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Scherri-Lee Biggs Returns to Melbourne Screens: A Major Shake-Up for Nine News

In a move that has captured the attention of media watchers across the country, Scherri-Lee Biggs is stepping back into the Melbourne spotlight. The former Miss Universe Australia is set to take over the weeknight weather presenter role on 9News Melbourne, filling the shoes of the long-standing Livinia Nixon.

This high-profile appointment marks a significant return to the city for Biggs, who previously graced Melbourne breakfast television. It also signals a strategic reshuffle within the Nine Network, bringing a fresh face to one of the most watched news bulletins in the country.

Here is everything you need to know about the move, the players involved, and what it means for the Australian media landscape.

A Strategic Return to Melbourne

The buzz surrounding this personnel change is palpable, with major industry publications confirming the move. According to a report by Campaign Brief WA, Scherri-Lee Biggs is bidding farewell to her role in Perth to head east.

Biggs has been a staple of 9News Perth for several years, building a strong rapport with the Western Australian audience. However, the pull of her hometown has proven too strong to ignore. The move sees her replacing Livinia Nixon, a veteran of the Melbourne bulletin who has been a fixture on the 6 p.m. news for over a decade.

Mediaweek also confirmed the shift in their "Media Movers" column, highlighting the significance of the talent swap. While the move represents a loss for the Perth team, it is viewed as a major coup for the Melbourne operation, which is gaining a presenter with a high public profile and a history within the network.

The Lineage of the Role

Stepping into the weather presenter seat at 9News Melbourne is a prestigious gig. Livinia Nixon held the role for 16 years, becoming a household name in Victoria. Her departure was confirmed by News Director Hugh Nailon, who paid tribute to her long service.

"Livinia has been a much-loved member of the Nine News team for 16 years and we thank her for her contribution and wish her all the very best," Nailon told News.com.au.

Replacing a figure who has been part of the daily routine for millions of Victorians is no small task. The network’s choice of Biggs suggests a desire to inject new energy while maintaining a level of on-screen familiarity and prestige.

Who is Scherri-Lee Biggs?

For viewers outside of Western Australia or those who haven't followed the pageant circuit, Scherri-Lee Biggs is a well-known figure in Australian entertainment and broadcasting.

She first rose to national prominence after winning the coveted title of Miss Universe Australia in 2011. This background in high-pressure, live television events provided a solid foundation for her transition into broadcast journalism.

Following her pageant success, Biggs cut her teeth in television, initially joining 9News Melbourne as a reporter and weekend weather presenter in 2013. After a stint in Brisbane, she moved to Perth in 2018 to co-host 9News Perth.

This "boomerang" career path—starting in Melbourne, moving interstate, and returning to the original city—highlights a common trend in Australian media. Networks often shuffle high-value talent across state borders to keep bulletins fresh and to leverage existing relationships with on-air personalities.

The "Former Miss Universe" Angle

The move has garnered attention from national outlets like News.com.au, which framed the story with the hook: "Former Miss Universe replaces Nine star."

While her beauty pageant background is a part of her public identity, industry insiders note that Biggs has spent the last decade building credibility as a serious journalist. Her return to Melbourne is less about her past title and more about her proven track record in delivering the news with authority and warmth.

The Immediate Impact on Nine’s Bulletins

The reshuffle has immediate implications for both the Perth and Melbourne markets.

For Perth

Losing a trusted presenter is always a blow to a local news team. Biggs was popular in WA, known for her approachable on-screen persona. The Nine Network will need to move quickly to find a suitable replacement or shuffle existing rosters to ensure continuity for the 9News Perth bulletin.

For Melbourne

For the Victorian audience, the change brings a new dynamic to the 6 p.m. slot. Viewers can expect a different style of weather presentation, likely with a renewed focus on digital integration and social media engagement, areas where Biggs has been active.

The appointment also reinforces Nine's strategy of recruiting talent with a national profile. By bringing in Biggs, they are leveraging her existing name recognition to maintain viewership during the crucial transition period.

Contextual Background: The Australian TV News Landscape

To understand the weight of this announcement, it helps to look at the broader context of Australian television news.

The Importance of the "Bookends"

In Australian news, the roles of the lead anchor and the weather presenter are often seen as the "bookends" of the bulletin. The anchor delivers the hard news, while the weather presenter—who often also covers lighter "good news" stories—provides a bridge to the rest of the evening.

Because of this, networks are careful to choose weather presenters who are relatable yet authoritative. The transition from Livinia Nixon to Scherri-Lee Biggs represents a shift from one "family member" of the Melbourne news team to another.

Talent Mobility in Network Nine

It is not unusual for Nine to move talent between its metropolitan newsrooms. * Precedent: We have seen reporters and presenters move from Adelaide to Brisbane, or Sydney to Melbourne, often to fill gaps caused by retirements or moves to other networks. * Strategy: This strategy ensures that presenters remain "fresh" and prevents them from becoming too comfortable or stagnant in one market. It also allows the network to test talent in different demographic environments before making permanent decisions.

The Livinia Nixon Era

It is worth acknowledging the end of an era. Livinia Nixon was not just a weather presenter; she was a community figure. Her involvement in Getaway and other network projects gave her a unique standing. Her departure leaves a vacancy not just in the weather slot, but in the "senior statesperson" role within the newsroom.

The Verification Process: Separating Fact from Rumor

In the fast-paced world of media news, it is easy for rumors to spiral. However, based on the verified reports from Campaign Brief WA, Mediaweek, and News.com.au, the following facts are established:

1. Fact: Scherri-Lee Biggs is moving from 9News Perth to 9News Melbourne.
2. Fact: She is replacing Livinia Nixon as the weeknight weather presenter.
3. Fact: Natalia Cooper is taking over the weeknight weather in Perth.

Any speculation regarding the specific reasons for Nixon's departure, or the exact contract details of Biggs, should be treated with caution unless confirmed by the network or the individuals involved.

Future Outlook: What to Expect

As Scherri-Lee Biggs prepares to make her Melbourne debut, several things are likely to happen.

The "Honeymoon Period"

As with any new presenter joining a long-standing team, Biggs will likely enjoy a "honeymoon period" where viewership curiosity drives ratings. The success of her tenure will depend on how quickly she builds chemistry with the lead anchor, Peter Overton.

Digital Integration

Modern news presenters are expected to be content creators beyond the teleprompter. Expect to see Scherri-Lee Biggs heavily promoting her segments on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), engaging directly with the Melbourne audience in a way that builds a digital community around the bulletin.

A Shift in Tone?

While Livinia Nixon was known for a very polished, established delivery, Biggs brings a slightly different energy—often described as vibrant and energetic. This could signal a subtle shift in the tone of the segment, perhaps appealing to a slightly younger demographic while maintaining the trust of the core audience.

Conclusion

The return of Scherri-Lee Biggs to Melbourne is more than just a personnel change; it is a reset for 9News Melbourne. It brings a proven, high-profile talent back to the city where she began her television career, now with significantly more experience under her belt.

For viewers in Victoria, it offers a fresh face to end the day with. For the industry, it serves as a reminder of the highly mobile, competitive nature of Australian television news.

As the transition takes place, all eyes will be on the screen to see how Scherri-Lee Biggs settles into her new home and takes on one of the most high-profile roles in Australian journalism.