As Big Brother Australia counts down to its explosive November 9 premiere on Channel 10, all eyes are on host Mel Tracina – the Nova FM sensation turning eviction nights into must-watch comedy gold.
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But beyond her witty house tours and “bulk tea” spills on the diverse cast (think grandmas to bogans), fans are buzzing: What’s her net worth in 2025? How much is that Big Brother payday?
From radio roasts to TV triumphs, Mel’s multi-hyphenate hustle has built an estimated $1M-$2M empire. Spoiler: It’s all about smart pivots and pop culture savvy.
In this deep dive, we unpack her career arc, income streams, recent gigs (including tonight’s Deal or No Deal crossover), and actionable steps to chase a spotlight like hers. Dreaming of your own BB audition? Her blueprint starts here. Let’s break it down.
Mel Tracina’s Career Journey: From Perth Mics to National Stardom
Mel Tracina didn’t just stumble into the spotlight – she hustled for it. Born and raised in Melbourne, she chased stardom early with childhood classes in dance, drama, and singing, dreaming of the big screen.
But radio became her launchpad. While studying at La Trobe University, she cut her teeth as a presenter on the Student Youth Network, blending music announcements with cheeky banter.
Her big break? A casual gig on Nova 100’s street team in 2014, which snowballed into her first full-time radio role as breakfast announcer at Zoo FM in Dubbo.
By 2018, she was back at Nova as afternoons announcer – a dual role in announcing and operations that honed her operations savvy. Comedy soon called: She wrote and performed at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, earning laughs for her satirical takes.
TV entered the chat in 2021 with The Cheap Seats on Network 10, where Mel shines as cultural correspondent – that “walking cheat sheet” for pop culture gems like her infamous Georges mix-up.
Acting credits include Model Behaviour (2013) and the doco Autoluminescent: Rowland S. Howard (2011), plus voice work in Johnny Swade (2014). Now, as Big Brother 2025 host, she’s leveling up – teasing live noms, evictions, and 24/7 Dreamworld feeds.
Quick Career Timeline:
- 2014: Nova street team to Zoo FM breakfast.
- 2018: Nova afternoons + operations.
- 2021: The Cheap Seats debut.
- 2025: Big Brother Australia host.

Her secret? Relatable charm meets sharp wit – turning “would-be star” dreams into reality.
Recent Projects & Appearances: Mel’s 2025 Hot Streak
Mel’s not slowing down – her calendar is a pop culture whirlwind. Beyond Big Brother‘s November 9 launch, she’s guesting on Deal or No Deal tonight (November 3), opening briefcases for charity while dropping BB hints like “NO DEAL” eviction practice. X is lit: Fans are remixing her promos into memes, with one post teasing house sneak peeks (pantry, Diary Room, lounge) racking up 49 likes.
Other 2025 highlights? Logies red carpet struts, where she owned the “queen energy” vibe amid BB announcement hype. She’s spilling on the cast’s “blue-collar to white-collar” mix across five decades, calling it “bulk tea” gold.
Podcasting via LinkedIn keeps her connected, while property shares (like her 2019 realestate.com.au feature on home buys and “many tears”) show her off-mic savvy.
Follow @mel_tracina on Instagram for reels – her latest? Tapping OG BB hosts for advice, proving she’s all about that mentor game. With The Cheap Seats compilations still viral, 2025 is her crossover year.
Mel Tracina’s Income Sources & Net Worth Breakdown (2025 Estimates)
No official filings from Mel, but piecing together industry benchmarks and her trajectory paints a $1M-$2M net worth picture for 2025 – mid-tier for Aussie broadcasters with 10+ years in.
(Peers like Cheap Seats co-hosts hover similar; her BB boost could nudge it to $2.5M by 2026.) It’s diversified hustle: Radio pays the bills, TV amps the fame, comedy adds flair.
Here’s the estimated breakdown:
| Income Source | Estimated Annual Earnings (AUD) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Nova FM Afternoons | $150K-$250K | Core salary + bonuses; top presenter avg. since 2018. |
| The Cheap Seats & TV Gigs | $100K-$150K | Per-season correspondent; residuals from viral clips. |
| Comedy Shows/Podcasting/Live Gigs | $50K-$100K | Festival performances, sponsorships (pop culture brands). |
| Endorsements & Properties | $50K+ | IG deals + investments (e.g., 2019 home flips). |
| Total Net Worth (2025 Est.) | $1M-$2M | Aggregated career earnings; no public disclosures. |
These are conservative estimates from radio/TV salary data – her “cheat sheet” expertise commands premiums. Visual perk: Imagine a pie chart here – TV slices 40%, radio 40%, side hustles 20%.
Big Brother 2025 Salary: The Eviction Night Jackpot
Mel’s Big Brother crown? A game-changer. Estimates peg her season fee at $150K-$300K for 20+ episodes, including live evictions and Dreamworld hosting.
Per-ep: $10K-$15K, plus ratings bonuses – on par with past hosts like Sonia Kruger ($200K+ est.), but scaled for the reboot’s public voting and 24/7 streams.
Why so juicy? Channel 10’s $10M+ production bet demands star power, and Mel’s radio draw seals it. X teases viral potential: Her “time to go” lines could net extras. Post-season? Expect $500K+ annual earnings with residuals. (Disclaimer: Pure industry guesswork – no leaks yet.)
How to Build a Career Like Mel Tracina: 5 Proven Steps for Aspiring Hosts
Mel’s path screams “hustle + heart” – from uni radio to BB throne. Want in? Here’s her blueprint, tailored for AuditionCentre dreamers.
- Start Local & Network Ruthlessly: Mimic her 2014 Zoo FM leap – volunteer for student stations or street teams. Tip: Build a demo reel . Attend festivals like Melbourne Comedy for connections.
- Niche in Your Superpower: Mel’s pop culture “cheat sheet” sets her apart – find yours (e.g., satire, music trivia). Action: Curate IG/TikTok content; aim for 10K followers to pitch Nova-style gigs.
- Cross-Pollinate Platforms: Radio to TV? Her Cheap Seats pivot proves it. Pro Move: Audition for multi-role ops like her Nova dual gig – blend announcing with producing.
- Go Bold on Social & Personal Brand: X/IG tea like her cast spills builds buzz. Tool: Canva for reels; share “behind-the-mic” stories to humanize your hustle.
- Audition with Authenticity: For BB-level breaks, channel Mel’s “be yourself” vibe in tapes – witty, unfiltered. Next: Submit for Big Brother 2025 extras via our guide.
Bonus: Resilience – her property “tears” story? Proof pivots pay off. Track progress with a journal; celebrate small wins.
Final Thoughts: Mel’s Empire – Your Next Move?
Mel Tracina’s $1M+ glow-up – fueled by radio grit, TV charm, and BB boldness – is 2025’s ultimate inspo. As she unlocks the Dreamworld doors on November 9, her story reminds us: Pop culture queens are made, not born. Tune in, take notes, and who knows? Your eviction line could be next.
Inspired to audition? Drop your Qs below – best one gets featured! Subscribe for more celeb breakdowns and BB audition alerts.
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