One of the most popular media personalities, Melissa is an accomplished and awarded journalist with more than 30 years experience.

She built a loyal following as co-host of Seven’s Sunrise for 14 years and in 2013 Melissa re-joined the Seven Network’s news team and anchored the network’s live rolling coverage of historical moments including the release of Schapelle Corby in Bali, the centenary of ANZAC commemorations in Gallipoli and the Lindt Café Siege in Sydney.

Melissa and the Seven News team were recognised with a Walkley Award, a TV Logie Award and three international Edward R. Murrow Awards for their coverage of the siege.

In 2014 she won an ACRA for Best Newcomer (Metro) and in 2018 for Best Music Presenter (Metro). 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.

Melissa left the Seven Network in August 2020 after having hosted numerous news, a current affairs and entertainment shows including the 4pm, 6pm and 7pm News, Sunrise, Today Tonight, The Zoo, Where Are They Now, The Latest and Sunday Night.

In 2022 Melissa returned to Channel Seven as host of the new series of This Is Your Life. In 2025, Melissa co-hosted season two of Seven’s House of Wellness.

It was announced the same year that she would also host Oprah Winfrey’s highly anticipated Australian tour. Melissa has written three books, “The Working Mothers Survival Guide”, her bestselling memoir “Alphabet Soup” and her most recent book “15 Seconds of Brave”, released in November 2022.

She is National Patron for the Make A Wish Foundation and an Ambassador for The Alannah and Madeline Foundation, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, World Vision, Children’s Cancer Institute, Adopt Change, Legacy and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.