- by Mel Doyle

>> Kochie's blog | Beretts's blog |  Nat's blog | Simon's blog | Nelson's blog 

 

++ UPDATED October 25, 2009

Need an excuse for a spring clean? Want some new books or clothes but don't have the cash?

How about hosting a Swap party. Its a great way to clean out your cupboards and swap what you no longer want with something that you do . Sporting equipment, kitchen gadgets, baby stuff, clothes and CD's ... Just some of the goodies you could offer up in exchange for something new. Why not make a real event of it. I'm inviting some of my girlfriends over. I'll cook up a feast and we can shop til we drop. Just work out in advance how you'll negotiate if two friends covet the one pair of shoes!

Its a fun and affordable way to shop. Its also a great way to be green. What you swap stays out of landfill, books remain in circulation .. .the benefits are endless.

You'll find all the info you need here on our website or visit recyclingweek.planetark.org

Good luck, have fun and remember what they say .... ‘one man's trash is another man's treasure' ....

 

You can also find out more at

http://recyclingweek.planetark.org/

 

++ UPDATED September 23, 2009

Here is more info on the Starlettos that I mentioned and Nat tried out on the show. They are to help you 'AVOID SINKING INTO THE TURF'.

Starlettos are available from www.starlettos.com.au - RRP $24.99.

Available in a range of colours too.

++ UPDATED August 24, 2009

Thought I would share some good news from the Whittlesea Football Club:

Saturday was our final home & away game for the season. Next week, the finals start, We will be playing Epping at the Eltham Oval on Saturday 29th August in the 1st Semi Final.
 
Also on the weekend were the Junior Grand Finals. Our Under 14's & Under 15's both played. I have attached a terrific photo of the entire Under 14's team holding their 2009 premiership flag - thanks to Grant Wellwood.

 

++ UPDATED August 3, 2009 

In case you missed [yesterday] morning's show, I thought you'd like to see Kochie's first report from Mount Kilimanjaro. As you know, he's spending the week climbing it to help raise $1-million for Australia's children's hospitals.

View Kochie's Report with video updates 

You can see the next instalment on tomorrow's show. Between us, he's taking this really seriously and spent months in training, so he'll be heartbroken if he doesn't make it. Time will tell.

While Kochie's away this week, one of our team's original members is back with us! Grant Denyer told me he was a bit nervous before this morning's show. Of course, he has no reason to be. It's just like getting back on a bike - or in his case, behind the wheel! It's great to see him driving again.

We've been getting plenty of feedback about our new extended news bulletins. There's so much happening in the world these days (especially overnight), and we think the show should adapt to reflect that. So you now have 10-minutes of guaranteed news, sport and weather at 6am, 7am and 8am. We've also just introduced local weather - meaning you always have the most up-to-date forecast for where you live.

We've got a few more changes on the way too. Nothing's ever boring around here!

Have a great day - and we'll see you tomorrow.

Cheers,

Mel x 

 ++ UPDATED 3.42pm April 27

Well done to the Whittlesea Eagles. Finally, a footy team I tipped won!

It was a wonderful day. A big thank you to the club for making me feel so welcome. I am honoured to be one of your fans and wear my number one jumper with pride. My son Nick is running around in his and hasn't taken it off in two days.

The pies were great (see below), and Helen’s hot chips hit the spot when those cold winds picked up. You can't beat a Saturday afternoon at the footy, and a country game is the best.

I know emotions are all still pretty raw, but it was heartening to see green grass coming through and little green shoots on all those blackened trees. What an incredible community and what amazing locals. I promise we will stay in touch regularly.

 

See more pics of me (not eating) from me with the football team at Whittlesea.

++ UPDATED 6.54 April 22 2009

To all our Guardian Angel Knitters,
For three years I have been so privileged to be the ambassador for World Vision’s Guardian Angels campaign. It has shown me just how kind and generous people can be and just how vital that is to keep the world turning.

I was luck enough to travel to Mongolia and Armenia to deliver some of the jumpers and blankets that you so kindly knitted for children living in cold and poverty.  I saw first hand just how much these warm items were needed and appreciated. I met children I couldn’t talk to because of the language barrier but I didn’t need to understand their words to recognise how grateful they were. Imagine walking into a room carrying a giant box overflowing with a kaleidoscope of colourful knitted pieces and opening it up like a treasure chest to an awaiting audience. Then watching as a group of delighted tiny orphans clutch these beautiful hand knitted jumpers to their cold little bodies. The joy on their faces when they were told the jumpers were for them to keep still chokes me up.

I met mothers about to leave hospital with their newborn babies and take them back to their homes to face another bitterly cold winter where temperatures can reach minus 50 degrees. They live in such poverty that many are forced to choose between buying firewood or food. These mums clutched the gorgeous hand knitted rugs you made, so grateful that they could keep their precious little bundles a bit warmer. 
Each item  I took over was more than just wool. It was a garment made with love and care woven into it. What a wonderful gift to someone less fortunate.
I felt so honoured I could do that on behalf of you, our wonderful knitters and I felt privileged I could come home and tell you how much your knitting was needed and appreciated.

Thank you also for the letters some of you wrote to me, telling me how much you enjoyed knitting and how much it meant to you. I have kept many of them and will treasure them forever, along with my wonderful memories of the Guardian Angels campaign.

Much love Mel x
World Vision's Guardian Angels announcement

 

++ UPDATED 7.40am April 6

Here is the full tape of my interview with Zac Efron. I hope you enjoy it!

 

 ------------------------------ 

++ UPDATED 11.20am March 12

What a week! I had to interview so many lovely men.

It all started on Tuesday with Chris Isaak singing for me, sorry us, up close and personal.

We've had him on the show before - and I still swoon.

What a voice and what a gentleman. 

My favourite song? Baby did a bad, bad thing.

On Wednesday, Craig McLachlan joined us and sang me a personally penned ditty. I was blushing fiercely. I never knew.....

Thursday morning I interviewed the lovely Zac Efron. My nieces were incredibly jealous. He's a charming, talented young man. 

(Even though I am old enough to be his mother!)

Wow - can't wait 'til next week...

Mel.

 --------------

++ UPDATED 4.56pm Feb 15

Hi everyone,

Well who can say they haven't been affected by the unprecedented tragedy in Victoria this week?

It's really hard to comprehend that so many lives can be wiped out, on a Saturday afternoon.

It's obvious this event has deeply affected Australians, and that's why we've spent the week in the bushfire zone.

So many of you have told us on the Soapbox that your thoughts and prayers are with those who've lost a loved one, or a home.

I have to agree with what Simon said on Thursday morning - when media crews converge on a big disaster story like this, we feel like we're intruding, and it can be overwhelming..

However I know we've tried to be sensitive to the grief and shock, felt by so many locals.

A lot of people have shared heartfelt stories with us this week, but the strongest memories for me include Sam's desperate search for his missing wife and children.. the tour of Stephen's property, where his father died.. and the people who made sure kids could be kids again, by organising some fun activities for them.

I'd like to thank everyone for helping us to bring these stories to a wider audience.

And I'd also like to pay tribute to the generosity of Sunrise viewers.

Apart from the astounding response to the appeal, so many emails have offered clothes, cars, toys - even computers and iPods.

As the aid agencies have told us, it's not always possible to take up those offers, at this early stage in the recovery.

But I think it speaks volumes about Australians.

Mel x

 

++ UPDATED 9.05am Feb 3

Thanks to everyone who sent in well wishes for Talia's first day at school.

I am happy to report it was a big success!

Neither of us cried, although dashing off to lunch with the other mums certainly helped me keep it together.

She went off to her new class happily and with the help of her big brother who came and checked on her throughout the day, she was fine.

She made a couple of new friends but as only a five year old can, she has no idea what their names are!

"I made a new friend today mum!" "That's great! What's their name?" "I don't know. Ummmm... I think it starts with a J."

Talia has a lovely teacher and, when prompted, she says she likes her because "she doesn't get cranky".

So we're all on track for week two - the good start certainly makes me feel a lot more comfortable.

-----------------

As for me, it's similar to kids returning to school and seeing all their friends. I feel the same way back on the set at Sunrise.

Nat and Beretts are back with us now and with Fifi being the fun, new girl too.
It's so nice to have all the family back together.

 

Email Story Print IM This

 

++ UPDATED 6.19pm November 2008

This was my first ever Derby Day and everyone told me it's lots of fun.

Beretts was particularly concerned at maintaining the fashion standards among the hosts.

I dressed in black and white (yes, I do get to choose what I wear. And I actually threatened to wear gumboots if it was raining. Beretts said he would refuse to be near us in any shape or from if we did!).

I had really sore feet but my tip for the ladies, wearing high heels, is don't wear new shoes.

Wear ‘old faithfulls'.

And never take them off.

Secretly, I had some ballet flats hidden in my bag if things got really bad.

Still, I suffered for my fashion

Because at the races, you're on your feet all day ...

Why do we do it? They look good. We know this is stupid.

I lost all my cash betting on losing horses.

As for the horses in the Melbourne Cup, Mad Rush is my tip.

(AFTERNOTE: Mel is at pains to say she has never won - so don't follow her tips on this one!)

Cup Day? I'm a horse girl. I love them.

One of the things we love the most is when we're out at the track at five a.m. It's like being privy to this amazing behind-the-scenes action; we get to see the trainers, horses, jockeys doing early morning trackwork... it's very cold and dark, with steam coming from the horses' noses, and it's gorgeous.

It's so quiet you can hear the horses thundering around the track.

It's absolutely my favourite part of the event.

When they're racing, I don't mind screaming with the crowds.

That's if I have got money on them and my horse is in the lead, I will scream. 

Watch out tomorrow, I'll be wearing a fascinator by Donny Gallela. The Morning Show's Michael Pell says fascinators are out. So, I am either ahead or behind, I cant work it out.

Mel.

 

 --------------

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 4.40pm October 5

While I appreciate it's the role of art to push the boundaries and challenge our views and perceptions on issues, I think the Bill Henson debate has been a very interesting one. The majority has stood up and said no, this is going too far.

I can see the beauty in the way Bill Hensen uses light and captures the vulnerability of his models ... but I don’t want to see a child’s naked body, I can’t understand anyone who does and I can in no way comprehend how a parent would let their child be photographed like that, particularly for public display.

And I would be horrified to find out someone had been wandering around my child’s school, sizing up the kids as possible nude models. The school yard is out of bounds.

Ask any child if they want to be a model and most would probably say yes. In an age where fame is currency and most kids want to be famous singers, actors or reality TV stars, the vast majority would probably be dazzled and easily swayed by the promise of stardom and recognition. So it's up to us to say no and let them be young. With all the complaints society is sexualising children in everything from fashion to music and that they are growing up way too fast, calling it art doesn’t make it any different.   

Many artists always come along and challenge our thinking on issues, and may we all have the freedom to debate those boundaries and determine where they lie.            

 

++ UPDATED 11.33am September 4

This Fuelwatch thing... I don't know if this is going to make a huge difference to how you buy your petrol. Especially if you already have a routine. I mean, is it worth driving around to save a cent per litre? But anything that helps increase competition is a good thing.

 

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 10.41pm September 22

We have buskers on every day now on Sunrise and it blows me away - It's been wonderful seeing so many kids give it a go!

Whatever their talent - be it riding a unicycle or singing, I just applaud them for standing up in front of an audience and trying!

Oddly enough, given the job I now do, I never had even half of the confidence some of these kids have.

I couldn't play an instrument, never even joined the debating team and always hung in the back row of the chorus at any school production so I could sing softly enough to be drowned out! 

My four year old daughter, on the other hand, has just mastered all the words to the national anthem and now that's all we hear. She walks around the house singing it to her heart's content.

At least it's a break from The Little Mermaid!

---------------------

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 5.53pm September 7

Father’s Day has always been big in my family – very important. We always get together.

We had a great day today, a lovely lunch.

We got a range of great seafood from the fish markets and brought it home – where my mother-in-law came from Canberra, my father and was there, plus John and I.

Talia really enjoys it, she gave John a paper tie that he had to wear to work! She painted it, attached elastic and made him wear it.

She often tries to get me to wear it during each year too.

You have to do these things – they are just so cute.

Mel.

 

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 12:25pm August 11

I'd describe my experience in Beijing as incredible, fascinating and very, very hot.

The locals could not have been friendlier; they were all trying so hard to speak English and welcome us. Even the ladies at our hotel went out of their way to make us coffee and make sure we were comfortable.

The opening ceremony was spectacular. I felt so privileged to attend. One of the loveliest moments was when it was all over and we hopped on the bus to head home and a fellow guest who lived in Beijing said how proud she was that night of what her country had shown the world. I felt so happy for her. The Chinese were really feeling the pressure and were so keen to show the world what they could do. I wish them and every athlete competing all the very best.

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 3.23pm July 24

Firstly, thanks to everyone has got knitting with our Guardian Angels campaign. We have been inundated and the response has been massive!

There are still stacks coming in - remember to take them into a Guardian Pharmacy if you can. The box I am opening now is from Anna Jane in Wee Wah. Her two sons have knitted a rug and it's beautiful. Thanks guys.

People are even rocking up to the plaza with knits they've made.

The trip to Armenia is something I will treasure forever. And I am so blown away that people have embraced it. I don't know if it is a resurgence in knitting or it's just that a lot of those good old-fashioned skills, which personally I love. Maybe it's just that they have always done them, old fashioned daggy no more

Cooking is another thing I love that’s coming back. We're going back to some hearty meals. Like that risotto we did the other day with Barbara - that was so good!

I am also a fan of old-fashioned parties. You know, the type with three legged races!

Just opening another box of great knitted garments now from Mildura. It's a huge box from Dorothy . Thanks Dorothy and to all who helped you!

Sewing is really my mum's department, I'm hopeless. I wish I could sew. Get more info from World Vision here.

Mel

--------------

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 1 July 3.28pm

I have just had the Sunrise web team upload a bunch shots from my recent trip to Armenia. (VIEW GALLERY)

I hope you like the photos and they give you some encouragement to keep knitting - or take it up!

Sorry I haven’t got more to write. Speak soon!

Mel. 

 

Email Story Print IM This

---

++ UPDATED 25 June 11.40pm

We met some wonderful people in Armenia ... (read why I went there)

Obviously language was a barrier but it's amazing how much you can communicate with a few gestures and smiles.

One of the loveliest was a lady called Tamara. (Watch video)

The 73 year old was selling strings of walnuts covered in a sticky grape juice. She was working to support her disabled son.

She had the most fantastic wizened face that flashed between sadness and a smile as she talked about her son. I bought strings of walnuts and bags of fresh berries and left with with a warm embrace.

Another kind lady we met was Tukhik.

She came out to watch us filming and immediately invited us into her home. She brought out the best china tea cups and wiped them with a tea towel the way my Nanna used to when guests arrived.

Her home was neat and tidy, the dirt floors swept. She cooked us some Armenian coffee - this very dark thick brew that kept me awake for hours!

She insisted we then stay for lunch and went about her garden picking fresh herbs, sweet white cherries and what looked like white mulberries.

She unwrapped large chunks of home made cheese and from a cupboard under the house she brought out sheets of dried lavash bread and replenished them with water.

It was one of the best lunches I have ever enjoyed. Her farm is idyllic and lush and her kindness so genuine.

We sat it in the sun sipping coffee and just smiling at each other.  

Mel

 -----------------

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 22 JUNE 6.21pm 

Mel on parents being banned taking photos of children at sporting events

It’s a terrible shame this decision of police to act after a father took photos of his kids playing sport.

I take photos of my kids sport every weekend. 

They will want to see the shots when they grow up – they are memories – and God forbid if I miss Nicks' goals! He'd be shattered! 

Obviously, there are people who take photos for the wrong reasons. 

There are perverts and illegal pedophiles out there, and that’s a real problem.

On this issue, I would rather if all parents kept an eye out and monitor onlookers themselves.

We all know who the other parents are who come to our games. It's up to us.

Mel

 ----------------

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 12 June 2.34pm

Sunrise host Mel updates us on her adventure to Armenia, and has advice on what wool knitters should choose  (read more on that here)

To my lovely knitting friends, thank you! Your response already is amazing.

feel so privileged to be associated with World Vision, and on your behalf help so many children in need.

The response Sunrise had to the Guardian Angel campaign back in 2006 was incredible. Both from you - our viewers who took the time to knit and from the children in Mongolia to whom we gave the woolies.

Families are struggling all over the world and in Mongolia even more so. Can you imagine living in a country that drops to -52 degrees in winter and you are forced to choose between food and firewood?

This year we are helping the children in the Caucasus region - Romania, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

So on behalf World Vision, but in particular the children, thank you for knitting.

“…the children won't mind if you find something a little less expensive…”

I know wool is not cheap and although the preference is for 100% wool because it is warmer, the children wont mind if you find something a little less expensive with as high a percentage wool count as you can manage. We are all tightening our belts with the rise in groceries, petrol and interest rates ... but Aussies are just so generous and you, our Sunrise viewers continue to inspire us!

I am heading off to Armenia next week to meet some of the children, visit some of the institutions where they live and take some of the knitting I have already received. The rest will be shipped over in a few months when the campaign ends in August.

When I come back I will tell you all about Armenia ...(such as where it is - I had to look up on the map myself!) and what World Vision is doing there to help.

Thanks again - its all so appreciated. These children will be so grateful to be warm and know someone from the other side of the world cares enough to knit them a jumper.

Warm Wishes, Mel

 

----------------------- 

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 2 June 10.17am

- Sunrise host Mel Doyle on what she really thinks of Kochie

My first week on Sunrise was back in 1997, when it was an hour's news service. I was hosting with Peter Ford and Kochie did the finance.

We had lots of fun and immediately developed a great rapport.

When Peter left Kochie filled in for him. He was a natural and we hit it off. We continued for another two and half years. Till they boned us, axed us - whatever you want to call it!

I used to do News on 11am and that ended too. So they put me into ‘special projects'! Sunrise then returned with a few other hosts; Johnanna Griggs and Andrew Daddo did the Olympics.
I had Nicholas in 2001 and at the start of 2002 was asked to come back and co-host with Chris Reason.
Chris and I worked together until October when he fell ill with cancer. So when he left I said ‘"What about Kochie?" So he came in and here we are!

“I can’t tell him this but he’s quite like my dad, and my husband…”

I can't really describe the chemistry. And I wouldn't want to try. I think if we sat down and over-analysed it then we'd probably read too much into it.

We're good friends we trust each other, we get each other. We have a great working relationship.

We have a really similar sense of humour. And I think we both have very similar values, loyalties. We both believe in the same sort of things, we have the same goals in our personal lives. We both put our families first and don't get to caught up in the whole world of television.

I can't tell him this but he's quite like my dad, and my husband, in that he's got that naughty boy, cheeky, how-far-can-I-push-this type of humour? Maybe that's why??

I never get any warning if Kochie's going to drop a clanger. Sometimes I can sense it, if he's in one of those trouble-making moods. I think, "Woah, we're in for a wild-ride this morning!"

There's always ebb and flow with each of us. We can sense when one of us is flagging, one's sick or tired. The other one will step in and carry a bit more of the load that morning. Kochie and I have always said if one of us is grumpy, the other one will say "Look, we've got a show to do. Get over it!"

In the same way, we always said from day one, if either of us have a problem, we'll be open about it and discuss it.

Nat I adore - she is one of my dearest girlfriends in the world. I admire her as a person. She's fantastic. I admire her as a mum. I really enjoy her company. We'll go shopping, we happily spend time outside of the show together. Our lives are at a similar spot, our kids are at the same age.

Mel

 ---------------------

 

Email Story Print IM This

++ UPDATED 16 April 10.07am

I thought I'd write a note about this Fuelwatch issue.

I don't know if this is going to make a huge difference to how you buy your petrol. Especially if you already have a routine. I mean, is it worth driving around to save a cent per litre? But anything that helps increase competition is a good thing.