ALISON SANDY
I’m an experienced, passionate and driven award-winning journalist with 30 years' experience and a reliable record of regularly breaking national/international news.
As a leader in journalism and communications, I’m respected having mentored and managed many other journalists, as well as camera crew, sound/video editors, and graphic artists.
Most importantly, I provide a trusted voice that resonates with the average Australian. My engagement with the public has often been under the most difficult and traumatic of circumstances, so having a kind, empathic nature has been the source of much of my success to date.
After leading several successful information campaigns, I’ve garnered a reputation for delivering results-driven impact journalism, including work that has contributed to law reform.
Throughout my career, I’ve performed under intense pressure—in stressful and often tragic circumstances with limited resources—while continually finding ways to achieve more with less.
My priority has always been to report facts accurately and efficiently, with clear key messages that audiences, community and stakeholders can easily understand and comprehend.
Most recently I was the National Investigations Editor at 7 News where I had to produce for the entire news machine including social media, the 6pm bulletin and the Spotlight program.
My investigations set the news agenda, triggered inquests, new police investigations and court decisions, along with significant law reform.
I understand legal processes and am very proactive and optimistic in my approach. However, I’m also pragmatic and realistic.
As Executive Producer of four award-winning podcasts Kiss & Kill, The Truth About Amy, Shot in the Dark and The Lady Vanishes, I achieved tangible outcomes, including the reopening of a police investigation ahead of a murder trial.
Like many journalists and communication experts, I began my career in regional newspapers, first at the Bayside Bulletin/The Redland Times while studying at university, before securing a full-time role at The Portland Observer in 1998. I was soon promoted to Chief of Staff and council reporter, where I uncovered several corruption scandals.
Work History
National Investigations Editor
2 Years- Brainstormed, sourced, wrote, edited and presented packages for broadcast, ensuring accuracy, pacing, and editorial consistency.
- Applied newsroom judgement to prioritize urgent content and meet tight deadlines.
- Managed massive content including dozens of media releases, phone calls and numerous editorial meetings daily.
- Reviewed video and audio elements for technical quality, continuity, and compliance requirements.
- Mentored junior staff on editing practices, file management, and newsroom procedures.
- Improved production efficiency by streamlining post-production processes and communication across teams.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
- Enhanced publication quality by diligently proofreading and editing articles for grammar, spelling, and consistency.
- Kept up-to-date on industry trends and emerging topics to ensure the relevancy of published materials.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Fostered collaborative environment, encouraging open communication among editorial staff.
- Oversaw and managed editing and publication of several award-winning investigations.
National FOI Editor
10 Years- Made 600-800 FOI applications across the nation a year, providing for at least two breaking stories a week.
- Collaborated with journalists on ensuring the FOIs were targeted.
- Attended weekly meetings with news directors to promote and facilitate upcoming stories and brainstorm ideas.
Police and Courts Editor
2 Years- Managed a team of six people to lead news breaking and long form news stories.
- Scanned court lists and police reports every day to ensure we utilised our resources appropriately and effectively.
- Managed a massive workload which incorporated numerous editorial meetings, media inquiries/releases/interviews and copy analysis to meet tight newsroom deadlines and publication schedules.
- Coordinated with reporters and section leaders to sharpen angles and strengthen story structure.
- Reviewed proofs and final pages to catch factual, grammatical, and layout errors.
- Guided junior editors and reporters on story framing, tone, and precision.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality editorial work.
- Prepared, rewrote, and edited pieces to improve readability and impact.
- Fostered collaborative environment, encouraging open communication among editorial staff.
Investigations Reporter
2 Years- Led several successful news campaigns including the 'Punch Drunk' series about alcohol-fuelled violence where I spent four consecutive weekends in Fortitude Valley and other violent hot spots patrolling with emergency officers. This led to a raft of reforms introduced by the QLD Government including trading hour restrictions, ID scanners and free water in nightclubs.
- Another successful campaign I led resulted in mandatory ankle bracelets of DPSOAs (Dangerous Prisoner Sexual Offenders Act 2003) offenders.
Brisbane City Council Reporter
3 Years- Investigated breaking news stories via council meetings, council papers, source interviews, records review, reporting.
- Wrote clear, accurate articles under tight newsroom deadlines.
- Verified facts, quotes, and background details before publication.
- Coordinated with editors to refine headlines, structure, and story focus.
- Developed reliable sources across courts, politics, business, and community beats.
Reporter
1 YearState Political Editor
2 Years- Directed newsroom content planning, prioritising breaking stories and production deadlines. These included national leading stories like Amanda Vanstone criticising Howard Government reforms post 9/11 after a metal cutlery ban. She said this as guest speaker at a Rotary meeting I attended.
- Directed newsroom content planning, prioritising breaking stories and production deadlines.
News Editor
2 YearsReporter
1 YearChief of Staff/Reporter
3 YearsReporter
1 YearEducation
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Skills
Highlights & Strengths
- The Lady Vanishes was one of Australia’s most successful podcasts, having been downloaded/streamed more than 22 million times internationally and translated into various other languages. I also co-authored a book of the same name.
- I wrote, produced, presented and developed (conducted interviews/sourced talent and stories etc…) the entire series.
- I know how media works, the process of crisis communications, delivering the message and reacting to adverse publicity.
- As an expert communicator, I’ve been able to effectively and productively deal with everyone from criminals to political leaders including the Prime Minister.
- I teach and advocate for Freedom of Information (https://bit.ly/4pKFjYx) and have hosted Walkley workshops across Australia and online. I also strongly advocate for domestic and family violence awareness and prevention.
- I continue to develop innovative ways to report and engage the audience in line with ongoing advancements in technology. I recognise the need to be able to think outside the box to maximise reach and impact.
- I help, advise and advocate for Domestic and Family Violence victims who contact me often. I provide services to not-for-profit organisation like the Red Rose Foundation and volunteer as a member of the Loreto College Finance and Risk Committee.
- I do not believe news is in decline; rather, audiences are increasingly seeking trusted voices who can deliver impartial, reliable and impactful communications with integrity.
AWARDS
2026
– Kennedy Award Winner for Outstanding Reporting for Human Rights, Religion or Social Affairs – Kiss & Kill,
– Kennedy Award Finalist for Outstanding Documentary – Kiss & Kill,
– Seven West Media ‘Moments That Move Us’ Award Winner – Kiss & Kill www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPTm2609bcCEIOzyK-8YyvCp7VH5hSurr
2025
– Kennedy Award Finalist for Outstanding Crime Reporting for The Truth About Amy
2024
– QLD Media Award (Clarion) Winner for Radio News Current Affairs (radio, documentary and podcast) for The Truth About Amy www.thetruthaboutamy.com
– Walkley Outstanding Book Award Long List for The Lady Vanishes
2019/2020/2021
– QLD Media Award (Clarion) Finalist for Outstanding Audio (radio, documentary and podcast) reporting for The Lady Vanishes
– Kennedy Award Winner for Outstanding Online Reporting for The Lady Vanishes https://theladyvanishes.org/
– Seven West Media ‘Moments That Move Us’ Award Winner for The Lady Vanishes
2017
– United Nations Gender Equality (Women Empowerment) Award Winner for The Hunting Grounds, Sunday Night https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/largest-ever-foi-request-paints-a-dirty-picture-of-sexual-assault-at-australian-unis/news-story/798508bfcc3a6b2a684c5dcb9ed67fb3
– Walkley Award Finalist for The Hunting Grounds
2011
– The Peter Charlton Award Winner Journalist of the Year (The Courier-Mail)
Referees
David Fagan
Former Editor-in-Chief
The Courier-Mail
Mob: 0413 080 931
Sally Eeles
Former Executive Producer
7NEWS
Mob: 0411 535 074
Michael Crutcher
The Courier-Mail
Former Editor-in-Chief
Mob: 0417 798 794