Life’s only limitations are the ones we put on ourselves.
Ita Buttrose AC, OBE, is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author, committed community and welfare contributor and former Australian of the Year.
In 2019 Ita became a Companion of the Order of Australia for her service to the community through leadership in the media, the arts, the health sector and as a role model.
Current work:
Ita is Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Chair of the Advisory Committee for the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. She balances this high-profile role with charitable responsibilities, including serving as National President of Alzheimer's (now Dementia) Australia from 2011- 2014 and is now the organisation's Patron. In addition, she has been Patron of the Macular Disease Foundation since 2005 and is Emeritus Director of Arthritis Australia, having served as President from 2003-2006.
In 2019 Ita was chosen as a Shero Barbie, one of a collection of 20 Barbie Dolls that globally recognise female role models and achievers.
Previous experience:
Media: Ita was the founding editor of Cleo, the youngest ever editor of The Australian Women's Weekly, the first woman to ever edit a major metropolitan newspaper in Australia as Editor-in-Chief of the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, and the first female director of News Ltd Australia. She has hosted primetime shows on radio and television.
During her distinguished media career, she has held executive and editing roles for major Australian media companies, including Australian Consolidated Press, News Ltd and Fairfax, and has run her own media company, Capricorn Publishing, and created ITA Magazine, a magazine for the woman who wasn't born yesterday.
In 2011, her earlier career was immortalised in the acclaimed ABC mini-series 'Paper Giants: The Birth of Cleo'.
Ita was inducted into the Australian Media Hall of Fame in 2017.
Author: Ita has written 11 successful books, including her best-selling autobiography 'A Passionate Life'.
Awards: In 2018, Ita was conferred with the University of New South Wales' highest honour - an honorary doctorate in medicine in recognition of her eminent service to health, being an inspirational role model for aspiring women in business and making a difference in society. In 2015 she was conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Wollongong for her contribution to mental health and ageing. In 2014 Sydney's Macquarie University conferred an Honorary Doctor of Letters on Ita to recognise her contribution to the arts. In addition, she was the Inaugural NSW Excellence in Women's Leadership award winner. (2014).
She received an AO in 1988 for her services to the community, especially in the field of public health education, when she spearheaded Australia's HIV/AIDS Education Program, an OBE for her services to journalism, and a Centenary Medal for business leadership. In 2019 Ita became a Companion of the Order for her service to the community through leadership in the media, the arts, the health sector and as a role model.
Talking Points
A Passionate Life: The Ita Buttrose Story
A Passionate Life: The Ita Buttrose Story
Positive Ageing: Growing Older with Zest - and occasionally disgracefully!
Positive Ageing: Growing Older with Zest - and occasionally disgracefully!
How to manage the ever increasing pace of change - the business and personal landscape
How to manage the ever increasing pace of change - the business and personal landscape
The Secrets of Success
The Secrets of Success
Resilience and Leadership - an unbeatable combination
Resilience and Leadership - an unbeatable combination
Why your personal brand is the best investment you can make
Why your personal brand is the best investment you can make
Video
Ita Buttrose: From 'copy girl' to ABC Chair, reflecting on six decades in media | Australian Story
Keen to follow her father into journalism, Ita left school at 15 and moved from "copy girl", to journalist, to magazine editor in quick succession. Her first major success was as founding editor of Cleo Magazine, pushing the editorial boundaries of the time. Still in her thirties, she was editing the countries highest selling magazine, the Australian Women's Weekly. She has juggled motherhood, difficult bosses and the highs and lows of a changing industry, whilst also being an outspoken voice for causes she believes in. Ita Buttrose's term as ABC Chair finishes in March 2024, and in this Australian Story, she looks back on a career that has equipped her for the role, as she juggles the complexities of one of Australia's largest cultural institutions."Nothing is impossible": 2013 Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose
Australian of the Year Ita Buttrose says she is committed to promoting a more positive aproach to ageing, and to beating dementia. Ita Buttrose AC OBE is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author, committed community and welfare contributor.Ita Buttrose up close and personal with Steve Vamos, Theresa Gattung and Brad Howarth
Ita Buttrose discussing business and technology with Steve Vamos, Theresa Gattung and Brad Howarth at Business: It ain't what it used to be! Ita Buttrose AC OBE is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author, committed community and welfare contributor and former Australian of the Year.Ita Buttrose: Lessons from the youngest ever Women's Editor of The Telegraph
Ita Buttrose speaks with Sara James about the steep learning curve of being appointed Women's Editor of Sir Frank Packer's Telegraph at just 23 years old. Ita Buttrose AC OBE is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author, committed community and welfare contributor and former Australian of the Year.Ita Buttrose: On being a musical muse for Cold Chisel
Ita Buttrose speaks with Sara James on her surprise at being a musical muse for Cold Chisel at AIME 2017. Ita Buttrose AC OBE is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author, committed community and welfare contributor and former Australian of the Year.Ita Buttrose on Asher Keddie's performance in Paper Giants
It's a strange thing to watch someone play you on film, as Ita Buttrose found out when she met Asher Keddie, who was to play the legendary media and business icon in the hit TV miniseries 'Paper Giants'. Recorded at AIME 2017 in conversation with Sara James as part of Saxton's Up Close and Personal program. Ita Buttrose AC OBE is a truly exceptional Australian: a legendary media trailblazer, businesswoman, best-selling author, committed community and welfare contributor and former Australian of the Year.Ita Buttrose's advice to her younger self | 7.30
When Ita Buttrose started Cleo magazine in 1972, it was the first time a women's publication was frank about sexuality, and it went on to become a huge success. That was just the beginning for a woman who has paved the way for women in journalism ever since.Ita Buttrose was very well received at each event for the Commonwealth Financial Planning Ongoing Service Briefings! Her presentation was very well suited to the audience and they made comme ... keep reading Colonial First State Investments Ltd
Ita, consistently a true professional. Greatly appreciated her willingness to change schedule at short notice. Ita has unique ability to continuously adapt. Ita brings life, energy and enthusiasm to any event. Extremely knowledgeable of her subject.
Ita Buttrose was fantastic! One of the best speakers we have had for our leadership program. You could have heard a pin drop during her presentation, everyone was so attentive and hung on every word. We had fantastic feedback from all who attended.
Ms Ita Buttrose was inspirational. Everyone in the audience was impressed with the amount of research on the sports industry she had done and her ability to relate her life and work experiences to members of the audience (CEO and State Sport Board members). Ita delivered her presentation on women in leadership (particularly women on boards) in an informative and motivating way. The evidence in the power of her presentation has been the follow-up feedback by members in the audience and the motivation to support change and engage in strategies and opportunities to increase women's representation in sport leadership positions. Well done Ita.
Ita pitched her presentation perfectly for the audience. She had the audience enthralled - lots of good stories and lots of laughter. Ita received a standing ovation from the audience.
Thank you so very much for speaking at the REINSW Women in Real Estate Conference - what a fantastic day it was! Your presentation was so motivating and inspiring that you could hear a pin drop in the room as everyone was so very engaged with what you had to share. Your wealth of knowledge, richness of life experiences and humbleness of success was truly amazing and will stay in the memories of our delegates. While they say we are all ordinary people doing extraordinary things, you are an exceptional extraordinary lady and it was a delight and privilege to have you speak. Your words touched so many people and created a memory that will last with them forever as you certainly did for me. Thank you.
Ita recently spoke at an online event with our Chamber to launch our Leaders in Conversation series. Ita spoke to a spectrum of issues and experiences including the role of media in business and society, the evolving requirements of leadership and the guiding value of purpose. She is a wonderfully accomplished and direct speaker who was generous in sharing her years of experience and resulting insight with our audience. Following our event we received glowing feedback from guests who noted what an inspiring role model Ita is for both current and emerging leaders.
