The sign's up on what will become the new home of the Judith Neilson Institute, early next year.

Executive director Mark Ryan says the property in Abercrombie Street, Chippendale in Sydney, was purchased by Judith Neilson when the institute was established in 2018.

It will serve as JNI's headquarters, as a venue for events and to provide journalists with a place to collaborate and participate in professional development initiatives and social gatherings.
"It is a unique property that reflects our patron's ambition to create beautiful spaces that provide a lasting benefit to the broader community," he says.

Ryan says it continues to be a busy period for the institute. One recent initiative has been to support journalists and media organisations during the coronavirus crisis. "Freelance and casual journalists were among the first to lose work after ad revenues declined and costs were cut," he says.

"Through the freelancer and casual contributor fund, the institute has helped journalists cover important stories, at a time when they are needed most. The funding has allowed freelancers and casual contributors to keep working through the pandemic, while also easing the financial burden on media organisations."

Funding has been provided to media across Australia, including independent and regional publishers, and grant recipients have produced hundreds of stories, providing news, analysis and commentary on a wide range of topics.