Women in Media Australia Welcomes Emma Macdonald OAM to Its Board of Directors

Women in Media Australia announces today that Emma Macdonald OAM is joining its board of directors, effective immediately.

Emma is an award-winning journalist and a widely respected leader in the media industry. A double Walkley Award winner, she spent 23 years at The Canberra Times — including as bureau chief in the Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery — before becoming Associate Editor of HerCanberra in 2016. 

In 2022, Emma was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the Queen's Birthday Honours for "Services to Journalism and to Women".

Women in Media Australia Chair Anita Jacoby AM said the appointment was cause for genuine celebration. 

"Emma is exactly the kind of leader we want shaping the future of this organisation," she said. 

"She brings extraordinary journalistic credentials, a deep personal commitment to Women in Media, and a proven track record of converting good ideas into lasting impact. 

"We are absolutely delighted to have someone of her calibre join our board."

Emma’s contribution to Women in Media already runs deep. 

She is a founding member of the Women in Media's ACT committee, taking over as convenor in 2016 and building one of the organisation's most active chapters.

Emma is the driving force behind Women in Media's National Press Club addresses and founded The Caroline Jones Women in Media Young Journalist’s Award, which offers a career-changing opportunity for reporters in regional and remote areas. It is now in its seventh year. 

She has also co-founded the maternal health charity Send Hope Not Flowers, which has raised more than $1 million for safe birth programs and maternal health training across nine developing countries. Emma was recognised for this work with an ACT Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2016.

Emma has already significantly contributed to building Women in Media into a national organisation, so it's fitting that she joins the board.

"As a woman who has devoted more than 30 years to the industry, it is a privilege to be part of a not-for-profit organisation which seeks to support and elevate women in media across every state and territory and at all stages of their careers,"

she said.

"I have always enjoyed connecting with other women in media. I believe in the benefits of supporting and mentoring new generations, and I look forward to this next chapter of national involvement."