When Sharnelle Vella takes maternity leave ahead of the arrival of her baby daughter, Richelle Hunt will join Bob Murphy as cohost of 774 ABC Melbourne Breakfast from March 9 likely through most of the rest of 2026.
It’s been 20 years since Richelle first walked through the doors of ABC Melbourne as a traffic reporter. She has worked role in the building, as a producer on numerous programs, as station reporter covering major events including the devastating Black Saturday bushfires, and as a presenter including The Friday Revue with Brian Nankervis and The Conversation Hour.
Richelle said:
“I am so happy for Sharnelle and her husband Nicholas and cannot wait to meet their baby girl. We’re so excited to have a Breakfast baby.
Hand on heart, it’s such a privilege to be asked to hold the fort. I love co-hosting and I feel like I’ve known Bob forever. Plus, I already go to bed at the time of a toddler, so the early mornings suit me perfectly.”
Bob said:
“There’s truly no one better to take the seat opposite me while Sharnelle is away than Richelle. She knows Melbourne inside out, brings warmth and sharp wit, and has that wonderfully generous laugh. I couldn’t be happier that listeners will get to experience it alongside me while Sharnelle is away.”
And, Sharnelle added:
“I can’t believe maternity leave has arrived so quickly. Nicholas and I are one step closer to meeting our baby girl which is both so exciting and daunting!
I’ll miss the team immensely. I’m so incredibly proud of what we have built in such a short time. I know listeners will be in safe hands with Richelle and I promise I’ve told her the golden rule – Bob can only sing once a week!”
Meanwhile, Mary Gearin (pictured above) returns to look after The Conversation Hour.
Mary said:
“It will be an absolute pleasure to be back on ABC Radio this year, and a privilege to step into Richelle Hunt’s role.
774 has always felt like home. I’m looking forward to the lively conversations that make radio such a joy, and to working with the incredibly talented team at 774 ABC Radio Melbourne, both on and off the microphone.”
The Conversation Hour is a statewide program heard across Victoria between 11am and noon, taking a deep dive into the issues behind the news and the stories shaping everyday life. Mary also commences March 9.
Richelle and Bob pictured main. Images supplied.