When Australians tune into the 24/7 television coverage of the Paris Olympics from 26 July to 11 August, they’ll also be watching a University of the Sunshine Coast graduate at the top of her own game.
Roz Kelly, who majored in journalism during a UniSC communication degree completed in 2006, flies to the peak international competition tomorrow, Friday 19 July, as a high-profile member of Channel 9’s reporting and presenting team.
With a career that has combined multiple employers and world travel, her CV lists everything from the Rugby World Cup to the Formula One Australia Grand Prix to the Ashes and Big Bash cricket series.
One of her first events is likely to be interviewing medal contenders in the Australian Dolphins swim team, which this year includes three UniSC Spartans: Abbey Connor, Alex Perkins and Zac Incerti.
It won’t be Roz’s first Olympics (that was London 2012), nor her first job in Paris.
The Mackay-born ‘country kid at heart’, who grew up riding her bike around regional Queensland suburbs, notched up a career highlight reporting from the Champs-Elysées in 2011 when cyclist Cadel Evans became the first Aussie to win the Tour de France.
After three weeks in France, the 38-year-old will return to her family on Sydney’s Northern Beaches – husband Morné Morkel, a former South African cricketer, and their two young sons – and her regular work, including hosting Nine’s national shows Sports Sunday and Wide World of Sports and Nine News Sydney’s sports bulletins.
With a career that has combined multiple employers and world travel, her CV lists everything from the Rugby World Cup to the Formula One Australia Grand Prix to the Ashes and Big Bash cricket series.
With fond memories of studying at the University of the Sunshine Coast – such as mentoring by a former journalism academic who is now the region’s mayor, Roz answers 18 questions about her exciting life trajectory.
Before study
Where did you grow up?
My dad is a miner, so I grew up in tiny, remote mining towns all over the country, from Queensland to the Northern Territory and Western Australia. It was a wonderful, simple childhood spent riding bikes around town, swimming and camping. I’m still very much a country kid at heart and love returning to these places to visit family.
What subjects did you like/dislike at school?
I went to many different schools, which has probably made me more adaptable. English and sport were my favourite subjects, while maths was a struggle – numbers and I certainly don’t mix – so it’s probably no surprise I’ve ended up becoming a journalist.
During study
When and why did you decide to study communication at UniSC?
Writing was always a passion of mine and as a small town kid, the “smaller” university appealed to me at the time. USC (now UniSC) was warm, welcoming and changing the way journalism was studied by getting students out of the books and straight into real world experiences from the first year.
What was it like studying at the Sunshine Coast campus in the University’s first decade of operation?
Now I feel really old! There were more kangaroos than buildings back then, but it was a wonderful experience. I never felt like just a “number” at USC.
What were your lecturers and tutors like?
The late Stephen Lamble (former head of communications program) and Rosanna Natoli (journalism academic until she became current mayor of the Sunshine Coast) both had a massive impact on my career. They believed in me and all the other students and took the time to nurture our careers. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance and support and will be forever grateful. I wish I could have told Stephen this before he passed away.
What were some highlights and challenges during your degree?
It was a real hands-on degree compared to the other “older” universities. I’ll never forget the daily news quizzes the lecturers put us through to see if we were keeping across news and current affairs. After the embarrassment of failing the first few, I think I’ve read the paper front to back every day of my life since!
What prompted you to major in journalism?
A passion for writing. I always thought I’d be a features writer as I love sitting down and reading a beautifully written, long form story.
Did you do any industry internships as part of your degree?
I did plenty of internships and work experience at a variety of news outlets, both print and broadcast, which taught me so much. I was probably the most annoying work experience kid around because I wouldn’t stop asking questions.
But my favourite interviews are always with the lesser known athletes, who are raw, natural and engaging. It’s always the most fun chatting with up and comers who you know will be big stars one day.
After study
When and how did you get your first job after studying?
The University’s connection with local news outlets certainly helped many graduates find employment. My first job was as an autocue and captions operator and slowly evolved from there.
How would you describe your career trajectory to 2024?
Lots and lots of hard work and the odd leap of faith. There’s been plenty of highs and lows. It’s certainly not as glamorous as it seems.
Could you describe your biggest career highlights?
I’ve been really fortunate to travel to a lot of incredible sporting events over the years. Covering the London 2012 Olympics was a career highlight, an Olympics is the pinnacle for athletes and sports journalists (who wish they could be athletes ha!).
Reporting from the Champs-Elysees in Paris when Aussie Cadel Evans won the Tour de France was also a moment I’ll never forget.
But my favourite interviews are always with the lesser known athletes, who are raw, natural and engaging. It’s always the most fun chatting with up and comers who you know will be big stars one day.
How have you seen the journalism industry change over your career?
The industry has evolved significantly due to the introduction of social media and digital news. It’s more important than ever for credible, trained journalists to continue their work because there's so much false information and click bait out there. What brings me the most joy is how many women are now working in sport and hold prominent positions. It’s come a long way but there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Now
Describe ‘a typical day’ at work?
I’ll always wake up and read the newspapers (often once I’ve rushed the kids off to school). A normal day can vary from calling around contacts to line up interviews, putting together a story, reading the sports news, hosting a show or preparing for/working on a major sporting broadcast such as the Australian Open.
How and why did you get involved in the RedKite charity? (She is an ambassador.)
Redkite is doing incredibly important work providing practical, emotional, and financial support to families who are dealing with a childhood cancer diagnosis. These families are going through hell but life goes on around them, so Redkite aims to ease the burden as much as possible so parents can be there for their children.
As a wife and mum of two boys, how do you balance family, career and social life?
Lots of caffeine! Plenty of meltdowns – by the children and myself. It’s taken nearly a decade, but I’m learning there’s no such thing as balance when you have young kids. You just have to find what works for you and your family.
What tips do you have for uni students wanting to become communications professionals?
Do as much work experience as possible. Roll your sleeves up and put in the hard yards, say yes to the jobs nobody else wants. Be a sponge, ask questions. Annoy people in the industry to give you a crack. It shows them you’re serious. Be patient, the experience on the journey will be invaluable and you’ll be a better journalist because of it.
What do you think about Brisbane hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in 2032?
Australia knows how to put on a show and this will be a spectacular event. It also gives local journalists something to look forward to and strive towards.
What’s next for you – what are you most looking forward to professionally?
The Paris Olympics and Paralympics, which Nine is broadcasting, so I'm heading over there soon and counting down the days, minutes, seconds. Australia is sending a team of 460 athletes and it could be our greatest yet.
Photos: Roz Kelly Instagram
Media enquiries: Please contact the Media Team media@usc.edu.au