ABC News Breakfast news reader Bridget Brennan will take over as the show’s co-host, after the departure of Lisa Millar.

Brennan, who has been with the ABC since 2010, will step up as co-presenter alongside Michael Rowland.

She begins her new role on August 26. Millar’s last day is August 23.

“I’m really honoured and excited to be taking up this spot on the couch, alongside our amazing team,” she said after Thursday’s announcement.

“I’m so grateful to Lisa and Michael for showing me the ropes and being wonderful mentors while I’ve adjusted to early starts and all the twists and turns that live television throws at you.”

Brennan is a Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta woman who joined the national broadcaster as a cadet journalist. She has previously been the ABC’s Indigenous affairs editor, Europe correspondent and national Indigenous affairs correspondent.

“I didn’t grow up watching Aboriginal women on the news, so it’s really an important moment for my mob as well,” she said.

Brennan was also instrumental in launching the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs Unit in 2017.

Some personal news, as the kids say… https://t.co/HURoFm356T

— Bridget Brennan (@bridgeyb) August 14, 2024

Rowland also welcomed his new offsider.

“Bridget has been such a breath of fresh air since joining the show and I am delighted she’ll now be my main co-presenter,” he said.

“Bridget brings to the job enormous news heft, but also a love of music, film, food and bad jokes (mine, mostly). All the things that make News Breakfast tick.”

The change follows Millar’s announcement in July she was departing News Breakfast after five years as co-host for more roles at the broadcaster.

“I’m going to be having more adventures with Back Roads and Muster Dogs. Muster Dogs keeps getting bigger and bigger. So much to do, and exciting new projects. That means it’s goodbye,” she said.

Millar has recently narrated the Logie-nominated Muster Dogs, guest presented Back Roads, and is co-host of podcast The Newsreader.

She will also present a Muster Dogs “Where are they Now?” special later this year.

ABC News director Justin Stevens said he was delighted to see Brennan step up into a more prominent role.

“Bridget is a formidable journalist and broadcaster and I can’t wait to see what she does on News Breakfast from here,” he said.