As a journalist for 25 years, Melissa Doyle is used to reporting on Australia Day honours recipients.

This year, the tables have turned and she is “overwhelmed” her name is among them.

“I feel lost for words which is kind of rare for me,” the Sunday Night host told AAP.

“I’ve done this story every year, I’ve spoken to so many incredible people and I’m blown away by the work they do.

“Just to have my name amongst those is such an honour.”

Doyle has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the community through her charity work and the broadcast media.

The Seven Network presenter began her career as a television reporter in Canberra in 1990, working her way up the ranks to join Sunrise as co-host for 14 years, becoming one of the nation’s most recognisable faces.

The mother-of-two credits her successful career to a supportive husband and prioritising.

“I’ve always worked out what I thought was important, what I needed to do and what I didn’t need to do, what I could drop off the list,” she says.

The key to a successful career was working out your passion, so work became a pleasure.

“I love the industry I’m in. It’s fascinating, it’s dynamic, it’s interesting. Every single day is so very different, so I feel I’ve been very lucky and privileged to have found a job that I love.”

Doyle has seen firsthand the generosity that emerges in the midst of tragedies such as the Brisbane floods and Black Saturday bushfires.

In her own life she feels lucky she can give something back, through using her profile for charity work.

“Some people are rich and can build a wing on a hospital and some people are smart and can cure cancer. I’ve got a profile and a voice and I just feel really, really lucky that I’m able to use it,” she explains.

AAP.