Melissa Downes, a true Brisbane native, embarked on her journey into journalism after completing an Arts Journalism degree at the University of Queensland. For nearly three decades, she has been a beloved fixture on Queensland's television screens, captivating audiences as the presenter for 9News Queensland's prestigious nightly 6pm bulletin since 2008. Alongside 9News presenter Andrew Lofthouse, Melissa has become a household name in the Sunshine State.

As the weeknight presenter, Melissa's illustrious career spans a kaleidoscope of Queensland's stories, from State Elections to a multitude of natural disasters, including fires, droughts, cyclones, and the devastating floods that struck Brisbane in 2022 and 2011. She stood as a beacon of reliability during these trying times, providing hours of live coverage that kept viewers informed and connected. Her coverage has also extended to the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie in 2017 and even took her across the seas to report on the Royal Wedding in London in 2011.

In 2023, Melissa Downes achieved further acclaim when, alongside producer Jess Lodge and podcast editor Adam Buncher, she clinched the prestigious Award for Outstanding Podcast at the Kennedy Awards – Australia's pinnacle journalism accolades. Their creation, "Hannah's Story," nearing one million downloads, stands as a testament to their excellence in podcasting. This gripping account chronicles one of Australia's most heart-wrenching acts of domestic violence – the tragic day when Hannah Clarke and her three children were set on fire and killed in their car on a quiet Brisbane street by Hannah's estranged husband, Rowan Baxter.

Beyond the television spotlight, Melissa is deeply committed to charitable causes. She is a regular host of fundraising events and, in a display of incredible endurance, trekked a formidable 250km across the Simpson Desert in 2016 to raise crucial funds for Youngcare.

Melissa is married to D-J Wendt, owner of music group The Ten Tenors, and takes great pride in raising their two daughters.