Melissa Doyle is taking on a brand new chapter – and she’s not afraid to admit it’s a lot to process.
The former Sunrise host has been named the new chair of the National Australia Day Council by the government, stepping into the role after musician John Foreman’s departure.
“I am honoured. I’m humbled. I’m daunted. I’m excited. I’m every single emotion,” Mel said at a press conference alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday.
Melissa Doyle’s new role
The role is a natural next step for Mel, a Member of the Order of Australia, who spent decades as one of the country’s most trusted faces on TV, including a 15-year run co-hosting Sunrise with David Koch.
In recent years, Mel has shifted her focus towards charity work, serving as national patron and ambassador for Make A Wish Australia, as well as ambassador for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and World Vision.
“But above all, as a journalist, as a storyteller, I have spent my entire career telling the stories of people who inspire us, heroes,” she said. “We all need to hear about extraordinary people doing extraordinary things in our community, advocating for us all in so many fields, be it science, be it sport, be it art, be it community leaders.”
What does the National Australia Day Council do?
The National Australia Day Council oversees roughly 800 events held across the country on January 26 each year, and is responsible for delivering the Australian of the Year Awards. Mel will serve a three-year term, wrapping up in September 2029.
Anthony Albanese was full of praise for Mel, saying her storytelling instincts made her the right person for the job.
“For decades, Australians have trusted Mel to tell Australia’s stories,” he said. “Now, she will take that to the next level in the national interest.”
He added that Australia Day remains an important moment for the country to come together and celebrate its Australian, Senior Australian, Young Australian and Volunteer of the Year recipients.
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