Award-winning Australian news photographer John Grainger has been found dead on Sydney’s northern beaches at the age of 64.
According to a statement from the NSW Police Force, Mr. Grainger’s body was discovered in Elanora Heights on Wednesday morning. His disappearance from Ingleside around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday had raised concerns among his family and friends, leading to a search before his tragic discovery.
Authorities have confirmed that Mr. Grainger’s death is not being treated as suspicious. An investigation is ongoing, but no foul play is suspected.
John Grainger Awards
Throughout his three-decade career in the media, John Grainger earned numerous journalism awards while working for the Daily Telegraph. He was best known for capturing the famous 2018 front-page photograph of a pregnant Vikki Campion, which accompanied the iconic headline Bundle of Joyce. This image won the prestigious Walkley Award for Scoop of the Year.
Walkley judges praised the work as a “genuine scoop accompanied by an iconic headline and ‘gotcha’ photograph,” cementing Grainger’s reputation as one of Australia’s top news photographers.
The judges noted that Bundle of Joyce “would bring down a deputy prime minister and result in a ban on ministers having relationships with staffers. Right across the nation, talk of office romances and family values was dominating water coolers and dinner tables.”
In addition to his Walkley Award, Grainger was a two-time Kennedy Award winner, further solidifying his legacy in Australian journalism.
Another of his iconic photographs captured a disheveled Anthony Albanese outside his Marrickville home the morning after his victory in the 2022 election, adding yet another memorable image to his portfolio of impactful journalism.
Award-winning news photographer John Grainger has been found dead after being reported missing on Tuesday.#TheNightly https://t.co/TacfcLkfV7
— The Nightly (@thenightlyau) October 2, 2024
John Grainger Career
Although John Grainger’s career was defined by his work capturing breaking news, his passion for photography extended far beyond the headlines.
In his later years, he shifted his focus to nature, producing breathtaking images of birds and the scenic landscapes of Narrabeen, a place he fondly referred to as “one of the best photographic locations in Sydney.” This personal project reflected his deep connection to the natural beauty around him, showcasing a different side of his artistry.
