Melissa Doyle has been appointed as the new chair of the Australia Day Council, replacing musician John Foreman in the role that oversees nationwide celebrations and the Australian of the Year Awards.
“For decades, Australians have trusted Mel to tell Australia’s stories, and now she will take that to the next level in the national interest,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said as he announced the appointment.
Doyle, spent more than a decade as a television host on Sunrise and has also been involved in fundraising, writing and serving the community.
“I can’t wait to share more stories with everybody of who the people are that make us feel incredibly proud,” she said.
“I’m humbled, I’m daunted, I’m excited, every single emotion.”
Doyle also shared the update on social media, writing: “What a day! I’m truly honoured to take on the role of chair of the National Australia Day Council.
“As a journalist & storyteller I’ve always been drawn to the incredible and inspiring stories of Australians from all walks of life,” she continued.
“The @australiaday Board is dedicated to recognising and celebrating them through the Australian of the Year Awards and Australia Day celebrations.”
“I can’t wait to work with the hundreds of local councils and committees and First Nations communities to make sure Australia Day is inclusive and respectful of the full story of this country, beginning 65,000 years ago.”
The Prime Minister confirmed that the date for Australia day will not change, but Doyle said she would happily have conversations with the local councils who refuse to hold citizenship ceremonies on January 26.
“I think that those individual ones are up to them,” she said.
Then number of funded Australia Day events has grown, with 24 across the country according to the government.
Doyle will be the new chair of the Australia Day Council for the next three years.
Image: Instagram
