Rachael Gunn, the Australian breakdancer who gained global notoriety as 'Raygun' after her performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has embarked on a new professional path as a 'speaker, host and conversation starter.' This career shift comes shortly after news emerged that she had accepted a voluntary redundancy from her taxpayer-funded position at Sydney's Macquarie University.
University Departure and Concerns
Gunn, who enrolled at Macquarie University at the age of 18 and later served as a lecturer in media and cultural studies, recently took voluntary redundancy as part of cost-cutting measures within the university's arts department. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours and a PhD in cultural studies. In her first public comments on the matter, Gunn expressed concern for her former colleagues and the state of higher education in Australia.
'We need to have a serious conversation about higher education in this country,' Gunn told the Sydney Morning Herald. 'I'm very worried for my colleagues. I don't think that things are getting better for them.'
New Website and Services
Gunn's official website went live on the same day news of her job loss broke. On the site, she describes herself as a 'speaker, host, conversation starter' available for events, brand collaborations, and interviews. 'Planning an event, workshop or collaboration? Rachael is available in-person or virtually, across Australia and internationally,' the site states.
She also highlights non-university work she has undertaken, including speaking at an education fundraiser, delivering a keynote at an International Women's Day event, participating in a backyard cricket fundraiser for Lifeline, and performing at a Tones And I concert.
Macquarie University Response
Macquarie University has not commented on Gunn's departure, but her staff profile has been removed from the institution's website. Gunn completed her PhD thesis on the gender politics of Sydney's breakdancing culture in 2017.
Her taxpayer-funded research into breakdancing drew criticism from some quarters. Queensland Senator Gerard Rennick quoted Gunn's university profile in a Facebook post, stating, 'In the same way breakdancing doesn't belong in the Olympics it's fair to say taxpayers shouldn't be subsidising Universities to study or teach it.' The post garnered thousands of comments criticising the allocation of public funds.
PhD students in Australia can receive up to $56,000 per year in tax-free government funding, including living stipends of up to $35,000 and additional top-up scholarships of approximately $21,000.
Alternative Income Streams
Earlier this year, Gunn began offering personalised video messages on the Cameo platform for $68.24 each. She joined Cameo on March 2, promising 'unforgettable' videos. 'You'll have the chance to customise your request for Raygun, like asking them to mention inside jokes, share words of wisdom, or work in their signature catchphrases,' her page reads.
Recent Rankings and Retirement
In September 2024, the World DanceSport Federation ranked Gunn as the world's number one breakdancer. However, in November 2024, she announced her retirement from competitive breakdancing following widespread criticism of her Olympic performance.
