In the early days of Australian computing, when “the cloud” was still just weather and “online” was a futuristic concept, Helen Meredith was at her typewriter documenting the shift. Her recent recognition at the Samsung IT Journalism Awards (The Lizzies) as a Pioneer in IT Journalism acknowledged her as the person who built the beat.
At the awards in Sydney on Friday, Helen received a standing ovation. Her acceptance speech detailed the moment she first realised she was reporting on a massive technology transformation in the 70s and 80s, which she later wrote about in her book, Easy Riding on the Information Highway.
Economic Reporting in a Digital Vacuum
Now 90 and describing herself as a “poet living in the Queensland rainforest,” Helen reminded the room of the critical role journalism plays in keeping the tech industry accountable. Especially during our current period of transformation, she emphasised the necessity of leading an “ethical and informed life.”
“If you build a culture that values a spirit of community and care, then the bonds remain forever strong.” — Helen Meredith
1989: The Architect of FITT
Beyond the newsroom, Helen recognised that the lack of diversity in the ICT sector was a systemic failure. In 1989, she co-founded Females in Information Technology and Telecommunications (FITT).
Creating a professional network where none existed is another example of her forsight and ability to lead. At a time when women in tech worked in silos, Helen built the organisation that provided the visibility and mentorship required for career longevity. Her work with FITT predated the modern “Women in STEM” movement by decades, establishing the framework within which Women Love Tech operates today.
The Career of an Innovator
Helen’s career is defined by a series of high-stakes “firsts” that shifted how Australians consumed tech news:
- Global Flow: She launched the first international online news service of its kind, anticipating the digital-first news cycle long before it became the industry standard.
- Pearcey Hall of Fame: In 2017, she was inducted into the Pearcey Foundation Hall of Fame—a rare honour for a journalist—signifying her influence on the ICT industry as a whole.
- The Lizzies: This Pioneer award is the culmination of forty years spent translating complex digital shifts into public policy and social discourse.
An Enduring Foundation
While the tools of the trade have changed from the typewriters of the 70s to the AI-driven newsrooms of 2026, the foundation remains hers. We honour Helen not just for being a “first,” but for being the most effective at ensuring those who came after her had a seat at the table and a voice in the room.
