Veteran journo Melissa Doyle to head National Australia Day Council

The Albanese government has picked veteran broadcast journalist Melissa Doyle to head the National Australia Day Council, taking over from outgoing chair, musician John Foreman.

A Member of the Order of Australia, Doyle spent decades reporting across the country, including a 15-year stint hosting Sunrise alongside David Koch.

She has focused more on charitable works in recent years and currently serves as national patron and ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Australia as well as ambassador for the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and World Vision.

“I am honoured. I’m humbled. I’m daunted. I’m excited. I’m every single emotion,” she told a press conference with Anthony Albanese.

“But above all, as a journalist, as a storyteller, I have spent my entire career telling the stories of people who inspire us, heroes.

“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.”

The National Australia Day Council helps put on some 800 events around the country on January 26 and delivers the Australian of the Year Awards.

“This is an important role for our nation,” the Prime Minister said, standing alongside Doyle.

“For decades, Australians have trusted Mel to tell Australia’s stories.

He said Australia Day “is an important day where we come together” to “celebrate the appointment of Australian citizens of the year, the chief prize of Australian of the Year, but also the Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year, and the Volunteer of the Year as well”.

Originally published as Veteran journo Melissa Doyle to head National Australia Day Council