Latest news with #Walkley
7NEWS
21-07-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Award-winning ABC journalist Peter Ryan dies at 64 after long battle with cancer
Veteran ABC business journalist and Walkley Award winner Peter Ryan has died aged 64 after a battle with cancer. His family confirmed he passed away on Friday night in Sydney, following a 45-year career in journalism. In recent years, Ryan was known to Australians as a trusted source of business news on ABC Radio and TV, a role he held until his retirement in June. He was first diagnosed with metastatic thyroid cancer in 2014, which ultimately led to his decision to retire. According to his LinkedIn profile, Ryan began his journalism career as a copyboy at the Daily Mirror in 1980. Over the years, he held various roles, including stints at the BBC and Nine Network, before returning to and spending much of his career with the ABC. During more than 35 years at the ABC, Ryan held a number of senior positions, including Washington bureau chief, head of TV news and current affairs in Victoria, and executive producer of Business Breakfast. He was the founding editor of Lateline Business, the program that would later become The Business, and eventually served as the ABC's business editor. From 2016 until his retirement, he was the network's senior business correspondent. Ryan won a Walkley award in 2017 for his groundbreaking investigative report on the Commonwealth Bank scandal, which revealed serious breaches of anti-money laundering laws and sparked widespread calls for reform in Australia's banking sector. He was also recognised as the National Press Club Finance Journalist of the Year in 2018 for his coverage of the banking royal commission. In 2022, Ryan was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal for his service to journalism. At the time of his retirement, Treasurer Jim Chalmers described him as 'an absolute legend'. 'Every day as you wake up and you think about what's happening in the economy, if you only needed to listen to one voice to be sure that you got its essential elements, it would be Peter's,' he said. ABC News director Justin Stevens said Ryan left a 'significant legacy'. 'Through his mentorship, friendship, and professionalism, he directly touched the lives of many at the ABC,' he said. 'Through his journalism, he had a profound impact on the lives of Australians and our society. It was a privilege to know him and work alongside him.' Former ABC News Breakfast presenter Michael Rowland paid tribute on Sunday night, recalling that Ryan was 'full of old stories and good cheer' even when hospitalised. 'If you wanted to know what was going in corporate Australia, Peter was your man. His contacts and record of story-breaking were unrivalled,' Rowland said. 'On top of his courageous journalism, Peter was also a generous mentor and boss to so many over the years, including me. He had a big impact on so many ABC careers.' On his departure from the ABC, Ryan offered words of advice to colleagues across generations. 'Avoid cynicism — be passionate,' he said. 'A good team can often be a very small team — I've worked in some of the best. 'Be proactive — come to the table with a great story so no-one else comes up with a dud that might waste your time. 'Work closely with top people — shut up and absorb like a sponge. 'Maintain a fastidious contact book — some low-profile contacts could soon move into higher-powered roles or, more importantly, work in backrooms where the big decisions are often made. 'Show up to work early and prove that you're ready to take on the big story of the day. 'Try to have a Plan B in your back pocket just in case your original brilliant idea doesn't go anywhere and the EP comes walking your way. 'Finally: Be kind and caring to people who need it.'
Sydney Morning Herald
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Sydney Morning Herald
Cyclone Zelia wreaked havoc on this WA school. Months later, it's still rebuilding
It was the Valentine's Day gift no one asked for. Cyclone Zelia tore through Western Australia's far north, making landfall as a category 4 system and bringing destructive winds and significant rainfall. A remote community school directly in the cyclone's path is still suffering the consequences, with teachers' accommodation destroyed, classrooms made unsafe, and no word yet from its insurance company on the total cost of the damage. The Strelley Community School operates two campuses at Warralong and Strelley Stations, between 150 kilometres and 60 kilometres from Port Hedland. After the community was evacuated via helicopter, it became clear it would be almost impossible to return imminently, with all major roads flooding. It was a unique situation, according to The Nomads Charitable and Educational Foundation managing director Ingrid Walkley, who said previously, one campus or the other was impacted by severe weather events – but never both. The foundation provides grassroots relief to the Strelley community, and plays a huge role in keeping the school campuses running. Within the week, the evacuation centre set up in Port Hedland cleared and was transformed into a temporary classroom for the displaced students. While some students returned to their community via helicopter once it was safe, the majority stayed with friends and family in town to continue schooling. Loading But the teachers, many of whom had moved from afar to work, did not have anyone to stay with, and rentals proved impossible to come by. Walkley said four of the teachers, with seven of their children and two dogs, were relegated to swags on the floor of the local Baptist church for more than a month. Other teachers were placed in temporary accommodation, but were forced to move on multiple times per week based on availability. Finally on March 28, all teachers were moved into discounted rental properties. Meanwhile, Walkely said works were underway to make the school sites safe again. The foundation organised for contractors to head out to the school sites once the roads cleared, to fix flood-damaged flooring in a primary school classroom and the roofing in a multipurpose secondary classroom. At the start of term 2, teachers and students were finally able to return to their community but housing problems for teachers continued. Even as the end of term approaches, their homes are not fixed, with the insurance company yet to provide a statement on the damages, or how much is covered, despite sending someone to survey the site in April. Teachers are living in temporary accommodation vans on site, or sharing space with other staff in the homes not impacted by the storm. Costs undertaken by the school In Port Hedland: White goods and furniture for teacher accommodation. Clothing and other essentials for teachers, which they had to leave behind during evacuation. Meals for staff. Resources including stationary and books for students. A bus to pick students up each day for school. All rental and temporary accommodation costs. Back in community: Temporary accommodation vans at the Strelley site at a current cost of $11,200.00 (excluding GST) per 28 days. Temporary accommodation van at the Warralong site at a cost of $29,436 until August 26. A temporary hire generator is installed while the new generator is being purchased and installed. Repairs to the damaged floor in the Primary Classroom. Temporary repairs to the Multipurpose Classroom (initiated by a mining benefactor) to make the classroom safe, but more work is needed. Safety compliance inspections. Repairs needed for two teacher homes at Warralong. Repair of three homes at Strelley. A position statement sent to the insurers stated the school was under 'significant duress' and unaware of 'how much is being allocated towards repairs and contents, and by whom and when'. 'Our already constrained budget is being seriously stretched to the limit while we wait for an insurance outcome,' it reads. 'The prolonged wait is affecting the mental health of our staff and the culture of our school.' In mid-May, the school was given $350,000 by their insurer to cover initial costs. 'We are now hundreds of thousands of dollars past what the insurance company initially gave us,' Walkley said. 'Our budget is severely impacted.' She also said several teachers had since chosen to leave, and the school was struggling more than ever to find replacements. 'It's always a challenge to find teachers for remote schools, especially given there is a teacher shortage across Australia – applicants have more choice on where to go,' she said. 'Even so, we usually run successful recruitment campaigns but this time, with no certainty on accommodation, that has not been the case.' Walkley is calling on the insurance company to act faster and provide the school with the financial support it needs, but said it would also be a boon if the federal government to step in. As an independent school, with parents of students unable to financially contribute to school fees, the majority of its funding comes from the federal government, but Walkley said it would be of huge benefit if they received a disaster relief payment of some kind. Loading But despite the struggles the school has faced since February, she said the upside was seeing how the Port Hedland community had rallied around them. 'We cannot thank them enough. There was so much support from so many different places, from accommodation, to help with organising excursions,' she said. 'And a huge shout-out to the families and the students for choosing to stay and prioritise education despite being away from their community.
The Age
02-07-2025
- Climate
- The Age
Cyclone Zelia wreaked havoc on this WA school. Months later, it's still rebuilding
It was the Valentine's Day gift no one asked for. Cyclone Zelia tore through Western Australia's far north, making landfall as a category 4 system and bringing destructive winds and significant rainfall. A remote community school directly in the cyclone's path is still suffering the consequences, with teachers' accommodation destroyed, classrooms made unsafe, and no word yet from its insurance company on the total cost of the damage. The Strelley Community School operates two campuses at Warralong and Strelley Stations, between 150 kilometres and 60 kilometres from Port Hedland. After the community was evacuated via helicopter, it became clear it would be almost impossible to return imminently, with all major roads flooding. It was a unique situation, according to The Nomads Charitable and Educational Foundation managing director Ingrid Walkley, who said previously, one campus or the other was impacted by severe weather events – but never both. The foundation provides grassroots relief to the Strelley community, and plays a huge role in keeping the school campuses running. Within the week, the evacuation centre set up in Port Hedland cleared and was transformed into a temporary classroom for the displaced students. While some students returned to their community via helicopter once it was safe, the majority stayed with friends and family in town to continue schooling. Loading But the teachers, many of whom had moved from afar to work, did not have anyone to stay with, and rentals proved impossible to come by. Walkley said four of the teachers, with seven of their children and two dogs, were relegated to swags on the floor of the local Baptist church for more than a month. Other teachers were placed in temporary accommodation, but were forced to move on multiple times per week based on availability. Finally on March 28, all teachers were moved into discounted rental properties. Meanwhile, Walkely said works were underway to make the school sites safe again. The foundation organised for contractors to head out to the school sites once the roads cleared, to fix flood-damaged flooring in a primary school classroom and the roofing in a multipurpose secondary classroom. At the start of term 2, teachers and students were finally able to return to their community but housing problems for teachers continued. Even as the end of term approaches, their homes are not fixed, with the insurance company yet to provide a statement on the damages, or how much is covered, despite sending someone to survey the site in April. Teachers are living in temporary accommodation vans on site, or sharing space with other staff in the homes not impacted by the storm. Costs undertaken by the school In Port Hedland: White goods and furniture for teacher accommodation. Clothing and other essentials for teachers, which they had to leave behind during evacuation. Meals for staff. Resources including stationary and books for students. A bus to pick students up each day for school. All rental and temporary accommodation costs. Back in community: Temporary accommodation vans at the Strelley site at a current cost of $11,200.00 (excluding GST) per 28 days. Temporary accommodation van at the Warralong site at a cost of $29,436 until August 26. A temporary hire generator is installed while the new generator is being purchased and installed. Repairs to the damaged floor in the Primary Classroom. Temporary repairs to the Multipurpose Classroom (initiated by a mining benefactor) to make the classroom safe, but more work is needed. Safety compliance inspections. Repairs needed for two teacher homes at Warralong. Repair of three homes at Strelley. A position statement sent to the insurers stated the school was under 'significant duress' and unaware of 'how much is being allocated towards repairs and contents, and by whom and when'. 'Our already constrained budget is being seriously stretched to the limit while we wait for an insurance outcome,' it reads. 'The prolonged wait is affecting the mental health of our staff and the culture of our school.' In mid-May, the school was given $350,000 by their insurer to cover initial costs. 'We are now hundreds of thousands of dollars past what the insurance company initially gave us,' Walkley said. 'Our budget is severely impacted.' She also said several teachers had since chosen to leave, and the school was struggling more than ever to find replacements. 'It's always a challenge to find teachers for remote schools, especially given there is a teacher shortage across Australia – applicants have more choice on where to go,' she said. 'Even so, we usually run successful recruitment campaigns but this time, with no certainty on accommodation, that has not been the case.' Walkley is calling on the insurance company to act faster and provide the school with the financial support it needs, but said it would also be a boon if the federal government to step in. As an independent school, with parents of students unable to financially contribute to school fees, the majority of its funding comes from the federal government, but Walkley said it would be of huge benefit if they received a disaster relief payment of some kind. Loading But despite the struggles the school has faced since February, she said the upside was seeing how the Port Hedland community had rallied around them. 'We cannot thank them enough. There was so much support from so many different places, from accommodation, to help with organising excursions,' she said. 'And a huge shout-out to the families and the students for choosing to stay and prioritise education despite being away from their community.
The Age
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Butting out: Parliament House crackdown on political puffers
And practically no pollie will even admit to being partial to a dart any more. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he's never smoked. Ever. Notable exception – firebrand independent senator Lidia Thorpe. Ex-NSW premier Dom Perrottet used to admit to a sneaky vape. Others known to have indulged include Labor's Karen Grogan and Jo Ryan. CBD would often get a heady aroma outside the Nationals party room. And the party's former Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce, was certainly partial, although the big fella is now on a health kick, quitting booze after being found sprawled on a Canberra pavement, and having recently undergone surgery for prostate cancer. Dorinda's digital detox The nuked Instagram page was a dead giveaway. Greens senator Dorinda Cox's profile went dark on Monday afternoon, before news of her defection to Labor had even made it onto the homepages. Cox's Twitter (sorry, X) account also went private, and the Greens quickly moved to scrub her from their own website. But the Instagram deletion was telling, probably because some of the senator's most recent posts were bagging the Labor government's decision to approve the extension of energy giant Woodside's North West Shelf gas project until 2070, which she described as 'catastrophic for many reasons' in the now-deleted pic. Clearly all water under the bridge for Cox and her new party. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose distaste for the Greens Political Party is well-documented, gleefully accepted her change of colours. Last year, this masthead reported that Cox had been the subject of several bullying complaints among staff, none of which appeared to trouble Labor, who welcomed her with open arms. Wigging out The standard career downgrade for journalists looking to leave the game behind is to switch to PR or communications. Indeed, most of the political media flacks that dodge CBD's calls every week tend to be retired media types. But Paul Farrell, until very recently an investigative reporter with the ABC, has traded the small screen for the courtroom, and is off to become a barrister. Farrell, who won a Walkley award for longform audio last year, joined 153 Phillip Barristers as a reader (that's jargon for a baby barrister). 'I'm thrilled to be joining 153 Phillip to learn from the brilliant barristers on the floor,' Farrell told CBD. 'I've been very fortunate to have a great career in journalism, most recently at the ABC. I felt like it was time for a change though, and going to the bar is something I've always hoped to do.' But it's a chambers that isn't exactly a safe space for journalists these days – Farrell's star colleague is defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC, known for her all-star cast of plaintiff clients including Geoffrey Rush, Lachlan Murdoch, Gina Rinehart and more. Loading Coincidentally, Chrysanthou was this week in Tropical North Queensland speaking at Cairns Crocodiles, which describes itself as Australia's premier creative festival, where she offered up a passionate defence of defamation laws, and accused big media outlets of successfully lobbying to shift the balance of power in the legal landscape back in favour of publishers. Given Australia's reputation as being the defamation capital of the world, we'd say it's all long overdue. Lawyer X sells Relief for gangland barrister turned police informant Nicola Gobbo, who sold her Melbourne penthouse apartment for $1.25 million last week, ahead of the planned auction.
Sydney Morning Herald
03-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Butting out: Parliament House crackdown on political puffers
And practically no pollie will even admit to being partial to a dart any more. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he's never smoked. Ever. Notable exception – firebrand independent senator Lidia Thorpe. Ex-NSW premier Dom Perrottet used to admit to a sneaky vape. Others known to have indulged include Labor's Karen Grogan and Jo Ryan. CBD would often get a heady aroma outside the Nationals party room. And the party's former Nationals leader, Barnaby Joyce, was certainly partial, although the big fella is now on a health kick, quitting booze after being found sprawled on a Canberra pavement, and having recently undergone surgery for prostate cancer. Dorinda's digital detox The nuked Instagram page was a dead giveaway. Greens senator Dorinda Cox's profile went dark on Monday afternoon, before news of her defection to Labor had even made it onto the homepages. Cox's Twitter (sorry, X) account also went private, and the Greens quickly moved to scrub her from their own website. But the Instagram deletion was telling, probably because some of the senator's most recent posts were bagging the Labor government's decision to approve the extension of energy giant Woodside's North West Shelf gas project until 2070, which she described as 'catastrophic for many reasons' in the now-deleted pic. Clearly all water under the bridge for Cox and her new party. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, whose distaste for the Greens Political Party is well-documented, gleefully accepted her change of colours. Last year, this masthead reported that Cox had been the subject of several bullying complaints among staff, none of which appeared to trouble Labor, who welcomed her with open arms. Wigging out The standard career downgrade for journalists looking to leave the game behind is to switch to PR or communications. Indeed, most of the political media flacks that dodge CBD's calls every week tend to be retired media types. But Paul Farrell, until very recently an investigative reporter with the ABC, has traded the small screen for the courtroom, and is off to become a barrister. Farrell, who won a Walkley award for longform audio last year, joined 153 Phillip Barristers as a reader (that's jargon for a baby barrister). 'I'm thrilled to be joining 153 Phillip to learn from the brilliant barristers on the floor,' Farrell told CBD. 'I've been very fortunate to have a great career in journalism, most recently at the ABC. I felt like it was time for a change though, and going to the bar is something I've always hoped to do.' But it's a chambers that isn't exactly a safe space for journalists these days – Farrell's star colleague is defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou, SC, known for her all-star cast of plaintiff clients including Geoffrey Rush, Lachlan Murdoch, Gina Rinehart and more. Loading Coincidentally, Chrysanthou was this week in Tropical North Queensland speaking at Cairns Crocodiles, which describes itself as Australia's premier creative festival, where she offered up a passionate defence of defamation laws, and accused big media outlets of successfully lobbying to shift the balance of power in the legal landscape back in favour of publishers. Given Australia's reputation as being the defamation capital of the world, we'd say it's all long overdue. Lawyer X sells Relief for gangland barrister turned police informant Nicola Gobbo, who sold her Melbourne penthouse apartment for $1.25 million last week, ahead of the planned auction.
