A special event to acknowledge Australia's War Correspondents
Today, members of the public, media representatives, and officials gathered at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra to commemorate the service of Australia's war correspondents.
The event marked the 10th anniversary of the War Correspondents memorial's dedication and was a tribute to all journalists, photographers, artists, camera and sound operators, and other media who have covered the nation’s involvement in wars and conflicts and to those who sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of truth.
Greg Melick, RSL’s National President, is the Chair of the C.E.W. Bean Foundation. In his address, he highlighted the need to continue to recognise the vital work of Australia’s war correspondents and acknowledge the risks they endure alongside Australia’s military personnel.
“Over the years, a number of Australian correspondents have paid the ultimate price reporting on conflicts. We lost reporters during WWII and in Vietnam, as well as in other conflicts in South-East Asia, East Timor and Iraq,” Greg Melick said.
“Unfortunately, worldwide, threats to journalists in conflict zones are increasing. In 2023, on average, a journalist or media worker was killed or murdered every four days. In 2024, it was once every three days.
Greg Melick said this reality is impacting news coverage, as is the decreasing number of experienced foreign correspondents in conflict zones, due to long term shifts in the global media industry.
“This is a great concern as reliable and objective information about wars and conflicts is essential to inform the world about the causes and conduct of wars and the toll on civilian populations.
“So, it is vital that Australia honours those who have reported on our nation’s involvement in past wars and conflicts and also that we support those who are risking their lives to bring us news of current conflicts around the world.”
Over fifty people attended the service, which was organised by the C.E.W. Bean Foundation. Representatives from both the Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) and the C.E.W. Bean Foundation laid wreaths, a solemn act of remembrance for the correspondents who have been lost.
The great niece of Damian Parer, one of Australia's most renowned war correspondents, famous for his photography and films of the Second World War, was in attendance and laid a wreath in honour of her great-uncle.
The ceremony also acknowledged the Balibo Five journalists whose tragic deaths are approaching their 50th anniversary this October.
The War Correspondents Memorial was established by the C.E.W. Bean Foundation in 2015. Today's service reinforced its significance, ensuring that the legacy of Australia's war correspondents will not be forgotten.
