Unveiling the storyteller behind the pages.
Melody was born in England and lived in Cornwall before emigrating with some of her family to Australia in the late 1970s. She has spent much of her professional life writing and presenting environment and science feature stories for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Channel 9, Network 10, and Network 7 Australia. Melody was also a correspondent for CNN’s International World Report where she wrote and presented nature-based feature pieces for a global audience. She is an honorary member of CNN’s International Professional Program.
Melody also presented nightly weather reports. She won the Better Hearing Australia Award for Best Presenter, the Archbishop’s Award for Outstanding Journalism and was runner-up in the Australian ‘Voiceless’ Awards which recognises outstanding stories about animal welfare. After more than two decades in broadcast media, Melody relocated to Melbourne where she worked for the state’s highest-rating radio network 3AW, reporting and reading the news before moving to a role in the Australian Government.
Melody worked for several years as a Media and Communication Manager for the Government’s Bureau of Meteorology where she won an Australia Day Merit Award for her work to help inform communities during the 2019-2020 Victorian Bushfires. She left her position in late 2021 to concentrate on sharing her story about growing up with, and surviving extreme domestic violence and how she gained resilience, strength, and hope through connecting with nature – in particular, a wild, injured, solitary dolphin called Jock. Her ongoing concerns – for the plight of dolphins and whales worldwide, and a desire to offer hope to victims of domestic violence – are the reasons she finally wrote her memoir.
In 2022 Melody wrote a submission to a South Australian Parliamentary enquiry into unexplained dolphin deaths in the Port River and presented her recommendations.
Melody is honoured to have two South Australian dolphins named after her.
Melody has spent much of her life lobbying for the protection of Adelaide’s wild Port River dolphins. Prior to her media career Melody volunteered as an assistant on her lecturer’s non-invasive research project at university which introduced her to these dolphins. After completing her degree, she co-founded a not-for-profit to raise awareness about their historically polluted environment and raise awareness about the need to protect them.
She made it her mission to help protect the future of the local dolphin population and developed dolphin sponsorship programs to fund ongoing research. She also became the spokesperson for other environmental organisations. This led to her career in front of the camera as an environment and science reporter. Her lobbying with other dolphin conservationists, work in the media and the international documentary led to the formation of Australia’s first Dolphin Sanctuary in the Port River in 2005.
In June 2021 Melody wrote a story about the plight of the Port River dolphins and their impact on her life for the Weekend Australian Magazine. The response to that article prompted her to write her memoir A Dolphin Called Jock (now republished as The Dolphin Who Saved Me). Her memoir was published by Allen and Unwin in Australia and New Zealand in 2022 and across the US, UK, and Canada by Greystone in 2023. Her remarkable story will be featured in a new book Meetings with Remarkable Animals by British actor, author and animal lover, Martin Clunes.
Melody also contributed a story to Jane at 90, a book celebrating the 90th birthday of the remarkable Dr Jane Goodall DBE.
In 2022, Melody was approached by Dr Jane Goodall to be part of newly formed Cetacean Committee. The committee’s vision is to end the practice of capturing wild cetaceans, phase out the breeding and keeping of cetaceans in captivity and create the best outcomes for those already confined.
In June 2024, Melody had the privilege of spending a few hours with Dr. Goodall during her tour of Australia.
This is what Melody said about that incredible get together.
“I feel immensely honoured to have had the chance to chat with Jane. Her unwavering commitment to conservation, relentless pursuit of knowledge and focus on hope have always been awe-inspiring. Yet, in her presence I found my own spirit being reinvigorated. She confirmed that I must work hard for what I believe in, no matter how daunting the challenge may seem. Jane is incredibly down to earth and real, she reminded me of the need for authenticity, especially in our current world.
Jane reminded me that even the smallest actions can create ripples of change. Each choice we make, no matter how insignificant it may appear, has the potential to contribute to a greater cause – her words resonated deeply.
Jane’s legacy is a testament to the impact one person can have. I left our meeting inspired to continue fighting for better outcomes for dolphins’, whales and other members of our extended global animal family”.
Some examples of the JGI Cetacean Committee’s work
Statement on the passing of Tokitae
Campaign to end whaling in Iceland
Statement of support for Captain Watson
Video campaign in support of sanctuaries for former captive cetaceans
Open letter to end cetacean hunting in the Faroe Islands
On October 1, 2025, I was saddened to learn about the peaceful passing of Dr. Jane Goodall who inspired countless individuals around the globe, and through her research and advocacy for animals, people, and the environment, she left a lasting impact the world will never forget.
Melody is well-known in Australia for her passionate writing and filming about science and the environment, in particular the wild river dolphins in Adelaide, South Australia. Her documentary A Dance with a Dolphin was broadcast across the nation and around the world on CNN and her documentary about South Australian Whales was used as an educational piece for visitors to the SA Whale Centre. She is co-chair of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Cetacean Committee and is a passionate advocate for marine mammals and ocean preservation and is an Ambassador for the Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch and Retired Police Dogs SA.
Watch the video about why Melody wrote her memoir, A Dolphin Called Jock.
Melody continues to write and has recently penned her first children’s book, A Cat Called Q and the Magic Globe published by 12 Willows Press and available now. This book also features strong environmental and animal conservation themes. She is currently completing another non-fiction book title Sheltered that celebrates rescue animals and the people who are saved by them. The book will be published by Ultimo Press in September 2024.
While writing, Melody continues to work for better outcomes for dolphins and whales in Australia and around the world through her work with the Jane Goodall Institute and other marine conservation organisations.
Jane Goodall at 90
Edited by Mark Bekoff and Koen Margodt
Meetings With Remarkable Animals
Author: Martin Clunes
Creating a book is a journey, from the first spark of an idea to the final draft. I love sharing the creative process with my readers, giving you a glimpse into the work and dedication behind each chapter.
People you feel like you’ve known forever
Stories that tug at your heartstrings
Settings that immerse you completely
"I love how easy it is to read Melody's work. A truly inspiring Author."
Sarah, Book Enthusiast
Everyday connections and experiences
The beauty and complexity of emotions
A deep love and curiosity for nature
When I’m not writing, I’m finding joy in the little things. My life outside the pages is filled with activities that inspire my creative spirit and keep me grounded.
Walks and hikes to clear my mind and gather inspiration
Quiet moments with a warm cup, often with a journal nearby
Discovering new cultures and stories waiting to be told
I believe in building a connection with my readers beyond the pages. Whether through newsletters, book events, or social media, I love hearing your thoughts and sharing updates from my world.
