“Not everyone can be a rock star of high school economics. But Ross is a reminder to all that taking the time to help others can truly change the world,one life at a time.”Credit:Wolter Peeters
As a young journalist,having someone see my potential and the way forward,when I haven’t,has been invaluable. Often,you don’t know what you don’t know until you do,which is why mentors like Ross Gittins make such a difference.
He’s never been afraid of speaking his mind,encouraging me to stand firm at important times when my inclination has been to politely shrink away. Whether in writing,or in day-to-day life,that frankness may never come naturally to me,but Ross’s example is a good one to follow.
When it comes to writing columns,he has taught me the value of humour and inserting myself into a story even if it sometimes feels utterly cringe,with loyal readers often finding out aboutmy (mis)adventures before my own family and friends.
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Gittins not only pokes fun at himself,but advocates for those with a quieter voice,both in his writing and through his actions. He has trusted me,and many of his younger mentees,to stand in for him when he is on leave,and has created pathways that have taken many before me to great places.
There’s not much I can give back to Ross. (What do you give a person who already has it all?) One contribution from me is a challenge to his movie tastes. Ross sets most Tuesdays aside for a trip to the cinema.
Yet,despite my persistent urging,he refused to watch one of my all-time favourites:Everything Everywhere All at Once.When it won seven Academy Awards last year,Ross sent me a one-line email:“I will never doubt your film choice again.”
In all seriousness,when I think of my growth,and the trajectory of his many past mentees,the knock-on impact Ross has in our newsrooms is something that he should be incredibly proud of,and for which I will be forever grateful.
Peter Hartcher congratulates Ross Gittins for his Walkley award for Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism. November 20,2020.Credit:James Brickwood
Ross’s legacy will be more than just the words he has written and the policies he has undoubtedly shifted. The future of journalism has been shaped through Ross’s generous mentoring,and will be brighter for him having been here.
Not everyone can be a rock star of high school economics. But Ross is a reminder to all that taking the time to help others can truly change the world,one career at a time.
Millie Muroi is a business reporter atThe Sydney Morning Herald covering banks,financial services and markets.