Vale: Judith Whelan

ABC Director and journalist Judith Whelan has died after several years’ illness.

She joined the ABC in 2016 as Head of Specialist Content and was appointed Director, Regional and Local in 2019. In October 2022 she was appointed ABC Editorial Director.

Whelan was a former editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, as well as its news director and the editor of its weekend edition, following more than seven years as the editor of Good Weekend. Her career in journalism also includes experience as a Walkley-nominated news and feature writer, senior editor and a foreign correspondent in both the Pacific and Europe.

In a statement, David Anderson ABC Managing Director said, “This is very sad news for all of us at the ABC. Judith was loved and respected across the ABC, especially by our radio and regional teams around the country.

“Judith was a terrific colleague and friend, caring deeply about the people she worked with and meeting every challenge with warmth, compassion and wit.

“Judith always had the instincts that made her such a formidable journalist. She carried with her a commitment to truth and accountability and instilled these values in those who worked with her.

“A valued mentor to younger journalists, Judith nurtured while leading by example. Judith was tough but caring and wanted those around her to succeed. Young reporters knew Judith would champion their work if the story needed to be told.

“Judith spoke her mind and was often the rare voice that called out the truth that needed to be said, regardless of the views of those around her.

“Judith was fearless and never took a backwards step throughout her career or when faced with the cancer she has fought in recent years.”

Anderson said ABC had lost a great friend and journalism has lost a true fighter.

“On behalf of everyone at the ABC, I send our deepest condolences to Judith’s husband Chris, her children Sophia and Patrick, and all her family and friends.”