The 9News Melbourne team shared an emotional goodbye this week as beloved weather presenter Livinia Nixon, 50, presented her final bulletin after an impressive 21 years in the role.
A Fond Farewell and Emotional Tributes
On Tuesday night, Livinia's last weather broadcast was marked by a special five-minute tribute package celebrating her two decades of forecasting for Melburnians. Colleague Tony Jones narrated the montage of memorable on-air moments, highlighting the secret to her enduring popularity. "The secret to Livo's success has been her ability to just be herself," Jones remarked. "The Livinia Nixon you see in your lounge room each night is the same Livinia we see in the newsroom each day."
The package concluded with a poignant nod to her profession: "Best to check that pollen count one more time, Livo, because there's watery eyes across Melbourne tonight." Returning to the newsroom, Livinia found herself surrounded by the entire 9News Melbourne team and her family members, who had gathered to bid her a heartfelt farewell.
News presenter Tom Steinfort shared touching words of praise. "You really are the ray of sunshine in our team," he said. "We have people come up to us all the time and say: 'Livinia seems nice on air but what's she like in real life?' and I say: 'Even more wonderful.' You are such a beautiful person. I will miss you, and I hope you know how many people at home are going to miss welcoming you into their living rooms."
A Difficult Decision for Family
An appreciative Livinia responded with equal warmth, confessing that her decision to step down was not an easy one. "This is a very difficult decision to make because I do love this job," she admitted. "But I feel it's the right decision at the right time for my family. I want to see my boys chase their dreams."
She went on to thank her husband, Alistair, and Channel Nine for their "unwavering support" following her announcement. Although she is leaving the daily news team, viewers have not seen the last of Livinia Nixon on their screens. She confirmed she will continue to appear on the network's travel programmes, Getaway and Postcards.
"I'm really excited about staying on Postcards and Getaway – I've actually got my suitcases packed – I have to do a short trip tomorrow with Getaway which I'm looking forward to," she shared.
A Two-Decade Legacy at Channel Nine
Livinia ended her final broadcast with a heartfelt tribute to her colleagues. "To the incredible team that's here at 9News, it really is a machine that works so hard every night, and I will miss you all immensely and I love you all," she said.
Having been with Nine since 1997, Livinia shocked viewers earlier this month when she revealed she would be leaving her weather presenting role after two decades. "After 20 years presenting weather on 9News, I've decided to step back from this role," she stated at the time. "My sons will both be in high school and I want to be there to support them. It's been a privilege to be welcomed into viewers' homes for so long, but this is the right time for my family."
She elaborated that presenting the weather has shaped her life and career, but that family ultimately came first. "When I discussed it with our boys, they said, 'We're pretty excited to spend more time with you, Mum.'"
Nine's National News Director, Hugh Nailon, commended Livinia's vast career, calling her a "shining star" of the industry. "Livinia's contribution to the Melbourne newsroom has been immeasurable," he said. "She has been a shining star on 9News for two decades, delivering Melbourne's weather with warmth, expertise and unmatched professionalism. We are all incredibly proud of her and wholeheartedly support her decision to put her family first. She is a true asset to the 9Network and we are delighted that she will remain with us on Getaway and Postcards."
Livinia shares two sons – Henry, 15, and Ted, 12 – with her husband Alistair Jack.
