AEIOU News

Melissa Downes of National Nine News raises the AEIOU cause

Fri, 19 May 06

Melissa Downes joined Channel Nine Queensland in December 2001.

As well as reporting for National Nine News, Downes currently co-hosts the local lifestyle show Saturday Afternoon.

During her time at Channel Nine, Downes has reported and filled in as host for the top-rating local afternoon program Extra and has presented South-East Queensland's most watched news bulletin, National Nine News.

Prior to joining Nine, Downes was a reporter and back-up presenter for Seven News and also contributed stories to the Great South East program.

She began working in television in 1994 in Brisbane before moving to the Gold Coast four years later to present Seven"s Gold Coast News, a role she had for two years. 

Downes has also hosted numerous events from small charity events and functions to the internationally televised Concourse D’Elegance and the RAQ Australian Design Awards, an event she hosted for four consecutive years.

Born and raised in Brisbane, Downes graduated from Somerville House in 1988. Moving to Sydney, Downes modelled full-time for two years before returning to Brisbane to complete an Arts Journalism degree from the University of Queensland.

Downes is married to DJ Wendt, who manages the extremely successful music group, The Ten Tenors. When she’s not at work Downes enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends either entertaining, going to the movies or attending live music performances.