Russell Eldridge - Journalist Mentor

RUSSELL Eldridge was a newspaper editor with more than 30 years' experience in a wide variety of journalism roles. He worked on the Sydney Morning Herald and was the editor of The Northern Star, northern NSW's largest regional daily newspaper.

Russell is a multi-award-winning journalist, including commendation in the national Walkley Awards, the Sir Harry Budd Award for journalism and Northern New South Wales Journalist of the Year. He is also a published author and has lectured in media studies at Southern Cross University.

Alex Tilbury - Journalist Mentor

ALEX Tilbury is the Investment Editor and former Deputy Business Editor of the Courier Mail's business section. Currently responsible for editing the personal finance and wealth creation sections at the Mail, her biggest tip - buy low, sell high.

As a respected and insightful journalist, Alex has been writing major stories for 10 years, including a significant stint at AAP - Australian Associated Press.

With printers' ink in her blood Alex became a scribe, following some of her family into the fourth estate. She studied economics and print journalism at the University of Queensland.

Sharon Leifer - Journalist Mentor

Sharon Leifer is a broadcast journalist with significant international experience. A Senior Producer for BBC News, London for many years, Sharon provided specialist coverage and editorial advice for television and radio programmes for the BBC network. Her experience goes well beyond your “average-news-reporter” having managed every stage of production from reporting, programme conception and to final broadcast. Sharon has also worked as a News Producer with Sky News, Sydney.

At the BBC she has had significant stints on national network news programmes: Breakfast News; the One O’clock News; Six O’clock News and the Nine O’clock News. She started her career as a reporter for the National News Press Agency, reporting for The Times, Today and The Daily Mirror. In an increasingly global news community, Sharon’s international experience brings a unique perspective to SMT, much valued by our clients.