Returning to a career in journalism after taking a period of leave can prove difficult, given the fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the industry. With this in mind, Women in Media Australia has partnered with the Google News Initiative to debut the Relaunch Project. The project aims to help women return to, or reimagine, their careers in the media industry. 

Relaunch has selected 17 highly experienced candidates to participate in this year's program. They will receive mentoring opportunities and workshops on leadership, new technology and personal development.

Women in Media Co-Chair, Kathy McLeish, said the initiative was designed to empower women to share tips and tricks to navigate their chosen career path. "This is a bespoke model created specifically for women who had worked in media but took time out, only to find themselves looking for some professional guidance regarding the next step in their careers," Kathy said.

The 2022 Relaunch Project candidates have shared with Telum their journeys so far, and what they're looking forward to in the year ahead.
 

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Alice Gorman:
In what seems like another lifetime, 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. I also work in a broad communications and marketing role for our fresh vegetable farming business.

It's time to return to storytelling and explore the professional opportunities available in the next stage of my life.




 

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Amanda Shalala:
I am a Sports Journalist currently leading ABC Sport’s 50:50 Project, which is dedicated to increasing coverage of women in sport, and elevating underrepresented and diverse voices in the industry, across all ABC News platforms. 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.




 

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Andi Yu:
I’m a Journalist for AAP based in Melbourne and report on a wide variety of national breaking news, particularly multicultural and faith issues, refugees and Australia’s relationship with China. 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, develop media skills and clarify my goals.




 

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Anna Rogers:
As a Newspaper Photographer based in Far North Queensland, my job allowed me to travel throughout Cape York and the Torres Straits. 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.




 

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Ashlynne McGhee:
I’m an Investigative Reporter at the ABC and Vice President of the Melbourne Press Club. 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 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.




 

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Jacinta Rose:

I am a skilled media and communications professional with more than 15 years of experience. I currently work as a Freelance Writer and hope the Relaunch Project will help boost my professional skills and confidence, and equip me with the right knowledge to understand what modern media outlets are looking for.





 

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Mashaal Mahmood:

After switching careers to settle in Australia, I always wanted to get back in the media industry as I had worked as a news reporter in my home country. However, since moving to Perth, I have been working as a school teacher. 

Last year, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a Radio Announcer. After doing that for a year, I decided to pursue my true passion of working in journalism.




 

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Nance Haxton:

My investigative journalism skills have been recognised with numerous awards including two Walkleys and three New York Festivals Radio Awards trophies. I now freelance as The Wandering Journo from my mobile studio, Mildred the cantankerous Kombi. 

I want to 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.



 

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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 have been a Presenter with ABC Radio ever since.

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.



 

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Regina Lovic:

I am a Freelance Content Creator and Social Media Manager, working with not-for-profits, private businesses and major political parties. 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.





 

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Robyn Fitzgerald:

I began my media career in broadcast radio and television but expanded to public relations / communications and events management. I am now an 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 to 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.


 

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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 grew up in Brisbane and still live there with my two boys and their dad.

I love the idea of learning from and sharing knowledge with other women who are facing similar challenges while returning to work.




 

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Rosie Lewis:
I began my career at The Australian and have been in the federal parliamentary press gallery for seven years, covering six federal budgets, three prime ministers and two elections. 

I’m currently strapped into the wild roller-coaster 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.



 

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Sally Dillon:
I’m a writer, community builder and problem solver. 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 now want to identify ways I can combine my skills to reach my full potential, and to connect with a supportive network.




 

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Shannon Reid:
I trained as a Journalist and have enjoyed a media career spanning more than 15 years. I moved with my family to New York in 2019, but returned to Australia when COVID-19 disrupted our plans. I am currently working in a community advocacy role.

I am excited by the opportunity to be mentored by and collaborate with some of the most talented women in Australian media.




 

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Sue Smethurst:
I am an award-winning Journalist and Author who has spent more than 20 years working across television, radio and magazines. I am also the author of nine non-fiction books.

My love of a story is stronger than ever before, and we are living in a time when 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.




 

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Virginia Lette:
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 passions, I want to understand where my skills and experience fit into a rapidly evolving media landscape.