Candice Wyatt, who grew up in Laang and completed her schooling at Panmure Primary School and Warrnambool and Terang colleges, began co-hosting Network Ten’s flagship 5pm news bulletin in Melbourne alongside Stephen Quartermain.

Wyatt is the third person with a south-west link to host the network’s Melbourne news bulletin, joining Mal Walden and David Johnstone.  

Walden, who retired from the anchor’s chair at the end of last year, began his media career reading news on Warrnambool radio station 3YB. Johnson, who also lived in the Terang area, presented the bulletin in the 1980s before moving to the Seven Network. 

Wyatt, 32, will become the only woman to front a weeknight news bulletin in the city and told The Standard she was looking forward to the new challenge. 

“I’ve been at Ten for nearly four years and was ready to take on something new. I’ve been reporting for 11 years across all forms of media. I can do that with my eyes closed so wanted to try something different,” she said.

“They came to me out of the blue and asked if I would be interested. It was a complete surprise but it’s the perfect challenge.” 

Wyatt’s stepfather and brother still run the Laang farm she grew up on. She lost her mother to brain cancer last year and now advocates passionately for research into the disease. 

“I try to get back every couple of months. It’s so nice to get back to the farm and relax,” Wyatt said. 

“My days at Panmure Primary School are some of the best memories I have so it’s always nice to get back there and catch up with everyone and relax.” 

jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au