its players training like professionals, morning and afternoon.

“You don’t love it only when it loves you back.”
From the book, p.151

04 / 05

Australia to the world

Aerobics Oz Style

Five people in brightly patterned exercise gear pose on grass above a sunlit harbour, with houses and headlands on the far shore.

Seven people in neon exercise gear pose together in a gym, exercise bikes and weight equipment behind them.

Selling Australia to the world.

An outside-broadcast truck was sitting idle in a warehouse between football matches. Walking in Hawaii, he saw a crew filming a fitness program and thought it could work here. Australian stations weren’t interested, so he sent the pilot overseas; Singapore asked how many episodes he had, and he said about 200. Then he had to make them. Aerobics Oz Style ran for more than two decades and was picked up by Sky in the United Kingdom and by Fox in America.

“I had already sold programs I hadn’t made yet. That was Harry Michaels’ business planning!”
From the book, p.114

05 / 05

What stays with you

Family and honours

In a formal reception room with leaded windows and a tall floral arrangement, a man in a dark suit shakes hands with a woman while uniformed officers and guests look on. — Dame Marie Bashir, 37th Governor of NSW awarding Harry his OAM

A monochrome photograph of a young couple behind a tall tiered wedding cake; she wears a dark gown with lace cuffs, he wears a dinner jacket and bow tie. — Harry and Effie on their wedding day

A studio portrait in colour: a woman with long blonde hair in a white lace dress holds a toddler in white on her lap, with a young girl in a pale pink dress beside them. — Effie, Michael and Natalie

A family of four outdoors on a lawn under a tree: a man in sunglasses and a white polo shirt and a woman in a khaki shirt, each holding one of two young girls. — Valentina, Mike, Iliana and Natalie Hercus

When the cameras are switched off.

The chapter Harry calls his greatest challenge is not about television or football. It is about Effie, their daughter Natalie and their son Michael, who has needed the family’s care since he was a baby. When it comes to their family, Harry writes, Effie is the stronger one — by far. At Government House, with Effie and Natalie beside him, he received his OAM; afterwards, in the garden, he found Rale Rasic and they raised a glass to Australian football.

“If there is a hero in this book, perhaps it isn’t me at all. Perhaps it is her.”
From the book, p.155

Inside the book

The big moments. And everything between them.

Seventeen chapters, a foreword, an epilogue and twelve endorsements, across 164 pages.

02
From Cyprus to London to Australia

p.18

An aunt in London, a sold acre of land, and twenty-eight days on the Patris.
04
When Harry Met Effie

p.41

A Greek wedding in Darlinghurst, a girl eating an apple, and a dog that ran away.
05
Number 96

p.49

Around 150 episodes, a Best New Talent nomination, and a bikie’s spaghetti that missed by inches.
09
Aerobics Oz Style — Selling Australia to the World

p.112

An idle outside-broadcast truck, a crew filming in Hawaii, and a program that circled the world.
15
The Show I Couldn’t Crack

p.141

The prime-time dream that never arrived, and the quarter of a million it cost.
17
The Greatest Challenge of My Life

p.153

Effie, Natalie and Michael — and the two words that sometimes bring a kiss.

Foreword 7
01 The Day My Life Changed 9
02 From Cyprus to London to Australia 18
03 Finding My Own Way 29
04 When Harry Met Effie 41
05 Number 96 49
06 The Greek Affair — Thirteen Weeks That Became Seven Years of My Life 63
07 My Life in Australian Football 75
08 SBS, C7 and the Voices of Football 88
09 Aerobics Oz Style — Selling Australia to the World 112
10 Richo and Richer — Power, Loyalty and a Larger-Than-Life Personality 117
11 Sky News — Making Television Come Alive 124
12 The OAM — An Honour I Never Expected 129
13 Building the Business — From Harry Michaels Productions to Silk Studios 133
14 No Studio? Build Your Own 136
15 The Show I Couldn’t Crack 141
16 The Beautiful Game — and the Scars It Left 145
17 The Greatest Challenge of My Life 153
Epilogue 158
Endorsements 160
Thank You 164

Praise for Never Standing Still

Twelve people, in their own words.

“There is only one Harry Michaels OAM. … Harry did not simply participate in the story of modern Australia. He helped write it.”

Paul Nicolaou

Executive Director Business Sydney

From the book, p.161

“This is a beautiful memoir for you to share with your family, friends, and many admirers. … You are an inspiration to anyone who strives to achieve, who does not ask why but why not?”

The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO

Chairman, Board Member and Former Australian Ambassador to the United States (2020-2023)

From the book, p.160

“You have always lived with an infectious zest for life, a wonderful sense of fun and mischief, and a rare gift for making everyone around you feel genuinely welcome.”

Spiro Pappas

Chairman, Board Member and Investor

From the book, p.160

Spiro Pappas

Chairman, Board Member and Investor

p.160

It has been a privilege to know you and watch your extraordinary journey unfold. You have always lived with an infectious zest for life, a wonderful sense of fun and mischief, and a rare gift for making everyone around you feel genuinely welcome. Your warmth, generosity and unwavering loyalty have touched so many lives, while your restless migrant spirit, tireless work ethic, and creative, media-savvy mind have helped shape the remarkable story these pages tell. This book is a celebration of a life lived boldly and I couldn’t be happier to see your story shared with the world.
Wendi Carroll

Aerobics OzStyle Host

p.160

Harry as a director is energetic, demanding and has an eye for the winning shot. This book will show another side of a complicated man who adores his family above all. Thanks for the crazy ride Harry!
The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO

Chairman, Board Member and Former Australian Ambassador to the United States (2020-2023)

p.160

This is a beautiful memoir for you to share with your family, friends, and many admirers. It encapsulates your remarkable story of success and achievement in your adopted homeland. But more important, it is the very human story of someone who has suffered tragedy and loss and come through stronger than ever. You are an inspiration to anyone who strives to achieve, who does not ask why but why not? Yours is a great Australian journey, thank you for allowing so many of us to share part of it with you.
Amanda Richardson

p.160

The word giant and legend are all too often thrown around for people who don’t come close to living up to their meaning. Harry Michaels is not one of those people. He is a man who the phrases were coined after. A “giant” in the television industry and “legend” who was ahead of his time when it came to producing, directing and knowing what people wanted to watch on the television before they did. Without Harry Michaels the Australian television landscape would not be what it is today. … Harry is also a devoted husband to his beautiful wife and father to his children.
Paul Nicolaou

Executive Director Business Sydney

p.161

There is only one Harry Michaels OAM. A pioneer, visionary, entrepreneur, actor, producer and director, Harry has made an extraordinary and enduring contribution to Australian television, the arts and multiculturalism. At a time when Australia was still finding its voice as a diverse and multicultural nation, Harry understood something profoundly important: every community has a story worth telling, every culture deserves to be seen and heard, and our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. Harry did not simply participate in the story of modern Australia. He helped write it. And his legacy will live on, not only on our screens and in our cultural history, but in the generations of Australians whose lives, voices and opportunities are richer because Harry believed they mattered.
Peta Credlin AO

p.161

There is no doubt that in Harry Michaels, you will recognise a story common to so many Australians with a family that crossed a sea to start again. What makes this story special is not just the level of success that he achieved in his new homeland but his extraordinary resilience when faced with challenges, particularly those close to home. We often talk about drive and resilience in men but, not as often as we should, do we recognise and celebrate love. And in Harry's case, love of country, love of life and the love of his family come shining through in this memoir. What a wonderful thing it is to have lived a big life, as Harry Michaels has done, but how much better it is, to have lived a good life too. And on that score Harry, you can be justifiably proud.
Angelos Frangopoulos AM

p.162

There is only one Harry Michaels. Actor, producer, director and entrepreneur, Harry has made an indelible contribution to Australian television. His pioneering work in multicultural broadcasting gave communities a stronger voice, brought their stories and culture into the national conversation, and demonstrated the immense creative and commercial value of diversity on screen. His legacy—defined by vision, courage and achievement—will endure as an important part of Australian broadcasting.
Margaret Cunneen SC

p.162

Harry Michaels OAM takes us on a journey of determination, resilience and achievement in his compelling memoir, Never Standing Still. From finding early fame as a star in the groundbreakingly risque TV hit, Number 96, to promoting soccer in Australia, this proud Cypriot-Australian, also a highly successful TV producer, traces his mighty achievements back to learning to survive the tragic murder of his father when he was only 9. Every hardship since that day was to be overcome with greater focus and vigour. Never Standing Still is an inspiration to all of us to turn every obstacle, into an exciting opportunity.
Tony Bonner AM

Actor, Director and Producer

p.162

This is one Autobiography that already has my attention. The life and time of Harry Michaels, I’m sure, will deliver a most interesting journey of discovery for us all. From his beginning as a shy, self-conscious boy to the creative television powerhouse that he has become will indeed be, at times a bumpy and combative field he has played upon. I look forward to this exposition of a complicated and generous man.
June Jones

Aerobics Oz Style Host

p.162

Knowing Harry over the years, I have come to know someone with enormous determination, a generous heart and an incredible enthusiasm for life. He has faced challenges, celebrated great successes and, true to the title of this book, never stopped moving forward. Never Standing Still is a wonderful reflection of Harry and the remarkable life he has lived.
Helen Tardent

Aerobics OzStyle Host

p.163

Working alongside Harry during the peak of Aerobics Oz Style was an unforgettable experience. Harry is a true visionary who saw the future of fitness television before anyone else did, combining high-quality production with extraordinary backdrops of iconic Sydney landmarks & beaches. His drive, passion, and relentless work ethic set a benchmark in Australian media. Never Standing Still is the perfect title for a man who always pushed boundaries and kept moving forward. Bringing Pilates to television through Aerobics Oz Style was a career highlight for me, and it was Harry’s trust and production mastery that made it possible. He had an innate ability to recognise passion, elevate talent, and connect with audiences on a global scale. Harry didn't just produce a show—he created an iconic movement that transformed how everyday people engaged with fitness. He brought aerobics & Pilates into millions of homes & people’s lives. It was an honour to be part of his incredible journey.
Taryn Polovin

Aerobics OzStyle Host

p.163

My years working as an instructor, host, and eventually Creative Director of Aerobics Oz Style were among the most rewarding, exciting, and intense of my life. Under Harry’s mentorship, I became the youngest ever host of the show, an opportunity for which I will always be deeply grateful. The experiences I had and the lessons I learned during that time have stayed with me throughout my career. Harry may come across as tough, and he certainly is, but beneath that determination is an absolute heart of gold. He cares deeply about the people in his life and was always committed to bringing out the best in those around him. Harry was constantly challenging us to innovate, improve, and achieve more than we thought possible. He certainly kept us on our toes, but that relentless drive was also what made him such a visionary. Through his determination and creativity, Harry revolutionised the fitness industry and brought accessible and engaging workouts to audiences around the world. I will always be grateful for everything I learned from Harry, and I will forever cherish the memories and experiences of my Aerobics Oz Style years.

About Harry

About Harry Michaels

A 1980s colour photograph indoors: a man with dark curly hair beside a woman with blonde hair who is holding a small girl in a white dress. — Natalie, Effie and Harry

From the epilogue

“Sometimes standing still isn’t about giving up. Sometimes it is the most important thing you can do. Sometimes you have to stop long enough to see what you already have.”

p.159

Harry Michaels OAM was born in Cyprus in 1949 and was nine when his father, Mihalis Charalambous, a bus driver, was killed on Easter Monday 1958. The family sailed to Australia on the Patris. He worked in customs, trained three years as an actor, and won the role of Giovanni in Number 96. He created The Greek Variety Show, later The Greek Affair, for Channel 10; helped run Wollongong City and became president of Sydney Olympic; and produced Aerobics Oz Style, which sold around the world. NEP Australia acquired his company, Silk Studios, in 2014. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the Greek community, particularly in the field of multicultural media, and to soccer. He and Effie had been married 54 years when he finished writing.

OAM citation, p.129, verbatim

For service to the Greek community, particularly in the field of multicultural media, and to soccer.

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A life’s worth of stories. A copy to keep.