“This one’s for you, Mel” – special ACRAs moment for a radio favourite

There were certainly some heartwarming moments at this year’s ACRAs, but none more so than when Mix 102.3’s The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show was recognised for an episode in honour of the late Mel Dzelde.

Mel – a much-loved SA radio personality – died in December 2022 after a long battle with cancer.

Unable to get home for Christmas that year, Mix 102.3 brought the festive spirit to Mel at the Mary Potter Hospice, whilst helping to ease the financial burden on the Dzelde family.

On Saturday night, The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show took out the metro award for Best Community Campaign for  ‘Mel Dzelde Rescue: The Spirit of Christmas.’

After receiving the award, an emotional Clarke told Radio Today “When she went into the hospice, we gave her an orchid.”

Clarke revealed that Mel’s orchid had flowered the day before the ACRAs.

“We were hoping that was a sign,” said Clarke, who also revealed Mel herself had a good feeling about the campaign.

“One of the very last things that she said was ‘if this doesn’t get up for an ACRA, then nothing will.’”

“She was the biggest fan of radio.”

“She was everything that radio was supposed to be,” said Clarke. “It’s good, it’s kind and it connects people.”

Clarke believes it was serendipitous that Amanda Keller – a great friend of Mel’s – was not only part of the broadcast on the day, but was the person who presented the award.

Clarke FaceTimed Mel’s husband Chris and posted the moment to Instagram, writing “This one’s for you Mel … you were with us every moment. To everyone involved in this, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”