ABN: 99 164 809 349
1. Structure
The Walkley Foundation’s core mission is to celebrate and encourage great Australian journalism
telling the stories of our nation and strengthening our democracy.
The Walkley Foundation is a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Australian
Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission
One of its key purposes is, working with the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), to build a
community of journalists, story-tellers, practitioners of narrative non-fiction and other creative
industry workers committed to promoting excellence in these crafts across all platforms and
ensuring media space that is free, ethical and of high quality.
The Foundation was originally constituted in 2000 under MEAA by-laws as a fully autonomous
organisation to organise the Walkley awards; to advance the interests of professional and ethical
journalism; Implement education and training programs for journalists; and advance the interests of
the AJA section of MEAA.
In July 2013, the Foundation made the transition to a company limited by guarantee whose purpose
and objects are as set out in its constitution.
The Role of the Walkley Directors (trustees)
The members of the company are the three nationally elected officials of the media section of
MEAA, the Chair of the Walkley Advisory Board. They are also the directors and together may
appoint up to two additional directors. The directors of the Walkley Company shall be known as the
Walkley Foundation Trustees. The Directors are appointed on a two year term with an option for
renewal.
The present Board of Directors are:
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Quentin Dempster, presenter StateLine, ABC (appointed Director & Chair)
Michael Janda reporter, ABC News (member – MEAA Media Vice President)
Gina McColl, deputy editor, The Sunday Age (member – MEAA Media Vice President)
Kate McClymont, senior reporter, The Sydney Morning Herald (member – chair Advisory
Board)
Stuart Washington, senior business reporter, Fairfax Media (member – MEAA Media
President)
Laurie Oakes, political editor, Nine Network ( appointed Director)
Secretary: Louisa Graham General Manager, The Walkley Foundation
January 2016
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2(a)
The Board of Directors are responsible for:
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2(b)
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2(c)
Governance:
Directors must comply with all legal obligations and governance as set out in the
Corporations Act 2001:
o Act in good faith, in the best interest of the company;
o Not make improper use of information or position;
o Act with care and diligence;
o Disclose any material personal interest in matters relating the affairs of the
company;
o Not allow the company to trade while it is or would become insolvent.
Each director must notify the Secretary in writing of any change in the name, address and
telephone number within one month after the change.
Strategy & Management:
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2(d)
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2(e)
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2(f)
Ensuring the Walkley Foundation meets its legal and fiduciary responsibilities;
Reporting on key decisions of the Board to MEAA and, in particular, its media section;
Establishing the vision, mission and strategic direction and priorities of the Walkley
Foundation’s work;
Approving strategic plans and annual budgets;
Appointing any additional company directors, members of any sub-committees such as the
Walkley Advisory Board
Recruiting, selecting and reviewing the Executive Director
Directors need to be familiar with the Walkley Foundation Limited constitution and strategic
goals.
Have an understanding of the media industry and be familiar with the constitution and
strategic goals of MEAA and, in particular, of its media section
Contribute to the development of the strategic direction of the Walkley Foundation.
Public Image:
Promote and support the mission of the Foundation.
Act as an ambassador in the community and in the workplace encouraging colleagues to
enter awards and attend key events such as the Press Freedom Media Dinner and the MEAA
Centenary Lecture.
Be available for media interviews regarding the Foundation as required.
Development:
Contribute to identifying sponsors or funders for the Foundation and attend meetings with
potential supporters where required.
Meetings:
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The following meetings will be required on an annual basis and additional meetings may be held as
needed:
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2 (g).
April/May: to consider the forward budget and reporting
October – to judge outstanding contributions
November - Annual General Meeting: to consider the auditor’s report, forward budget and
reporting, appointment of directors and or office holders, committee boards etc. (An AGM
must be held within 5 months of the end of the financial year).
The role of the Chair
The chair will be elected for a two year term with the option for renewal. The Chairs appointment
and voting powers are outlined in sections 7.4 to 9.4.2. inclusive.
3. CEO
The CEO is appointed by the Walkley Directors. The Executive Director will manage the Walkley
Foundation within the priorities, policies and strategic direction as determined by the Directors.
The Executive Director is responsible for:
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Operational matters of The Walkley Foundation including staff employment;
Assisting the Board of Directors to fulfil its responsibilities by providing timely advice,
information and guidance as required;
Providing the Board with information that allows it to assess the organisations performance
and achievements;
Participating in an annual performance review process undertaken by the Chair and one
other member of the Board of Directors.
4. Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors shall appoint an advisory committee, the Walkley Advisory Board which is
made up of 10 to 12 senior media industry members who judge the Walkley Awards, advise the
Directors on matters relating to the awards and act as ambassadors for the foundation. Walkley
Advisory Board Members are appointed for a term two year term with an option for a renewal for an
additional one or two years.
4(a)
Responsibilities of the Walkley Advisory Board:
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4(b)
Maintain the integrity of the Walkley Awards;
Assess and determine Walkley Award category descriptions, terms and conditions. A major
review is undertaken each three to four years;
Participate in Board Judging to determine the winners of categories, the Gold Walkley and
journalism leadership;
Be familiar with the Foundation’s strategic goals and direction;
Attend two compulsory board meetings in May and October each year.
Public Image:
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4(c)
Act as ambassadors for the Foundation attending and/or presenting at key Walkley
stakeholder events, such as:
o Walkley Program Launch, March, Sydney
o Press Freedom Media Dinner, May, Sydney
o Editors & Producers Lunch, August, Sydney & Melbourne
o Judges and Sponsors Lunch, October, Sydney & Melbourne
o Finalists announcement, October, Sydney & Melbourne
o Walkley Awards gala ceremony, November, location varies
The Foundation will assist board members in seeking support from their media organisations
to attend Walkley events and meetings, however costs associated with attendance are not
provided by the Foundation.
Act as an ambassador in the workplace encouraging colleagues to enter awards and attend
key events such as the Press Freedom Media Dinner.
Be available for media interviews regarding the awards as required.
Promote and support the mission of the Foundation.
Development
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4(d)
Contribute to identifying sponsors or funders for the Foundation and attend meetings where
required.
Participate in strategic thinking about the future of the Foundation
Meetings
The following meetings require compulsory attendance. Additional meetings may be held as
needed:
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May: Welcome new board members, confirmation of Award categories, terms & conditions.
This meeting is held on the day of the Press Freedom Media Dinner and board members
should attend the dinner following the meeting.
October: Board Judging to determine category winner, Gold Walkley and journalism
leadership. Board members must attend in person.
The Foundation will assist in requesting support from media organisations to provide travel
and accommodation for these two compulsory meetings.
Adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors on May 1, 2014
January 2016
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