The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and the Sydney Morning Herald, in partnership with the University of Sydney, have announced the inaugural recipients of the Judith Whelan Leadership Fellowship, an initiative designed to support and develop the next generation of women leaders in Australian media.

ABC Executive Producer Rachel Robinson and Sydney Morning Herald Sydney Editor Megan Gorrey have been selected as the first recipients of the Fellowship, which honours the legacy of respected Australian journalist and media leader Judith Whelan.

Whelan held senior leadership positions across both organisations during a distinguished career spanning decades. At the ABC, she served as Director of Regional and Local and later Editorial Director, while her roles at the Sydney Morning Herald included Editor, News Director and Good Weekend Editor. Throughout her career, she was known for championing emerging talent and creating opportunities for women to progress into leadership roles.

As part of the Fellowship, Robinson and Gorrey will participate in the University of Sydney’s Leadership Accelerator Program, designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and prepare managers for more senior positions. They will also undertake an additional professional development course of their choice.

Robinson currently serves as an Executive Producer in ABC Screen’s Arts, Music & Events team, where she leads the development and commissioning of a range of ABC programmes. Her work has included the AACTA Award-winning Portrait Artist of the Year and the International Emmy-winning documentary Harley & Katya.

ABC Managing Director Hugh Marks congratulated both recipients, highlighting Whelan’s commitment to nurturing talent and helping women take the next steps in their careers.

The Fellowship continues that legacy by investing in emerging media leaders at a time of significant transformation across the industry.

By combining professional development with the experience of two major Australian media organisations and the University of Sydney, the initiative aims to equip its recipients with the leadership skills needed to help shape the future of journalism and media.

https://www.abc.net.au/about/media-centre/press-releases/abc-and-smh-announce-inaugural-recipients-of-judith-whelan-leade/107132348?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Photo: ABC