TV’S Mel Doyle moved to tears
AUSTRALIAN FAVOURITE MELISSA DOYLE REVEALS THE STORIES THAT HAVE LEFT A LASTING EFFECT
Tender-hearted Melissa Doyle is sometimes moved to tears by the stories she covers for top-rating public affairs program Sunday Night. Occasionally, try as she might, when the emotion gets too much she simply has to take a moment to step away and clear her head.
Talking recently to devastated mother Tonya Dwyer – whose teen daughter Brittney callously killed her own granddad for his $100,000 life savings hidden in the garden shed – was a case in point.
Another was her close encounter with courageous Brenda Lin, sole survivor of her uncle’s vicious murder of her entire family – her mother, father, two brothers and an aunt – at their Sydney home.
‘It’s almost like I need to stop and take a moment after completing some stories, and those were definitely two of them,’ admits Melissa, whose award-winning career has covered everything from royal weddings to federal and state elections, several Olympic Games, the Beaconsfield mine disaster, terror attacks, bushfires, floods and Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
‘I’m very lucky, hey?’ reflects the hard-working mother to son Nick, 16 – who has just finished Year 10 and is learning to drive – and daughter Talia, 14, who is now heading for Year Nine.
The journalist believes hosting and reporting for Sunday Night is an incredible privilege.
‘I love what I’m doing and I get a lot of satisfaction from working on this program with the most amazing team,’ says the former Sunrise favourite, whose supportive husband John keeps the family on track while she is travelling on assignment.
‘Sometimes I just look back and think: “Wow!” I’m forever fascinated by the places I go and the people I meet. And if viewers think we’re handling stories with the dignity and respect they deserve, then we are doing our job.’
This year Sunday Night was Australia’s number one public affairs program, thanks to a number of exclusives presented by Mel herself.
Busier than ever, the 47-yearold presenter is delighted to continue doing what she does best, sharing powerful stories with the nation.
‘Yes, I’m getting older, but I can’t do much about that,’ she laughs. ‘You need to grow with age and embrace it. I can handle interviews I could not have done 15 years ago. We’re more valuable, I think, as we get older. It is what it is, isn’t it? What’s the alternative to ageing? ‘I’m in a really good place. I’m healthy, I’m happy, I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children. I’m watching them grow into lovely young adults and I’m still able to work in the profession that I love. I give thanks. I’m very lucky.’