» LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Presented To: GRANT HEADING

I am truly overwhelmed by this award - it's perhaps the most humbling moment of my life to stand before my colleagues and friends, past and present, and be honoured in this way.

I guess the first thing you do when you accept an award like this is to reflect on where the hell a lifetime in journalism has gone. I can still vividly recall walking into the old ABC building in Hindmarsh Square to begin what would turn out to be a 45 year career. I was a first year cadet, barely 16 and extraordinarily naive. Immediately though I was able to experience and observe how reporters and sub-editors covered one of the state's, indeed one of the nation's biggest ever stories...the Beaumont children had disappeared 5 days earlier.

For me, those early years were so stimulating. Looking and learning from some of the best in the business. It certainly didn't pay to be precious about your copy. The subs would take you aside and tear your story apart - all the while explaining where it could be improved. They were wise old heads whose lessons would stay with me for the rest of my life. That uncompromising search for quality is something I've always tried to pass on to young journalists throughout my career.

After 20 something years of reporting and chief of staffing for the ABC I went over to the dark side. Commercial tv was the right move at the right time - and there was money to spend back then too.

Over the next 20 or so years with the Ten Network I was able to employ some of the finest journalists I've ever known and we put together a bloody good news.

For me, a newsroom is a fantastic working environment - full of energy, enthusiasm and egos. Throw in the brilliance of formidable writers, creative minds and unique personalities and no wonder I enjoyed every moment of my career.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job was being able to identify, recruit and encourage young journalists - to help them develop their talents and then see them go out into the world and make a name for themselves....to fulfil their potential.

But it's not getting any easier. I don't envy young journalists today. Cost cutting pressures and time constraints are enormous and you are expected to deliver across multiple platforms in an environment where more and more obstacles are put in your way. The need for resourcefulness and determination has probably never been greater. Hopefully though, you'll still enjoy the rewards of a fascinating and fortunate life.

I've made lasting friendships and have wonderful memories...and precious among those memories will be tonight.

My only regret is that my parents, who encouraged me throughout my career, couldn't have lived a few weeks longer to have shared the moment.

I'd like to thank my wife Jean and my children Emily, Tim and Sam who are here tonight and who had to put up with a lot as I travelled extensively and worked the long hours that come with the job.

Thanks too, to all those of you who shared my wonderful journey - it certainly was a great ride....and finally thanks to the press club for this award...it means a hell of a lot...let's all enjoy the rest of the night.