Star editor passes the baton
The Star Observer is set to welcome a new editor this month, with the announcement current editor Andie Noonan will leave the organisation after three and a half years.
Noonan took over as editor of the paper’s new national edition in March following the departure of former publisher Scott Abrahams.
Noonan was previously editor of the Victorian edition of the paper (Southern Star Observer) from 2010 until late 2011 before the paper’s New South Wales and Victorian editions merged into one national newspaper. She leaves to take up a position in East Asia, working in online journalism.
During her time at the paper, Noonan won the Victorian AIDS Council media award for a story exposing the failure of a Melbourne hospital to deal with a request for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment.
Lead Queensland reporter Drew Sheldrick will now step into the role of editor. He will relocate from Brisbane to the Star Observer’s Sydney office.
Sheldrick has been employed by Star Observer for several years, including in New South Wales and Victoria, and proved to be a respected voice with his recent coverage of the Queensland election and subsequent changes to laws affecting LGBTI Queenslanders under the Newman Government.
The paper will appoint a new Queensland reporter to replace Sheldrick in the coming weeks.
Star Observer general manager Gary Stocks said the appointment marks a new era.
“We would like to thank Andie for her time at the helm and welcome Drew to the job,” Stocks said.
“A new editor always brings with them a fresh perspective. Drew will not only guide the editorial direction but assist with the development of our digital platforms into the future.”
Star Observer is Australia’s most read independently audited LGBTI newspaper.
Andie raised the bar for journalists to follow with her networking, thoroughness, passion for community and excellent journalism. Our loss is definitely someone else’s gain! Good luck in East Asia (and don’d forget to drop in to the “Detours” studio at JOY 94.9 when you’re in town!
Andie ranks up there as one of the best community media people I’ve dealt with in my 14 years of GLBTI community involvement. Fair yet never sycophantic, respectful of diversity, ethical, on the ground and accessable. As has been said above, we’ll miss you, all happiness for future endevours.
Congratulations Drew
It is testement to the Star’s ability to draw talented journalists that has seen it once again able to replace senior roles from within.
I look forward to seeing how you make your mark on the publication.
Andie
Best of luck with your future endeavours – you were a true asset to the publication and your steady hand will be missed.
Congrats Andie, exciting news. Can’t wait to hear your next installment of online journalism in far flung places. Have a ball.
Much love, Mare, Dave, Chloe (in Paris) & Dom (Frankston!)
XxxxxX
Congratulations Drew! Amazing news.