Melanie

Melanie’s voice can be heard on screens across the world, as the star behind hit cartoon Bluey character, Chilli, the famous mum of Blue Heeler dogs, Bluey and her sister, Bingo.  

The University of Southern Queensland alumnus graduated with a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (Acting) in 2007 and went on to work extensively with the Queensland Theatre Company before transitioning to film, TV and voiceover work. Melanie credits her time at the university for equipping her with the skills that helped her land the life-changing gig. 

“The main thing it prepared me for… was the diligence, the grit and hard work,” Melanie said. 

Melanie has recently returned to the Toowoomba campus to teach workshops to the next generation of stage and screen professionals. She spent a week on campus working with current University of Southern Queensland creative arts students to teach them the craft of acting for screen. 

“I work with the students to get them more comfortable in front of the camera and get them ready for the audition process when they leave the university. It’s been such a joy – I love working with young people.” 

Melanie has voiced Chilli since 2017 and said its rise from quirky Queensland cartoon to one of the most-watched shows in the world had been surreal. 

“It’s having this really beautiful social impact. So many dads in particular have said ‘this has taught me how to play with my children, this has taught me how to be a better parent. People see themselves reflected back in these cartoon dogs,” Melanie said. 

Learn more about University of Southern Queensland’s Visual and Performing Arts degrees.