Sami Lukis replaces Meshel Laurie on Wollongong’s Wave FM

Meshel Laurie’s stint on Wave FM 96.5 in Wollongong has ended, with media personality Sami Lukis stepping into the role.

Both Laurie and now Lukis are filling in for Jade Tonta (formerly Papesch) while she is on maternity leave from the Jade, Straney & Damien show.

The Grant Broadcasters-owned station said it can’t thank Laurie enough for her time broadcasting from her walk-in wardrobe in Melbourne.

“It’s been such a thrill to work with Meshel over the past few months, we’ve shared lots of laughs and she’s taught me a great deal along the way, we even wrote a song together! I’m also really looking forward to reconnecting with Sami, she’s incredibly talented and the Illawarra are in for treat,” co-host Damien Leith said.

Lukis has held roles across Triple M Sydney as part of the Grill Team as well as on Mix 106.5’s Breakfast show alongside Yumi Stynes in 2013.

She said she’s thrilled to be returning to radio and joining Leith and Adam Straney.

“It’s been quite a few years between radio shows (and 4am wakeup calls), so I’m nervous and excited to be joining the team,” she said.

“I’ve hosted Carols in Kiama and Business Awards in the Illawarra many times over the years, but this will be my first time hosting a radio show in the ‘Gong. I’m looking forward to spending more time in such a gorgeous part of the world – but mostly, I’m looking forward to having Damien sing to me every morning.”

Laurie said she had other projects to work on and was thrilled to be handing over to her friend, Lukis. She noted a key part of Lukis’ role would be stopping her co-hosts from squabbling.

The new lineup kicked off today at 5am.