Lord Mayor crowns Melbourne’s new Moomba monarchs

Peter Hitchener and Fifi Box have been crowned Melbourne’s 2022 Moomba monarchs by Lord Mayor Sally Capp.

2022 Moomba monarchs Peter Hitchener and Fifi Box. Picture: David Caird

Peter Hitchener and Fifi Box have been crowned as our 2022 Moomba monarchs.

The beloved television newsreader and radio presenter were crowned by Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp on the banks of the Yarra on Wednesday morning.

The city’s new rulers take the reins from a trio of Covid frontline workers: Professor Kirsty Buising, cleaner Pravin Fernando and Coles supermarket worker Drew Law.

The honour of being appointed Moomba Queen was made extra special by standing alongside the iconic Hitchener, Fox FM star Box said.

“To have gone through the last few years … so many Melburnians have felt the struggle and have felt isolated,” Box said.

“I can’t wait to get out and celebrate everything that is Melbourne.

“The highlight for me will be hanging out with Peter all day — not everyone gets to do that!”

Our Moomba monarchs for 2022: Peter Hitchener and Fifi Box @[e-mail]/R1bdBoBzIt

— Edward Bourke (@edbourke6) February 15, 2022

Hitchener said he fell in love with Melbourne after first discovering it and moving to the city in 1974.

“It just is a terrific sign that our city has withstood Covid and is back, on the way to better things,” he said.

The Channel 9 news presenter would not rule out wearing his Moomba crown to work.

“Possibly (he would wear it) but maybe not at the news desk,” he joked.

“I don’t know if we get to keep it, but if we do, look out!”

Close to a million people are expected to attend the festival and provide a significant boost to CBD business owners, Ms Capp said.

“We are delighted to bring back the Moomba Parade, Birdman Rally and Moomba Masters after a hiatus in 2021,” she said.

“These vibrant festival favourites are always huge crowd pleasers, and we expect they’ll attract many visitors back to the city.

Ms Capp said she was thrilled to present Box and Hitchener with their Moomba crowns.

“These treasured Melbourne media icons have delivered news and entertained us for years.

“They also add a lot of value to the community as terrific contributors, so we know they will bring plenty of fun and excitement to this year’s event.”

During the festival the City of Melbourne will become the first Australian city to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower initiative.

People with hidden disabilities can choose to discreetly wear a sunflower symbol so trained Moomba staff can offer their assistance.

Sunflower lanyards will be available for free at the festival.

Carnival ride passes and the full festival program can be found on the Moomba Festival website.