July 2026
Dear members and subscribers,
I write to you as the new CEO of the Melbourne Press Club. I am humbled and excited to carry the torch of this iconic organisation that has connected, supported and advocated for Melbourne’s media for over five decades.
Thanks to outgoing CEO Nick Richardson for steadying the ship after Covid and leaving the club in a strong position, and to the board, staff, members and former colleagues who have welcomed me over the last 10 days. I have spent my first fortnight focused on researching the Club’s formidable history, current and past programs and membership base, meeting with board members and connecting with staff, while reaching out to key partners, and developing strategies to grow our membership offering to existing, lapsed and new members. We need strength in numbers to tackle this transformative time for the sector and embrace new opportunities. Supporting future and emerging journalists is integral to the future of the industry, so I have prioritised meeting with our key educational institution partners to ensure we provide the strongest pathways from tertiary to industry.
I also had the honour of attending the funerals of two mavericks giants of the industry - Derryn Hinch and Barry Dickens - in the last week. Two very different personalities, but both ''voices of everyday Melbourne''. What a legacy they left behind to the young journos of today: dig deep to find your story, and look behind the veneer to find the truth.
Recent media staff cuts remind us of the strain on media companies in this unprecedented time, and Alessandra Galloni's recent Andrew Ollie Media Lecture of the hastening threat of AI impacts on our industry.
We ask you to please fill in this survey to help us understand your needs and what value we can add to your membership. As a sweetener, we are offering one double pass to a show at St Kilda's Palais Theatre to someone who fills it out by COB Tuesday 4 August.
In the meantime, if your membership is lapsed, or you would like to join for the first time, please head to our website.
There are many benefits for MPC members, and this month we offer some giveaways. Details below.
Maddy, Emily, our chair Michael Bachelard, our board and I look forward to seeing you at an event soon.
Patrick Donovan
MPC CEO
Hinch: a life in journalism
The state funeral of famed broadcaster Derryn Hinch drew a strong crowd last week. Those wishing to relive the event can watch a recording here.
Praised for his representation of victims of child sexual assault, the tenacious "Human Headline" was inducted into the MPC Hall of Fame at the 2014 Quill Awards.
Accepting the award, Hinch spoke broadly on his life as a journalist and media personality. You can hear his full speech – with introduction by Ray Martin – on our YouTube channel.
2026 Melbourne Press Club survey
The Melbourne Press Club is seeking feedback from members and friends on how it can best meet the needs of those in and around the media.
Everyone with an interest in the media is welcome to participate in this survey, regardless of MPC membership status.
Completing and submitting this survey by COB Tuesday 4 July puts you in the running to win a double pass to an upcoming show at the Palais Theatre. (Subject to availability.)
Complete the survey
Ticket giveaway: see The Wizard of the Kremlin
The Wizard of the Kremlin is in cinemas from today, and the first 10 MPC members to email us will receive a free double in-season digital pass!
The film follows a young Russian filmmaker who becomes an unlikely advisor to Vladimir Putin as he rises to power in post-Soviet Russia, navigating the era’s complexities and chaos. What starts as a partnership spinning lies and corruption escalates into violence, tyranny and all-out war.
The film stars Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander and Tom Sturridge.
Interested? Just reply to this email and let us know you want a pass – but be quick or you might miss out!
Conditions apply.
In the news
Experts argue suppression orders hurt open justice
Legal experts and journalists – including MPC president Michael Bachelard – are worried about the number of suppression orders being used to keep the public from learning the identities of high-profile people accused of serious crimes.
Hear from them in this report.
Photos
Corruption Uncovered: Media, Power and Stability in the Asia-Pacific
See our photos from our recent event with the AIIA here.
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