Laurie Oakes newest MPC life member

Photo courtesy of Bruce Postle


Veteran political journalist Laurie Oakes has been made a life member of the Melbourne Press Club.

Oakes, who retired in August as National Nine News political editor, was presented with the award after addressing a farewell Melbourne Press Club lunch on 15 September.

MPC President Michael Rowland praised Oakes for his long-standing friendship and support of the club and his generosity in supporting the journalistic profession more broadly.

“Laurie has been a great friend of the MPC and has always given back to the profession,” Rowland said.

Oakes began his almost 50-year career in the Canberra press gallery with the Melbourne Sun News Pictorial.

“Although I’m based in Canberra, I’ve long felt a strong link with this club and been involved in its activities when I can - including a period as one of the Perkin Award judges,” Oakes said.

“Many of the members are people I’ve worked with over the years. I feel I belong. So this farewell means a lot to me.”

Oakes won the MPC’s Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year Award in 2010. In 2007 he shared the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award with Canberra colleague Michelle Grattan.

At the farewell lunch, he was presented with a framed caricature by Herald Sun cartoonist Mark Knight.

Apply to join the Melbourne Press Club

Membership is $100 for journalists, $150 for associate members and $40 for students.

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