Distinguished journalist addresses Middle School

17 Jun 2009

As Civics Week approaches, Michael Gordon, one of Australia’s most distinguished journalists, today spoke to Middle School Assembly on the subject of refugees in recognition of International Refugees Week. 

As the first journalist allowed to interview refugees held on Nauru following the Tampa incident, Michael was intensely moved by the stories they told. He maintained contact with two in particular who were eventually settled in Melbourne. When a car accident meant they needed additional financial support, Michael’s son Scott, a Carey prefect in 2008, organised a casual clothes day that raised the necessary funds.

Michael was a student at Carey and left in 1972. He began his career as a 17-year-old cadet reporter at The Age the following year. He completed the cadetship while studying commerce at Melbourne University and has been a journalist ever since. His roles have included being a New York correspondent, political editor of The Australian and sports editor, national editor and (now) Saturday editor at The Age. He has written five books: a biography of Paul Keating; one on Australia's quest for Aboriginal reconciliation; one on Australia's treatment of refugees; a biography of Layne Beachley, the seven-time world champion surfer; and a history of the Hawthorn Football Club that will be published in August.

In 2006 he won the Graham Perkin Award as Australian Journalist of the Year.