The legacy of Australian journalist and editorial leader Judith Whelan is set to live on through a new initiative supporting the industry’s future.
The ABC, The Sydney Morning Herald and the University of Sydney have partnered to establish the annual Judith Whelan Leadership Fellowship in honour of her lasting contribution to journalism.
Announced on Tuesday, the Fellowship was established following Whelan’s passing in 2024 and aims to continue her commitment to mentoring and editorial leadership by supporting future women leaders in journalism.
Each year, the ABC and The Sydney Morning Herald will each nominate one participant to undertake the University of Sydney’s Leadership Accelerator Program, with recipients also able to complete an additional short course of their choice and receive mentoring from senior women leaders throughout the 12 month Fellowship.
ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks said the Fellowship was a fitting tribute to Whelan’s leadership and her enduring commitment to supporting future generations of journalists.
“This Fellowship is a deeply meaningful tribute to Judith’s life and legacy, supporting and inspiring the next generation of women in journalism across the organisations that meant so much to her.”
The Sydney Morning Herald Editor Jordan Baker said Whelan had inspired generations of journalists throughout her career, making the Fellowship a fitting way to honour her legacy.
“Judith was a highly respected and much loved colleague of many at the Herald. As just the second female to edit the masthead she was an inspiration to many women in our industry and this initiative is a wonderful way to honour her legacy.”
Whelan joined the ABC in 2016, serving as Director of Regional and Local before becoming Editorial Director, where she helped strengthen the broadcaster’s regional and rural services.
Before that, she spent more than three decades at The Sydney Morning Herald, serving as Editor and News Director, as well as seven years editing Good Weekend magazine. She also became the first woman elected President of the University of Sydney Union during her time as a student.
The annual Fellowship has been established by the ABC, The Sydney Morning Herald and the University of Sydney in partnership with Whelan’s family and an advisory committee, with recipients to be selected each year by the participating organisations.
