Former Sunrise host Melissa Doyle appointed new chair of Australia Day Council board

Channel 7 star Melissa Doyle will become the chair of the Australia Day Council board.

The celebrated television identity and current co-host of House of Wellness said it was an honour and humbling opportunity to continue telling stories of people who inspire.

“I am honoured, I am humbled, I am daunted, I am excited,” Doyle, the longtime Sunrise host said on Sunday morning.

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

“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.

“I think we all need to hear those stories, and so to be able to play a role with the National Australia Day Council to work with the board, to work with the executive, to continue to champion these extraordinary Australians and celebrate them and inspire all of us... I’m really thrilled.”

The council is responsible for promoting the national day to to inspire national pride and increase participation and engagement, through awards and ambassadors programs.

Doyle was known as the Queen of Australian brekkie tv during her time on Sunrise, where she and David Koch built a powerful partnership and the show into Australia’s leading breakfast television program — where it remains today.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed her new role — a three-year term replacing John Foreman — on Sunday morning.

“I‘m very confident as well that Melissa Doyle will do a fantastic job,” Mr Albanese said.

“For several decades Melissa Doyle has beamed into living rooms of right around the country through a distinguished career as a television presenter and author, and a journalist.

“She is a champion for Australian children, for Australian sport, and, importantly, for Australian charities as well.”

Doyle was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia as part of the 2016 Australia Day Honours.

She also serves as ambassador for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Alannah and Madeleine Foundation, the Children’s Hospital of Westmead, and World Vision, while being a director of the GWS Giants football club.