C.E.W. Bean (1879-1968), journalist and historian, was chosen by a ballot of his colleagues to be the official war correspondent attached to Australian troops in the First World War and later became the official historian of the war.
The C.E.W. Bean Foundation’s purpose is to honour him and commemorate Australian war reporting.
We are a registered charity approved by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC).
We were established in 2001. The Foundation was an initiative of the Council for the Centenary of Federation. Two journalists—Tony Walker and Peter Sekuless—inspired a process that led to the then Prime Minister Hon. John Howard MP accepting their bid to create an organisation to honour Australia’s war correspondents.
Since then, the Foundation has been actively supported by the Australian Government, the Australian War Memorial, the National Press Club of Australia, the National Library and the Returned Services League. Financial assistance has come from institutions, media companies including the Fairfax and Murdoch families and many private donors.
Our mission is to preserve and promote the work of journalists, photographers, film and sound crews, writers and artists. Their contribution to understanding our history goes far beyond their dispatches from the front.
“An amazing thing happened in the Second World War, something to this day not properly appreciated by historians – Australian correspondents virtually took over the reporting of the war to the world, they led in every theatre, both in Europe and the Pacific…”
They were in the Bean mould, characterised by their bravery, inquisitiveness and fierce independence. They adopted the dangers of front line troops, were likely to fall foul of military authority because of their independence and often engaged in political discussion at the highest levels either because Prime Ministers sought their counsel or because they gave it regardless.”
Journalist and author Phillip Knightley
Board members
Maj.-Gen. Greg Melick AO RFD FANZCN KC (Chair)
Patrick Walters (Vice Chair)
Mark Riley (Treasurer)
Warwick Costin (Secretary)
Matt Anderson PSM
Brig. Phil Winter AM CSC ADC
Chris Reason
Michael Bowers
Kate Geraghty
Matthew Doran
Patrons
- The Hon. Kim Beazley AC
- Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC
- Mr Michael Darling
- Mr John B Fairfax AO
- the late Second Lieutenant Tim Fischer AC RL
- Mr Phillip Knightley
- Mr Michael Robinson AO
- Mr Kerry Stokes AC
Recently retired board members
Rodney Cavalier AO (inaugural Vice Chair and subsequently Chair)
Paul Kelly
Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson AO
Michael Brissenden
Karen Middleton
Simon Carroll
Hon. John Faulkner
Tony Walker
Major donors
- Kerry Stokes AO and the Seven Network
- Macquarie Bank
- Mundango Foundation
- the late Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC
- Sally White
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- Darling Family (Gordon Darling AC, Marilyn Darling AC, Michael Darling)
- Tim Fairfax AC
- News Corp Australia
- Australian War Memorial
- Boeing Australia
- National Press Club of Australia
- Federal Parliamentary Press Gallery Mid Winter Ball
- The Pratt Foundation
- Marc Besen AO
We thank and give recognition to all those who have donated and contributed to the C.E.W. Bean Foundation. Whether at one of our Functions or Events, or throughout the year, your philanthropy and gift is highly valued.
We have received wonderful support from ordinary people, highly prominent Australians, former war correspondents, photographers and artists, working journalists, students, school children, Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans.
In mid-2020 we received financial support from a donor for the website you are now on, as well as updates to our social media presence.
For all the support we receive from all Australians and around the world, we are truly grateful.
The C.E.W Bean Foundation is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). Gifts and donations are tax deductible.
Please contact us to discuss the best way to contribute. The Foundation Secretary, Mr Warwick Costin, can be reached by email: costinw47@live.com.au
