Mourning the loss of three of the ABC’s finest
19th August, 2011
THIS morning we woke to terrible reports that three of ABC TV’s most highly regarded news gatherers have lost their lives in a helicopter crash near Lake Eyre in South Australia.Leader of The Nationals Warren Truss today paid tribute to all three men – veteran reporter Paul Lockyer, cameraman John Bean and chopper pilot Gary Ticehurst – saying that regional people have lost dedicated champions who told the stories of rural, regional and remote Australian life.
With over 40 years’ experience, Paul Lockyer covered everything from foreign and political reporting to the Sydney Olympics. His exemplary coverage of 2011’s devastating Queensland floods, especially as the first on the ground in Grantham, was noteworthy not just because it was compelling viewing, but because of its unwavering humanity.
But what I’ll remember most is his dedication to covering regional issues for ABC TV and News and Current Affairs, bringing the stories of regional people to the fore. Regional Australians have lost a friend.
For my part, Paul was a searching interviewer, but behind that was a passion for regional life and the people who live it. He always treated people with respect and sensitivity. He contributed immensely to Australia’s understanding of life in the regions and fostered an appreciation for many of the most remote areas of our country.
Gary Ticehurst was a pioneer of helicopter news coverage with the ABC and became part of the news playing a pivotal role in the rescue effort during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race.
John Bean was on the Wombat Trail with me during last year’s federal election. He was a talented and passionate cameraman, a master of his craft, but also good fun to be around.
In losing John, today’s tragedy is made even more personal in that his wife, ABC Landline reporter Pip Courtney, is so well known to us in regional politics. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Pip, as well as all the families involved.
Clearly, these were three outstanding men – talented, driven and with a passion for life and keeping the rest of us well informed. All will be sorely missed.
[ENDS]
