Melissa is one of the best known and trusted voices and faces in Australian media with a portfolio career spanning more than 35 years. She is an award-winning journalist, news presenter, TV and radio host, author, emcee and speaker.
With a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Charles Sturt University, Melissa began her career on television in Canberra before joining the Seven Network in 1995.
Over the next 25 years, Melissa held a number of high profile positions, most notably 15 years as part of one of television's most charismatic and popular partnerships, co-hosting Australia's number one breakfast show Sunrise with David "Kochie" Koch.
Melissa's skills lay in hosting the Network's national live rolling coverage of major news events around the world from the election of Pope Francis to the inauguration of President Obama, the weddings of Prince William and Prince Harry, the Queen's Jubilee and multiple Olympic Games and Federal Elections.
Melissa and the news team were recognised with a Walkley Award, a Logie and three international Edward R. Murrow Awards for their coverage of the Lindt Cafe siege in 2014.
Melissa was then appointed host and senior correspondent for Seven's flagship public affairs program, Sunday Night.
She has interviewed some of the world's most famous faces from Robin Williams, Jane Fonda, Michael Phelps, Katy Perry and Tom Cruise to Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Jerry Lewis and Justin Bieber.
In the 2016 Australia Day Honours List Melissa was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her "significant service to the community through representational roles with a range of charitable groups, and to the broadcast media."
She is the National Patron for Make A Wish and an Ambassador for World Vision, The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Steps Pathways College.
Melissa is on the board of the GWS Giants (AFL).