Blue Mountains ABC Friends proudly presents Philippa McDonald, ABC Alumni member, as their Guest Speaker on Saturday 25^th November 2023, at 11.00am, following their AGM, at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts, GWH, Wentworth Falls. All welcome!

Almost Philippa McDonald’s entire journalistic career has been spent on the road as a news and current affairs reporter for ABC News and Current Affairs.

An award winning journalist, she has been at the centre of the media’s coverage of Australia’s worst bushfires, political upheaval, the disappearance of MH 370, terrorist attacks, earthquakes, mine disasters and coups. She has also been National Arts Reporter, Legal Reporter, Transport and Communications reporter. She’s covered everything from the hunt for a serial killer to royal visits, to the billing practices of internationally renowned surgeons, to the Royal Commission which revealed how the nation’s most trusted institutions failed children.

As Bushfire Recovery Reporter for ABC News Philippa focused on how affected communities were recovering from the catastrophic disaster during the pandemic, holding all tiers of government and charities to account. She was also part of the investigation team which produced “The Anatomy of the Mega Blaze.”

Her investigative stories have prompted more whistle-blowers to come forward and have shone the spotlight on the culture of sexual harassment and bullying within a major government department. Her expose on the suffering of victims of the Granville Disaster prompted an apology from the NSW Premier.

Throughout 2023 Philippa has been working with ABC International Development (ABC ID) in Timor Leste to establish the first English speaking TV Newsroom at RTTL, the country’s Public Broadcaster. During the recent referendum, Philippa was a senior producer on The Point at NITV.

Philippa is a member of ABC Alumni and a former Chair of the Walkley Foundation Trustees.

Enquiries regarding this event: Sue Noske: 0421 020 610 or email: susano2311@gmail.com