BEST wishes Joanne, as you embark on the next leg of your journey. In your recent articles I have sensed you champing at the bit to spend more time with your adorable grandchildren. Unfortunately, your decision will likely put a crooked smile on the faces of some, however, those of us who value truth, decency and transparency, and abhor paedophilia, will miss your work, tremendously - both your light-hearted articles, and your hard-nosed investigative journalism.
Australian journalism, and especially our community, will be poorer for your departure from the Newcastle Herald. However, I suspect that others are ready to take up the mantle.
Our family will always remember and appreciate that it was you and Chad Watson who "Shone the Light" in 2012. And, this light has become a beaming spotlight on the leaders and clergy of the Catholic Church in the Maitland Diocese, and Australia. You leave a legacy of increased safety for children in Catholic Schools, right across Australia.
You are most entitled for a change of pace, Joanne, but I do hope that this is not the last we hear from you. We send you our very best wishes for every aspect of the future chapters in your life.
Angela Barry, on behalf of the Pirona family, Toronto
IN 2013, I nominated Joanne McCarthy to be made patron saint for the abused, downtrodden and the underdogs of our society. (Patron saint can perform miracles', Letters, 24/9/13)
Reading of her bowing out in Saturday's Weekender (4/4) was jaw-dropping, but if anyone has earned her freedom, it is our highly literate, lateral thinking, empathetic and doggedly determined Joanne. As a journalist and humanitarian, she had the welfare of others and the need for justice as her top priorities.
I wish her peace and happiness as she nurtures the lives and minds of the darling little beings that are truly fortunate to inherit her genes, and to have her as their grandmother. In their innocence and pure delight, they will restore her spirit to equilibrium. Happy retirement, St Joanne.
JOANNE'S FAREWELL COLUMN: It's goodbye from me
HERALD EDITORIAL: Joanne McCarthy, peerless truth-teller
Sophia Campbell, Dudley
I'VE just read of Joanne McCarthy's resignation. I am a relatively new reader of her work, only since the investigation into Institutional sexual abuse. I cannot commend a journalist highly enough for her dogged pursuit of the injustices heaped on innocent children and her reporting. Her work has been simply immeasurable and there is a special place in her version of heaven for her. I will miss her pieces in the Saturday Herald but completely understand her exhaustion and frustration. Rest well, run heaps, eat well and enjoy your loved ones more often now. Thank you Joanne.
Paula Flux, Nelson Bay
CONGRATULATIONS to Joanne McCarthy, she deserves all the accolades she has achieved, and more, plus a long and happy retirement.
She puts some of the blame on the stupidity of bishops. It is worse than that: there was evil intent on the part of the abusers, and equally evil the actions of those who protected them, denying the victims' allegations.
Her advice to Catholics is to reclaim their Church. Sadly, at the moment, it is only men who can make any changes. If the men are not prepared to make it more representative then women should set a deadline for change. When the deadline passes, they should all stop their lay pastoral activity and the church would grind to a halt.
Only when the 'management' represents male and female laity will there be less likelihood of a repeat of the child abuse we have witnessed.
Joan Lambert, Adamstown
CONGRATULATIONS must go to Joanne McCarthy on her 40 years service in journalism. Also belated 60th birthday wishes. Thank you for giving us such an insight into your private life through your many articles over the years. Enjoyable reading through all the emotions.
More importantly, your work and help in instigating the royal commission into child abuse and the ongoing investigation into pelvic mesh mutilation as well as many other causes, gives us an insight in the sort of person you are.
In my case and in many others, you will be greatly missed, but I am guessing your extended family will enjoy having you around a bit more - if only you could write a few more funny stories about them. All of us are wishing you the best for the future. If only we could achieve as much in our working life as you have, to the endless benefit of your community.
Tony Morley, Waratah
SO we sadly say goodbye Joanne McCarthy, we will miss you. We have seen you fight injustice in your own unassuming way.
I was lucky to meet Joanne at a rally when she was calling for a royal commission into the institutional abuse of children. She has shown true compassion and resilience in the long fight to secure recognition for the victims of abuse.
Thank you Joanne for fighting for those survivors, the women affected by the pelvic mesh implants and then the Williamtown victims.
She has fought the good fight, these battles and many more throughout her career and her name on any article meant we read it knowing that it was factual and authentic.
I have admired and respected you Joanne and your body of work, so walk away proudly but don't go too far as you are a national treasure.
Denise Lindus Trummel, Mayfield
WHEN it is time to "take in the shingle" and step back from what has been your profession/passion, a look back on what you have achieved is something all retiring people do.
Let me assure you Joanne, your contribution to society as you championed those who were pushed aside and forgotten for so many years, is an achievement that will never be forgotten.
Your tenacity against what must have seemed, insurmountable odds, is what has set you apart from most. The recognition from your peers is a testament to your skill and determination as you never once, took a backward step from those monsters who dwelled and preyed upon the most vulnerable, our children.
From the bottom of my heart and from those you championed, a huge thank you.
Michael Stevenson, Warners Bay
THE bad news of the day has been compounded by the sad news that we can no longer look forward to the words of wit and wisdom of Joanne McCarthy. Happy retirement Joanne. Thanks to your journalistic skills and to your courage, we all live in a better place. Truly, a job well done.
Elsa Cant, Merewether
To Joanne McCarthy, you have made a difference to this world. Thank you.
Cath Gibson, Warners Bay
To Joanne McCarthy - I say thank you for your guts, commitment, understanding and most importantly, your honesty. I will miss your column. Be kind to yourself and once again many thanks.
Kathryn Hancock, Newcastle
I WOULD like to add my voice to the many that are expressing their sadness to hear of the retirement of Joanne McCarthy.
I can quite relate to her comments about "stupid". Unfortunately there are many people who the media and others have to deal with that could claim the title of stupid.
I hope that as she is able to refresh and reboot.
Stuart King, Toronto
I CANNOT imagine the Weekender without the lovely face and entertaining articles of Joanne McCarthy. I have often thought that if I could meet anybody I liked to have a coffee with, it would be Joanne.
I'm sure I won't be the only one to miss her, but can only speak for myself; have a good rest, and then I'm sure you will be looking for another challenge. Politics maybe ... what a member of parliament you would be. My very best wishes to you.
Pat Scott, Arcadia Vale
I WOULD like to acknowledge the amazing work ethic and journalism of Joanne McCarthy. Her dedication to reporting some extremely distressing abuse by priests and the churches that protected them can be held up for all journalists to attain such ethics. I have enjoyed her Weekender contributions with laughter and tears at times. I wish her a wonderful retirement to enjoy her growing family. A job well done.
Vicki Dunn, Tighes Hill
I JUST want to pass on my best wishes to Joanne McCarthy on her saying goodbye. She is a wonderful journalist. I followed her stories on child sexual abuse and many more. I will miss reading her Weekender stories.
Vikki Pyers, Morisset
IN response to Joanne McCarthy's resignation I say, "Hear, hear" - no truer words are spoken that journos have got your back. Congratulations on your illustrious career and outcomes for the little people. There'll be other journos, but not another Joanne McCarthy.
Tracey Blair, Eleebana
JOANNE McCarthy, having watched and admired your tireless fight over the years - your energy and passion for justice - thank you.
Paul Skippen, Forster
THE retirement of the Herald's finest journalist Joanne McCarthy is a great loss - not only in Newcastle, but throughout Australia. In the age of Murdoch, the courageous and independent journalism that was her trademark is an increasingly rare and precious thing. May she have a wonderful retirement. She's earned it.
Paul True, Wickham
FAREWELL, Joanne McCarthy. Every Saturday I bought the Newcastle Herald, mainly to read Joanne's column. I'm a little shattered that she has chosen to leave, but I understand that there comes a time when a person just has to stop and re-calibrate. However, while Joanne has every right to change the course of her life, to disrupt the flow of her existence for something, um, else, what about the flow of my existence? I was quite happy with my Saturday morning habits. Surely I have re-calibrated enough already in the year 2020. Thank you, Joanne, you will be missed. Good luck to anyone hoping to replace her.
David Regan, Warners Bay
THANK you Joanne McCarthy for your reporting in the Newcastle Herald; whether it was good, bad, happy or sad. You bought into our homes issues that most of us were unaware of.
Thank you also for sharing family stories to which we could relate and enjoy.
Janice Taylor, Kotara
As they say - "All good things must come to an end" and so it is that we have come to the end of a remarkable career in journalism with the retirement of Joanne McCarthy. I can't remember when I started reading her articles, it is so far back, but just seeing her name attached to a particular piece of reporting was all it needed for me to know it would be informative reading.
What a great loss to journalism in general and particularly to this area. She should go into her retirement in the knowledge she enjoys the best wishes of all her readers and no doubt her colleagues and the citizenry of Newcastle in general. We will miss her.
Bill Snow, Stockton
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