Women in Media is excited to reveal the successful group of women who will be embarking on the Relaunch Project in 2022.
Joining forces with the Google News Initiative, Women in Media is offering this highly selective program delivering mentoring, and workshops on leadership, industry innovation, new technology and personal development.
The goal is to empower participants to relaunch their careers in media.
Click on their profile pictures to learn more about the talented participants.
The Cohort
Alice Gorman
In what seems another lifetime (many years ago) I won a Walkley Award for journalism and spent 20 years working in mainstream print media.
More recently I’ve juggled motherhood with my work as a consultant in agri-tourism and food tourism promotion, and in a broad communications, marketing, customer relations, packaging and new product development role for our fresh vegetable farming business.
I wanted to be part of the Relaunch Project because it’s time to return to storytelling and explore the professional opportunities available in the next stage of my life.
Amanda Shalala
I am a sports journalist/broadcaster and am currently leading ABC Sport’s 50:50 Project, which is dedicated to increasing coverage of women in sport, and elevating under-represented and diverse voices in sport, across all ABC News platforms.
I have worked across TV, radio, and digital as a reporter, producer, host and commentator, covering a wide array of major national and international sporting events including the Olympics, and four Paralympic Games.
I also teach Sports Media at the University of Technology Sydney, and Sports Journalism at Macleay College.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I want to help create a level playing field in the Australian sports media.
Jacinta Rose
I am a skilled media and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience.
I have worked across commercial radio news, print and online media, and in public relations with a strong focus on the health and lifestyle realms. This broad experience has allowed me to be both highly adaptable and knowledgeable, with a keen eye for what makes a great story.
Most recently, I have worked as a freelance writer, balanced with a keen interest in literacy and fiction writing. I have a Bachelor of Journalism.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I believe it is the type of program that will boost my professional skills and confidence, and equip me with the right knowledge to understand what it is that modern media outlets are looking for.
Rebecca McLaren
I discovered the joy of working in radio during a serendipitous short term contract at the local ABC station in 2007, and was instantly hooked.
I went back to uni, to WAAPA, to make sure I could do it properly and have been a presenter with ABC Radio ever since. I have worked around the country; Breakfast in Horsham; Afternoons in regional Queensland; Evenings in Darwin; and producing programs in Perth and Melbourne.
My first career was in heritage and museum curation, so I’ve always been focussed on telling stories, just in different ways.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I learnt difficult lessons when I went back to work after my first child, so I wanted to make this time about more than just juggling and fighting for balance. I want the time I’m away from my children to matter.
Ashlynne McGhee
I’m an investigative reporter at the ABC and Vice President of the Melbourne Press Club.
I’ve broken stories for the ABC’s flagship current affairs show 7.30, worked in the Canberra press gallery, reported as a VJ from remote parts of Australia and overseas and dipped my toe in investigative comedy (it’s a thing).
I’ve also worked really hard to develop programs that support young journalists, like the press club’s mentoring program and training series The Edit.
I have a few shiny awards that I treasure as valued recognition from my peers, including a Quill award, a fellowship from the US-based Investigative Reporters and Editors and two Walkley nominations.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because it’s about bloody time we embraced, supported and championed women during one of the biggest transitions we face.
Nance Haxton
I have proven my excellent reporting track record over more than two decades with a range of Australian and international honours for powerful storytelling.
My investigative journalism skills have been recognised with numerous awards including two Walkleys, and three New York Festivals Radio Awards trophies.
I have a passion for justice, and see my main motivation for working in journalism as giving a voice to those who do not normally have access to the media. This experience saw me recognised as Griffith University’s “Journalist in Residence” in 2016.
I was the ABC’s sole reporter at South Australia’s Port Augusta outpost, covering more than half the state for ABC radio and television news, going on to report for ABC’s national radio current affairs AM, PM and The World Today from Adelaide and Brisbane for 15 years.
Now freelancing as The Wandering Journo from my mobile studio Mildred the cantankerous kombi, I am independently producing my audio slice of Australia “Streets of Your Town” and “The Journo Project”, featuring stories from everyday incredible Australians and some of Australia’s greatest journos.
I am also a respected MC, as well as producing a number of high quality podcasts for others, utilising my high end interviewing and production skills.
I am also acting as an advocate for the Disability Royal Commission, helping people with a disability tell their stories to this once-in-a-generation investigation.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project so I can find my path back into the profession that I love – journalism. I want to embrace my years of experience rather than apologise for them, as women down the ages have been culturally trained to do. I also want to discover how to sell my best assets and skills, as well as continue my lifelong path of learning and self-improvement.
Mashaal Mahmood
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because after switching careers to settle in Australia, I always wanted to get back in the media industry to achieve professional satisfaction. I have worked as a news reporter in my home country.
However, since moving to Perth, I have worked as a school teacher.
Last year, I got an opportunity to volunteer as a radio announcer. After doing that for a year, I decided to get back to my true passion of working in this field. I believe The Relaunch Project will open numerous media career opportunities for me.
Rosie Lewis
I began my career at The Australian in Sydney in 2011 and have been in the federal parliamentary press gallery for seven years, covering six federal budgets, three prime ministers and two elections.
I made my mark in Canberra after breaking story after story about the turmoil unleashed by the Senate crossbench of the 44th parliament.
More recently, my agenda-setting national reporting includes exclusives on the dual citizenship fiasco, women in parliament and the COVID-19 pandemic.
I wanted to be part of the Relaunch Project because I’m currently strapped into the wild rollercoaster that is being a first-time mum. I often think about how I’m going to juggle a baby and work when I return so I wanted to grab any support, advice and networking opportunities with both hands. There are many brilliant mums in the federal parliamentary press gallery but the nature of our work means it is not always a family friendly place. Things change bit by bit. Perhaps this project could form part of that story.
Regina Lovic
I am a freelance content creator and social media manager, working with not-for-profits, private businesses and major political parties.
I am a former publicist, Chief of Staff with WIN News and features/promo producer at 9 News Brisbane. I have also been a print news reporter, photographer and videographer.
Always striving to better myself and those around me, I have been a member of Women in Media’s Queensland branch for a number of years, and recently took over the helm of social media manager.
A lover of coffee and my dog Zetha, I will marry my long-term partner this year.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I was feeling lost, professionally, and looking for my next opportunity, to learn new skills, grow and network.
Shannon Reid
Embracing a lifelong passion for telling stories, I trained as a journalist and, over a media career spanning more than 15 years, have worked with many of Australia’s most respected journalists, broadcasters and communicators.
I have been a leader and an integral part of ratings-leading and award-winning programs on both radio and TV, and have received the “Producer of the Year” accolade at the prestigious Australian Commercial Radio Awards.
I moved with my family to New York in 2019, but returned to Australia when COVID disrupted our plans. I am currently working in a community advocacy role and, in my downtime, enjoy spending time with my family, travelling (when it’s possible!), reading, indulging in podcasts and, I’m hoping to run my first marathon in Chicago this year!
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I was excited by the opportunity to be mentored by and collaborate with some of the most talented women in Australian media.
Robyn Fitzgerald
I began my media career in broadcast radio and television, working as a Triple M promotions assistant, moving into an on-air Announcer role and eventually advertising sales.
I had dual roles as an events assistant and producer’s assistant for Channel Seven, eventually rounding out my media working experience in print media.
My career expanded to public relations/communications and events management, designing and implementing effective social, broadcast and print campaigns for NFP, government and private sector entities.
I am a motivated and accomplished professional in strategic planning, media liaison and crisis plans in the sports events, entertainment, leisure and tourism sectors.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I knew I would be surrounded by like-minded people with goals and aspirations, which in turn would fuel my desire to believe in myself and invest in my future.
Sue Smethurst
I am an award-winning journalist and author who has spent more than 20 years working across television, radio and magazines, writing for some of Australia’s biggest selling titles including The Australian Women’s Weekly, The Weekend Australian magazine, Good Weekend, the Herald Sun and many others.
My career has taken me around the globe, interviewing an eclectic mix of questionable celebrities, minor royalty, scammers, cult leaders, colourful identities (read: complete crooks), sports stars and politicians.
I adore real people who have rich stories to tell, particularly those who don’t want to tell them, and love nothing more than gently unpicking the layers of a rollicking yarn.
I am also the author of nine non-fiction books. My latest book The Freedom Circus has been published in six countries.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because my love of a story is stronger than ever before and we are living in a time where the role of quality media and story-telling is vital to the progress of stable democracy, I want to continue learning the art of media and making a contribution to that journey.
Rosanna Ryan
I am a digital editor at ABC Radio National and love finding new ways to connect with audiences and tell stories that help them make sense of the world.
I lead RN’s digital strategy, edit and produce rich multimedia feature content, and collaborate on social media projects.
Before RN, I spent eight years in the busy ABC News Digital team. I’ve worked in community radio and as a journalism academic. I also help run Brisbane’s Hacks/Hackers meet-ups of technologists and storytellers.
I grew up in Brisbane and still live there with my two boys and their dad.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project because I love the idea of learning from, and sharing knowledge with, other women who are facing similar challenges while returning to work.
Andi Yu
I’m a journalist for AAP based in Melbourne.
I report on a wide variety of national breaking news, but key areas of reporting interest include multicultural and faith issues, refugees and Australia’s relationship with China.
I was trained by AAP as a cadet and worked as a court reporter in Sydney and Melbourne.
I have freelanced for ABC Radio National’s Religion and Ethics Report.
Before AAP I worked for the Bendigo Advertiser in northern Victoria which was a fabulous training ground.
I grew up in Melbourne where I now live with my husband and our three children.
I wanted to be part of the Relaunch Project because it’s an opportunity to be mentored, to develop media skills and clarify my goals.
Anna Rogers
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Communications from Mitchell College in the 1980s, I have been employed as a staff photographer on national, state and regional newspapers.
As a newspaper photographer based in Far North Queensland, my job allowed me to travel throughout Cape York and the Torres Straits.
It has been a privilege to document the news and the stories of people and their personal moments of sorrow and great joy.
The closure of hundreds of newspapers and the change to a digital format has meant that my job no longer exists.
I wanted to be part of the Relaunch Project because I hope to gain new skills to use digital media to tell stories in new and innovative ways.
While the media landscape has changed to a 24-hour news cycle, content is still king/ queen.
Recently I transitioned from photography to video and recorded a series of videos in 14 different languages for our multicultural community.
I am hoping the Relaunch Project will enable me to update my skills so that I can continue to work in a field that I love.
Sally Dillon
I’m a writer, community builder and problem solver.
A radio and print journalist, I’ve also written and edited Lonely Planet travel guides, done PR for charities, and run media training.
While raising my children I’ve built my skills as a volunteer; fundraising and running school fetes, training as a breastfeeding counsellor, organising community campaigns and even running for local government election.
I’ve discovered new passions in connecting people and solving communication challenges, and I’m ready to relaunch my professional career.
I wanted to be a part of the Relaunch Project to help me identify ways I could combine my skills to reach my full potential and to connect with a supportive network.
Virginia Lette
A passion for performing and a desire to work in the music industry ignited my media career when, at age 14, I applied for work at my local radio station.
Some 20 years later, I have presented and produced programs on some of Australia’s biggest radio and TV networks.
I then took a break from employment to support my husband and family. An anticipated return to work was then delayed by illness.
Eager to rediscover my passion, I want to be part of the Relaunch Project to understand where my skills and experience fit into a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The Speakers
Google News Lab
Uma Patel
Uma Patel is the Google News Lab Lead for Australia and New Zealand.
She is responsible for working alongside academics, newsrooms, nonprofits and community groups around Australia and New Zealand to tackle misinformation, grow diversity within the industry and support digital transformation for journalists.
Women in Media co-chair
Kathy McLeish
Kathy McLeish has reported and produced widely across ABC programs including 7.30 Qld, 7.30, Landline and Australian Story.
She has won significant awards for her work which includes an investigative series that sparked a $60m overhaul of youth mental health services.
She’s currently working with the ABC’s top-rating television program Back Roads.
She’s also a trustee of the MEAA Media Safety and Solidarity Fund.
Brancher co-founder
Holly Brailsford
Holly Brailsford is a Registered Psychologist and the co-founder of Brancher.
Brancher is a mentoring platform that connects mentees with compatible mentors and supports them to realise the most from their relationship.
ViacomCBS
Beverley McGarvey
Beverley McGarvey is the Chief Content Officer and Executive VP, ViacomCBS ANZ
With more than 25 years’ experience in television internationally and in Australia, she is responsible for all content and creative activities related to the company’s networks and digital properties including 10, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and streaming service Paramount+.
eckfactor founder
Karen Eck
Karen Eck is the founder of media relations agency eckfactor and the presenter of The Power of Visibility.
She specialises in putting brands and exceptional individuals in the spotlight.
She has built her career on strategically positioning clever and extraordinary people, allowing them to tell their stories.
In February 2020, she launched The Power of Visibility to help talented and experienced women achieve the success and recognition they deserve by building skills and confidence in their personal brand
Women in Media co-patron
Victoria Laurie
Victoria Laurie is a journalist, author. and national co-patron of Women in Media.
She has won numerous awards for her writing in publications including The Australian Weekend Magazine and The Australian newspaper, and is a Perth-based freelance contributor.
Television Presenter
Edwina Bathlolomew
Edwina Bathlolomew enjoys one of the most diverse roles at the Seven Network.
As well as her work on Sunrise as news presenter, she returned for her third Olympic Games coverage at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 hosting the afternoon broadcast each day of the games.
News Corp
Laura Chalmers
Laura Chalmers is the Editor in Chief of News Corp Saturday Weekend Magazines.
She oversees editorial content, commercial partnerships and digital strategy for all four Saturday magazines.
She has also worked for the Federal Government in Canberra, working as press secretary to former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Senator Penny Wong as Climate Change and Finance Minister.
Broadcast Journalist
Libbi Gorr
Libbi Gorr’s work has been seen as a guest reporter on ABC 7.30, ABC News Breakfast with a Remote Communities project, ABC International Women’s Day Specials as Creator, Producer and Host and of course across her huge, ground breaking and award winning Elle McFeast Portfolio in the 1990’s on ABC TV, with a focus on feminism, comedy and social issues.
Executive Producer
Josie MacRae
In more than a decade at Nine, Josie MacRae has held five senior management positions covering the full spectrum of Nine’s news output.
These roles have included Content Director for Today Show and Head of News Digital, relaunching 9news.com.au and the 9News app.
She is Executive Producer, News Development at the Nine Network.
Google News
Miguel D’Souza
Miguel D’Souza is a journalist, digital producer and News Training Fellow at Google.
He first started working on the internet in 1996, before moving to digital newsrooms at Seven, News.com.au, SBS and later, Australian Associated Press.
At AAP, Miguel established video and multimedia graphics coverage, and also live reporting tools.
More recently, he has developed OSINT training for tools for reporters and continues to lecture media students.
CEO
Sean Hall
Sean Hall is a TEDx speaker, mental health advocate and CEO of human performance company Energx.
His specialty is helping humans slay the energy vampires that cause burnout, crush creativity and stifle inclusion.
He does this by teaching the skill of “Energy Intelligence”, which combines the latest science from fields including neuroscience, positive psychology, sleep science, growth mindset, nutrition, exercise and mindfulness.
Sean’s mission is to help everyone have the energy they need to discover and achieve their X Factor.