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Sharyn Ghidella

Sharyn Ghidella is an and with nearly four decades of experience in television, currently co-anchoring the weeknight bulletin for in . Born in 1966 in , , she graduated with a (Communication) from in 1986, initially majoring in before shifting focus to . Ghidella began her career in regional television as a producer, reporter, and for Television (now ) in and during the late . She later moved to , working as a reporter and for from 1990 to 1992, before joining the in for 15 years, where she advanced to anchor roles on programs including , , and various news bulletins. In 2007, she transitioned to the Seven Network, co-presenting the 6pm 7NEWS bulletin with Bill McDonald and later Max Futcher from 2013 until her abrupt departure in July 2024. Her exit from Seven—announced via while she was at the hairdresser—sparked public discussion about in , after which she returned to in August 2024 to revive and lead its service, marking a full-circle moment in her career. In 2025, she attended the Logies with her colleagues and her team received a Clarion Award for best report. Throughout her tenure across networks, Ghidella has been recognized for her professionalism and persistence, serving as an ambassador for organizations like UN Women Australia and the Foundation. A mother of two, she remains a prominent figure in Australian broadcast journalism, emphasizing resilience in a competitive industry.

Early life

Childhood

Sharyn Ghidella was born in 1966 in , a rural sugar cane town in . She was the daughter of a cane farmer and a mill worker, and grew up in this remote, agricultural community in in former canecutters’ barracks, where the landscape and local industries shaped her early experiences. Ghidella began her schooling at State School in 1972, immersing herself in the small-town environment of . For her secondary education, she boarded at St Patrick's College in , adapting to life away from home in the larger regional center. In 1983, Ghidella's family relocated to , marking a significant shift from rural isolation to the opportunities of urban life. Her roots in later influenced her career emphasis on regional news stories.

Education

In 1983, Sharyn Ghidella relocated to and enrolled at the (QUT). She undertook a Bachelor of Business - Communication degree, majoring in and . Before starting university, she gained practical exposure through work experience in local newspaper and radio outlets, building foundational media skills. Ghidella completed her degree in 1986 with Distinction, as the only student in her year to do so. During her final year at QUT, Ghidella secured an internship at North Queensland Television (NQTV) in , marking her initial hands-on involvement in television production and reporting. The program's curriculum equipped her with core communication competencies, including storytelling, audience engagement, and ethical reporting practices essential to .

Career

Early career

Following her graduation from the Queensland University of Technology in 1986 with a in Communication, majoring in and , Sharyn Ghidella began her professional career as a producer for North Queensland Television (NQTV), a Channel 10 affiliate, in and . In this initial role, she focused on regional news , gaining foundational experience in the fast-paced environment of local television in . Over the next three years, from approximately to , Ghidella transitioned into on-air roles as a reporter and at NQTV, while continuing her duties. She notably produced and presented the regional weekly program , which allowed her to develop skills in investigative reporting and audience engagement tailored to Queensland's diverse communities. These experiences honed her abilities in on-the-ground , covering local issues from remote areas to urban centers in and . In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Ghidella advanced to Network Ten's bureau, where she served as a reporter and update presenter for bulletins from 1990 to 1992. This move expanded her scope to statewide coverage, emphasizing and field reporting that built her reputation for reliable, community-focused journalism in regional .

Nine Network

Sharyn Ghidella joined the in in March 1992 as a reporter for National Nine News, marking her transition from regional television to a national platform. Building on her prior experience at Network Ten in , she contributed to investigative stories and general reporting for the bulletin over the next several years, honing her skills in a high-profile environment. In 1997, Ghidella was promoted to host Daybreak, Nine's early-morning news program, which was rebranded as National Nine Early News the following year. As anchor, she helped solidify the program's status as Australia's top-rated early news bulletin, delivering concise updates on national and international events to viewers starting their day. Her role emphasized clear, engaging delivery, contributing to the format's appeal during a competitive era for . Ghidella's prominence grew further in October 2001 when she became the permanent news presenter on the Today show, succeeding Ian Ross. She served in this capacity until 2006, providing breaking news segments and occasional fill-in hosting duties alongside main hosts Jessica Rowe and Karl Stefanovic, which helped maintain the program's strong ratings in the morning slot. Throughout her tenure on Today, Ghidella established herself as a reliable female anchor in Australian breakfast television, known for her professional poise and ability to handle live news interruptions seamlessly. Ghidella departed the Nine Network on 1 December 2006, concluding a 14-year association that had elevated her from reporter to key national presenter. Her exit came amid reports of dissatisfaction with recent role changes on Today, though she reflected positively on her long service at the network. During her time at Nine, Ghidella's work in early news and breakfast formats played a significant role in shaping viewer habits, positioning her as one of the era's leading women in television journalism.

Seven Network

Sharyn Ghidella joined the Seven Network in 2007 as the weekend presenter for Seven News Brisbane, bringing her extensive anchoring expertise from a 15-year tenure at the Nine Network. She quickly established herself in the Queensland market, delivering reliable weekend bulletins and contributing to the network's regional news coverage. In January 2013, Ghidella was promoted to co-present the 6pm Seven News bulletin from Sunday through Thursday, initially alongside Bill McDonald. That same year, she took on the role of host for Today Tonight , the network's nightly public affairs program tailored for the state, which she fronted until its cancellation in February 2014 as part of a broader restructure to extend news bulletins. Over her 17 years at Seven, Ghidella became a high-profile figure in news, anchoring coverage of significant events including the 2011 floods and royal tours. Ghidella's tenure ended abruptly on July 12, 2024, when she was axed from the network after 17 years, with her departure effective immediately. She was informed of the decision during a appointment, a moment she later described as shocking and not how she anticipated concluding her 38-year career. The move was reportedly driven by salary discrepancies, as Ghidella's pay was significantly higher than that of her co-host Max Futcher, amid Seven's cost-cutting measures that included 150 redundancies nationwide. In a statement to staff and on , she reflected that the exit "wasn’t quite how I expected it to end," expressing gratitude to viewers and colleagues while lamenting the industry's challenges. The announcement drew widespread public sympathy and shock, with Futcher delivering an emotional on-air tribute praising her as a "true professional" and "mentor," and network staff describing the decision as "awful."

Network 10

In August 2024, following her abrupt departure from the Seven Network, Sharyn Ghidella was announced as the new weeknight presenter for 's revived local bulletin, 10 News First Queensland. The move marked a significant return to the network where she had begun her career decades earlier in regional roles, creating a full-circle moment in her professional journey. Ghidella commenced her role on September 2, 2024, anchoring the 5:00 pm bulletin from , which features expanded local coverage tailored to audiences. In addition to her primary presenting duties, she has made fill-in appearances as a co-host on Network 10's panel show The Project, including a notable guest spot in March 2025 alongside and . Her integration into the Network 10 team was highlighted at the 2025 on August 3, where she attended the red carpet event alongside colleagues such as , Natalie Forrest, and Ursula Heger, showcasing the network's unified news presence. As of November 2025, Ghidella continues to present the bulletin, with viewers and media noting positive feedback on her clear delivery and renewed energy in the role.

Personal life

Family

Sharyn Ghidella has been in a long-term relationship with Paul Croll, a freelance cameraman she met while working in . The couple, together for over two decades, share two sons, Austin (born 2007) and Darcy (born 2011). The family is based in , where Ghidella and Croll relocated in 2013 to provide a stable environment for raising their children, rooted in the familiar setting. This move reflects Ghidella's prioritization of family life alongside her professional commitments, allowing her to maintain close ties with her partner and sons while navigating the demands of her career in media. Her upbringing in has influenced these family values, emphasizing strong personal bonds.

Philanthropy

Sharyn Ghidella has been actively involved in various charitable causes, leveraging her public profile to support organizations focused on health, violence prevention, and community welfare. As a board member of the Royal and Women's Hospital (RBWH) Foundation since 2018, she contributes to efforts that enhance patient care and medical research at the hospital. She has hosted key events for the foundation, including the Celebration of Giving Breakfast in July 2025 and the Ruby Gala Ball in August 2025, emphasizing donor appreciation and community . Ghidella serves as an ambassador for the Allison Baden-Clay Foundation, which works to prevent family and through awareness and education initiatives like the Strive To Be Kind campaign. In this role, she promotes acts of kindness as a means to foster safer communities, stating that "being kind makes the world a better place." She is also a long-term for the Foundation, supporting programs that improve lives in while honoring the historical significance of the . Additionally, Ghidella has been a dedicated supporter of the Foundation, contributing articles on its impact for sick children in hospitals and participating in donor recognition events. Her extends to children's charities, including early involvement with , for which she received the Ricky May Heart of Variety Humanitarian Award in 2001 in recognition of her humanitarian efforts. Ghidella frequently serves as a at charity galas and fundraisers across , using her broadcasting skills to amplify causes such as those supported by the team's community programs.

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