Podcast | Joel Dry and Melissa Downes (9News Queensland) – 9News Queensland is turning the page on an exciting new chapter following the retirement of Andrew “Lofty” Lofthouse earlier this year.
Joining Melissa Downes at the 6.00pm desk is highly respected journalist Joel Dry — a familiar face to viewers and a trusted storyteller whose career spans natural disasters, Olympic Games, and the halls of Parliament House in Canberra.
In this episode of TV Central: One on One, host Aaron Ryan sits down with Melissa and Joel to talk about the fresh dynamic ahead, their careers, and what Queensland audiences can expect from the new-look bulletin.
Here’s what you’ll hear in the episode:
- Joel’s return to Nine — his early days in Adelaide, move to Brisbane, years in Canberra covering federal politics, and what it means to be back in Queensland news.
- Lessons from the field — from bushfires to the Olympics, the moments that shaped Joel’s reporting style and approach to news.
- Melissa’s reflections — two decades at Nine, the qualities that make a strong news desk partnership, and her thoughts on Joel’s style.
- The new on-air pairing — how the two presenters first met, their early professional interactions, and the energy they hope to bring to the 6.00pm bulletin.
- Connecting with Queensland audiences — how they balance hard-hitting journalism with warmth and trust, and ensure their coverage speaks to metro and regional viewers alike.
- Personal touches — Joel reuniting in the same newsroom with his wife, Nine Europe Correspondent Jessica Milward, plus their favourite Queensland places to unwind.
- Quickfire wrap-up — their first jobs in media, dream stories to cover, and personal messages to viewers as they begin this new chapter.
Joel’s first bulletin as weeknight co-presenter airs Monday 18 August on Nine and 9Now.
For all the latest television news, streaming info, ratings, cinema movie reviews and podcasts, head to www.tvcentral.com.au.
Link to 9Now HERE
Podcast | Joel Dry and Melissa Downes (9News Queensland)
Melissa Downes Instagram HERE
Joel Dry Instagram HERE
TV Central Nine content HERE
Thanks to Lucy Charles at Nine for organising this podcast
Pick your player below. The podcast is also available through Apple Podcasts, Deezer, Amazon, iheart Radio and more
Melissa Downes
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 and has consequently 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 gained further recognition for her role in the award-winning podcast “Hannah’s Story,” produced by 9News Queensland’s Jess Lodge and podcast editor Adam Buncher.
The podcast garnered widespread acclaim, amassing over one million downloads. The gripping podcast delved into 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.
“Hannah’s Story” received several prestigious accolades in 2023, including the Award for Outstanding Podcast at the Kennedy Awards, an Australian Podcast Award in the Spotlight category, and a gold award at the New York Festival Radio Awards. Additionally, it was honoured with the Our Watch Award for Excellence in Reporting on Violence Against Women at the Walkley Foundation’s 2024 Mid-Year Celebration of Journalism.
Melissa’s newest podcast endeavour, “The Ultimate Sacrifice”, delves into the tragic events of December 12, 2022, when two police officers were brutally murdered in an ambush in Wieambilla, Queensland.
The podcast confronts the haunting question: how did a routine callout lead to Queensland’s deadliest police shooting and Australia’s first Christian terrorist attack?
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.
Joel Dry
Joel Dry is a highly accomplished and respected Australian journalist, originally from Adelaide. He began his journey in the media industry at the University of South Australia, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.
In a significant career move and a homecoming for the Nine Network, Joel commenced his current role co-presenting 9News Queensland’s flagship 6:00pm bulletin alongside Melissa Downes on August 18, 2025.
This return to Nine marks a full circle for Joel, as he began his television reporting career with the station in September 2009, joining the team in Adelaide.
His talent and dedication quickly led to a relocation to Nine Queensland in December 2011, where he continued to hone his craft and establish himself as a reliable and insightful reporter, later serving as a federal politics reporter based in Canberra.
In 2018, Joel embarked on a new chapter in his career, transitioning to Seven News, which also took him to Europe where he served as a correspondent, before returning to Nine Queensland in his current role.
Beyond his professional achievements, Joel’s personal life also saw significant milestones during his first stint at Nine Queensland. It was there that he met fellow Nine journalist, Jessica Millward. They announced their engagement live on Today in 2016 and tied the knot in 2018. They now have one child together.
9News Queensland in pictures
