John Fairfax Holdings Limited
ACN 008 663 161

SYDNEY, February 2, 1999 – Mr Leo Schofield has announced he will relinquish his weekly column in The Sydney Morning Herald. His last column will appear this Saturday, February 6.

In a letter to Mr Gregory Hywood, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Herald, Mr Schofield said:

"As you are aware, I have a number of significant challenges in the next two years. I need to conclude the planning for and supervise the implementation of both the Sydney Festival and the Olympic Arts Festival, a total of almost three months of intense cultural activity.

"Further, I am contracted to direct the Sydney Festival that will mark the Centenary of Federation, so that between now and the end of January 2001 there is much to do, especially in a climate that can sometimes be inimical to the arts.

"In order to focus all my energies on these important events, I have reluctantly decided to cease writing for The Sydney Morning Herald.

"My association with the paper has been a long one – my first piece appeared almost two decades ago! -- and happy too. Despite the tyranny of a weekly column, I shall miss it greatly but feel that the three forthcoming festivals are an equally important contribution I can make to Sydney, a city I love dearly. Thank you for your support and understanding."

In response, Mr Hywood said:

"While Leo has had a great run with the Herald, he wants to pursue his major cultural programs and we of course respect his decision and wish him well. We appreciate his distinctive vision and commitment. Leo has changed the face of Sydney and is an indelible part of this great city and its cultural arts. The Sydney Festival, under his leadership, is a huge success and has helped cement Sydney's position as Australia's arts capital."

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