Latika Bourke facts for kids

Latika Bourke (born March 9, 1984) is an Australian journalist and author. She writes for major newspapers like The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. She has also worked for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) and radio station 2UE. In 2015, she published her book, From India with Love.

Latika Bourke's Early Life and Career

Latika Bourke was born in Bihar, India, on March 9, 1984. When she was less than a week old, she was left at a Catholic orphanage in Bettiah. Nuns at the orphanage cared for her.

In December 1984, when she was eight months old, Latika came to Australia. She was adopted by Penny and John Bourke. Latika grew up on a farm near Bathurst, New South Wales. When she was seven, her family moved into the town of Bathurst.

Becoming a Journalist

From 2002 to 2005, Latika studied journalism at Charles Sturt University. During her studies, she gained experience at a local radio station, 2BS, in Bathurst. She wrote, produced, and read local news. She also hosted radio programs.

Before she officially graduated in 2006, Latika was hired by Sydney radio station 2UE. She started working there as a reporter.

In 2007, while working for 2UE, Latika faced a challenge. She was waiting to interview a Muslim cleric outside Lakemba Mosque. She was wearing a long coat, boots, and gloves. She was told to "cover up" by some people there. This event showed some of the difficulties journalists can face when reporting.

Working for Major News Outlets

In December 2010, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) announced something new. Latika Bourke would be their first 'social media reporter'. Her main job was to report news using social media platforms.

In 2014, Latika shared that she would be leaving the ABC. She moved to Fairfax Media, another big news company. She continued to work in the Canberra Press Gallery. This is where journalists report on Australian politics.

Writing Her Book

Latika Bourke's book, From India with Love, was published in 2015. The book is about her personal journey of self-discovery. She has shared that she gives half of the money she earns from her book sales to orphanages in India.

In December 2015, Latika announced another big change. She would be leaving the Canberra Press Gallery. She moved to London at the end of January 2016.

Awards and Achievements

In June 2010, Latika Bourke won a special award. She received the Walkley Award for Young Australian Journalist of the Year. This award recognized her excellent reporting.

She won for three important stories she had written:

• One story was about Joe Hockey and his hopes for leadership in the Liberal party.
• Another story covered Nick Minchin's efforts against a plan for an emissions trading scheme.
• The third story was about Tony Abbott challenging Malcolm Turnbull to become the leader of the opposition.