Judith Whelan, respected and loved editor at Sydney Morning Herald and ABC, dies from cancer aged 63

Newsrooms pay tribute to natural leader and beautiful person' who nurtured young talent

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Judith Whelan, a former editor of the Sydney Morning Herald and an ABC executive, has died aged 63.

Senior journalists, editors and media executives around Australia have paid tribute to the woman they described as a true fighter" for journalism, a fearless" advocate for truth and a beacon for women in newsrooms.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup