Kelly Higgins-Devine
Kelly Higgins-Devine | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bendigo, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Radio broadcaster, tutor |
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Known for | Hosting shows on ABC Radio Brisbane (Afternoons, Drive, Evenings) |
Kelly Higgins-Devine is a prominent Australian radio broadcaster who began her career at ABC Radio Brisbane in 1999 within the newsroom, later shifting to Local Radio presenting duties in 2003.
Early life
Hailing from Bendigo, Victoria, Higgins-Devine experienced a nomadic childhood due to her father's military service, residing in cities such as Sydney, Townsville, Singapore, Adelaide, and Melbourne. She attended Kildara College located in Malvern and completed her final year of secondary education at Mt Maria College in Mitchelton, Queensland, in 1985. During her secondary school years, she undertook work experience in a Melbourne radio newsroom.
Career
Following the completion of a Commercial Radio Training program at Swinburne University of Technology in 1993, Higgins-Devine gained experience at regional commercial radio stations across Charleville, Cairns, and Shepparton. In 1996, she relocated to Brisbane to serve as a weekend newsreader at 4KQ, then advanced to a newsreader role at 4BC in 1997. Her career progressed further when she joined ABC NewsRadio in 1999 before taking on responsibilities as a journalist and news presenter at ABC Radio Brisbane.
Since 2004, Higgins-Devine has been the host of multiple shows including Afternoons, Drive, and Evenings. A highlight of her career occurred in 2014 when Clive Palmer, leader of the Palmer United Party, phoned into her program to take part in a quiz segment. It was announced in December 2023 that she would resume hosting the Drive show in 2024.
In addition to her broadcasting work, Higgins-Devine has been engaged as a tutor at the University of Southern Queensland since 2021.
Awards
Higgins-Devine earned the title of ABC Local Radio's Broadcaster of the Year during the 2007 ABC Local Radio awards.
She was also honored with the “Best Use of the Medium” accolade at the 2011 ABC Local Radio awards for her reporting on Cyclone Yasi.
Personal life
In August 1998, Kelly married Craig Devine; together they have a daughter named Mackenzie, who was born in November 2002.
In 2022, following symptoms including chest discomfort and shortness of breath, Higgins-Devine was diagnosed with cardiovascular disease and underwent a double bypass surgery. After a recovery period of twelve weeks, she returned to hosting Evenings on ABC Radio Brisbane, expressing gratitude for her family's support throughout her recuperation.