Former Townsville Bulletin, Sky News journalist Terry Gallaway dies

A veteran journalist, who started making his own newspapers at age 10, has died with friends remembering him as a titan of the industry.

A veteran journalist who started his long career at the Townsville Bulletin has died.

Terry Gallaway, OAM, started writing his own newspapers at 10 years old before finding an apprenticeship at the north’s own newspaper at age 15.

From the Townsville Bulletin, Terry, who died on Monday, moved into radio and television, working at multiple stations and publications in Sydney and Canberra.

Veteran journalist Terry Gallaway has died, aged 85.

Veteran journalist Terry Gallaway has died, aged 85.

In a special bulletin, Sky News host Caroline Marcus reflected on his death, saying he had worked at the news broadcaster for more than 23 years.

“On a personal level, he was always a warm and kind colleague, even on our many 4am shifts together, a generous mentor to the younger journalists around him,” she said.

Terry was 85 at the time of his death and had been battling an illness.

Veteran journalist Terry Gallaway has died, aged 85.

In an Instagram post, Sky News’ Jaynie Seal said Terry “absolutely loved his family, his news family and his footy”.

“A legend, full of love and humour with a big heart,” she wrote.

“I had the privilege of knowing Terry for about 8 years. Thanks for having my back, believing in me and we will miss hearing your wonderful stories of the good old days of TV.”

Speaking to the Western Weekender, long-time friend and colleague Scott Richardson said he was “one of a kind”.

“They don’t make them like Terry anymore,” he said.

“He was old school. He was a real journalist.

Veteran journalist Terry Gallaway with his wife, Coral.

“He not only reported the stories, he got involved as well. Many times he’s helped out victims of crime and done a lot of good for people.”

In 2022 he was awarded an Order of Australia for his contribution to broadcast news media.

At the time, he said he never wanted to do anything else but be a journalist.

“I can honestly say that not once in my life have I ever not wanted to go to work,” he said.

“Working in the media, in newspapers, radio, and television is just the most exciting thing any person could wish for.”

Terry was a big Broncos supporter.

In his long career, Terry also worked for the District Star, 2KA, 2UE, 2GB, Prime Television the Campbelltown News, and the Canberra Courier.

Until June 21, Terry was still posting to his podcast ‘People you meet along the way’, talking of meeting John Laws in his most recent episode.

Terry leaves behind his wife, Coral, his children and grandchildren. His brother, Brian, and his wife Regina, still live in Townsville.

Originally published as Former Townsville Bulletin, Sky News journalist Terry Gallaway dies