Melissa Iaria

Melissa Iaria is a journalist, writer, editor, travel enthusiast, salsa dancer, and storyteller. She has over 15 years of experience as a daily news reporter, cutting her teeth on suburban newspapers before joining the Australian Associated Press (AAP) for a 13-year career.

Expertise

Travel

Occupation

Reporter for Australian Associated Press (AAP)

Detailed Experience

Reporting Career

Melissa has covered a range of beats including politics, court reporting, general news, and entertainment, before becoming chief of staff of the Melbourne news bureau, playing an integral role in framing the daily news agenda.

Melissa's coverage has included everything from state and federal elections to government inquiries and court cases. She has also interviewed rock stars, TV chefs, and ridden a country train packed with Elvis impersonators.

Current Pursuits

In 2019, Melissa decided to give the cut and thrust of the newsroom a break and try freelancing, in the hope that one day she can travel the world writing stories, sampling exotic cuisines, and perfecting her salsa steps. When she isn't on deadline, you can find her dusting off her backpack and charting her next adventure on a map or cuddling Comanche, her stout staffy with a playful personality.