'That's what we're supposed to do': Joanne McCarthy honoured

Former Newcastle Herald journalist Joanne McCarthy, a Gold Walkley Award winner, has been appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the print media as a journalist. Picture: Marina Neil.

BEING appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) is an acknowledgement that journalists, the media, and acting in the public interest matters, says former Newcastle Herald journalist, Joanne McCarthy.

"When all else fails, it's often the media who's there, and sometimes we are the only things that stand between people and the abuses of power."