Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here

Melissa Downes

Presenter

Melissa Downes is a popular media identity who's graced Queensland's television screens for the past 24 years, and is currently Nine News Queensland's weeknight presenter, alongside Andrew Lofthouse.

Prior to her appointment to the weeknight news desk in November 2008, Downes fronted the Nine News weekend bulletin for two years.

During her time as weeknight presenter, the well-respected journalist has covered natural disasters like Cyclone Debbie and its aftermath in 2017 and the Brisbane floods in 2011, hosting hours of rolling coverage. Downes also covered the Royal Wedding in London in 2011.

As well as her work in television, Downes has a strong commitment to charity. She regularly hosts fundraising events and in 2016 trekked 250km across the Simpson Desert to raise funds for Youngcare.

Born and raised in Brisbane, Downes graduated from Somerville House in 1988 and competed an Arts Journalism degree at the University of Queensland soon after.

Downes is married to DJ Wendt, owner of music group The Ten Tenors. The couple have two daughters.

By Melissa Downes

Queensland's top doctor issues stern warning ahead of long weekend

Queensland Chief Health Officer, Jeannette Young, says she will be watching nervously this long weekend as COVID-19 restrictions are eased across the state.

8:47pm Apr 30, 2020

The grey nomads helping drought-stricken farmers at breaking point

These farmers would ordinarily never ask for help, but after years of crippling drought they've found friends in city-slicker volunteers keen for an adventure.

7:00pm Oct 17, 2019

'We need to speak up': Mum bashed by partner survives against the odds

After she was struck in the face 50 times by her partner, a neighbour held Simone O'Brien's face together as she drifted into a coma in front of her children.

8:12pm Sep 12, 2018

VIDEO: One of Queensland's top cops chats to 9NEWS with nothing off-limits

9NEWS speaks to Jim Keogh on fighting crime, protecting seniors and soft sentencing.

10:10pm Feb 3, 2017

VIDEO: Queensland researchers prove less silver is best for burns

The silver dressing helped kids at Lady Cilento Hospital heal burns faster with less pain.

9:23pm Oct 29, 2016

VIDEO: The language classes that will most benefit Queensland students

Eleven different languages are being taught in southeast Queensland state schools, but 9NEWS can reveal some may be more beneficial in the long term for our students.

7:49pm Mar 9, 2016