Imagine growing up in a world where your dreams feel impossibly big but your circumstances seem painfully small. That’s exactly how Ita Clare Buttrose AC OBE started her journey. Born on January 17, 1942, in Potts Point, Sydney, she was named after her maternal grandmother, Ita Clare Rodgers (née Rosenthal). Her name carried weight—pronounced /ˈaɪtə/, rhyming with “fighter.” From the get-go, this little girl had grit baked into her soul.
Her early years weren’t all sunshine and roses. Ita Clare Buttrose spent her first five years living in New York City because her dad worked as a correspondent for *The Daily Mirror*. When they returned to Australia in 1949, settling in Vaucluse, things seemed stable. But then came the storm. During her teens, her parents divorced after 25 years together. The tabloids dug deep into her father’s private life, causing immense pain to her mother. Financial struggles meant switching from private school to Dover Heights Home Science High School. By age 15, Ita left school entirely to chase her dream of becoming a journalist—a bold move back then.
What makes Ita’s story so compelling is how she turned adversity into opportunity. Despite hardships, she never lost sight of her goals. At just 11 years old, she decided journalism would be her calling. And boy, did she stick to it! Fast forward a few decades, and she became one of Australia’s most influential figures. As the founding editor of *Cleo* magazine, she broke barriers by addressing women’s issues openly. Later, as the youngest-ever editor of *The Australian Women’s Weekly*, she made history again. Her career wasn’t just about breaking glass ceilings—it was about redefining what success looked like for women everywhere.
Early Life and Education
Ita Clare Buttrose grew up surrounded by stories—literally and figuratively. With a journalist father who once edited *The Daily Mirror*, words were part of her DNA. Yet, her childhood wasn’t picture-perfect. After moving back from New York at age five, she faced upheaval when her parents split during her teenage years. Tabloid headlines splashed details of her father’s affairs across newspapers, leaving scars that ran deep within her family.
Schooling itself became a challenge. Initially attending a private institution, financial constraints forced her transfer to Dover Heights Home Science High School. Some might see this as a setback, but Ita saw it differently. Even as a young girl, Ita Clare Buttrose understood resilience. Leaving school at 15 may have shocked some, yet for Ita, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary. By stepping into the workforce early, she gained real-world experience that shaped her future immensely.
Experts often say our upbringing molds us, and for Ita, that couldn’t be truer. Raised Catholic despite having Jewish ancestry on her mom’s side, she learned adaptability early on. These traits stayed with her throughout her career. Whether navigating office politics or handling public scrutiny, Ita always found strength in her roots. Her ability to balance tradition with modernity became a hallmark of her leadership style later in life.
A Career That Redefined Publishing
At just 23, Ita landed her first major role as women’s editor of *The Daily Telegraph*. Back then, such positions rarely went to someone so young—or female. But Ita didn’t care much for societal norms. Instead, Ita Clare Buttrose poured her energy into creating content that resonated with readers. Then came 1971, a year that changed everything. Plans to launch an Australian edition of *Cosmopolitan* fell through, paving the way for *Cleo*. Co-created by Ita and Sir Frank Packer, *Cleo* tackled topics like sexuality head-on. Its nude male centrefolds? Groundbreaking.
While editing *Cleo*, Ita juggled pregnancy alongside work—an unusual feat in those days. Most women quit jobs permanently once expecting, but not Ita. With reluctant support from the Packers, she continued working until her son Ben arrived. Her dedication earned respect across industries. After *Cleo*, she took over *The Australian Women’s Weekly*, making waves again as its youngest editor ever. Per capita, it ranked among the world’s largest-selling magazines under her watch.
In 1981, Rupert Murdoch offered her the editor-in-chief role at *The Daily Telegraph* and *The Sunday Telegraph*. Once more, Ita shattered stereotypes by becoming the first woman to lead a major metropolitan newspaper in Australia. During this time, she also hosted a weekend radio show titled *Ita*. Rock band Cold Chisel even wrote a song about her! Through every twist and turn, Ita proved herself unstoppable, earning admiration from peers and fans alike.
Awards and Honors
| Year | Award/Honor | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) | Recognized for services to journalism. |
| 1988 | Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) | Honored for contributions to media and society. |
| 2003 | Centenary Medal | Awarded for service to Australian society. |
| 2019 | Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) | Advanced for eminent service to health and broadcasting. |
Personal Life and Challenges
Behind every great leader lies a tapestry of personal experiences shaping them. For Ita, marriage brought both joy and heartache. At 21, she wed architect Alasdair “Mac” Macdonald, welcoming two children, Kate and Ben. However, while editing *The Australian Women’s Weekly*, cracks appeared in their relationship. They divorced in 1976. A second marriage to Peter Sawyer ended similarly, leaving Ita focused on her career and kids.
Beyond relationships, caring for her father added another layer of complexity. Diagnosed with vascular dementia, he relied heavily on Ita until his passing in 1999. These trials tested her emotionally but also strengthened her resolve. Rumors swirled about a rumored affair with Kerry Packer, though Ita declined to comment. Keeping parts of her life private allowed her to maintain control amidst chaos.
Through ups and downs, Ita remained steadfast. Friends describe her as warm yet fiercely independent. Balancing family responsibilities with professional ambitions wasn’t easy, but she managed admirably. Today, many view her as a role model—not just professionally but personally too. Few people embody grace under pressure quite like Ita does.
Legacy and Impact
When we talk about legacies, Ita Clare Buttrose stands tall. Serving as chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) from 2019 to 2024, she navigated controversies while championing editorial independence. Critics questioned decisions, especially regarding Antoinette Lattouf’s dismissal, but supporters praised her commitment to transparency. Regardless of opinions, one thing remains clear: Ita leaves behind a lasting impact.
Her advocacy work speaks volumes. Supporting organizations like World Vision Australia and the Macular Disease Foundation showcases her passion for helping others. Books penned by her offer insights into etiquette, health, and personal growth. Even now, whether mentoring young journalists or speaking candidly about societal issues, Ita continues inspiring countless individuals.
Few figures have influenced Australian culture as profoundly as Ita has. Breaking barriers and setting standards, Ita Clare Buttrose paved paths others could follow. As we reflect on her journey, let’s remember her lessons: authenticity matters, perseverance pays off, and kindness counts. Truly, Ita Clare Buttrose isn’t just a name—it’s a legacy etched in history.
Ita Clare Buttrose
From humble beginnings to national treasure status, Ita Clare Buttrose’s story inspires millions worldwide. Ita Clare Buttrose reminds us all that barriers exist to be broken and true success stems from authenticity. Whether blazing trails in publishing, leading networks, or advocating causes close to her heart, Ita consistently proves herself remarkable.
As we wrap up this biography, consider what we can learn from Ita’s life. Challenges will arise, sure, but facing them head-on builds character. Dreams may seem distant, but determination brings them closer. Above all else, staying true to oneself ensures fulfillment. So here’s to Ita—a pioneer, a trailblazer, and above all, a human being whose story continues touching lives daily.
