Award-winning cartoonist Cathy Wilcox has been drawing cartoons for the Herald since 1989. For four days a week for almost a decade her illustrations have appeared at the top of the Letters pages.
Her last day was on August 28, with her Sydney colleagues paying tribute to her 37 years of capturing the daily news cycle with wit, humour and intellect. Wilcox said her goal was to always produce cartoons that were founded in truth.
“I love that cartooning combines so many of my interests: human nature, language, humour, drawing; and also that the subject matter changes all the time,” she said. “I love, too, that I’m given the freedom to fill that space on the letters page as I see fit. I admit, it took a while to get over the ‘impostor syndrome’, but having been trusted and allowed to grow in the job is one of the greatest privileges.”
During her career Wilcox has won four Walkley Awards as well as Kennedy and Stanley awards for her cartoons.
“My cartoon today [her final cartoon on the Letters page] was long and wordy, but was my shortest summation of a lifetime at the Herald. It has been the best career and the only place I ever wanted to work … It’s been and a wonderful ride.”
Farewell Cathy Wilcox.
Fearlessly speaking truth to power
I savoured Cathy Wilcox’s last cartoon with a sense of deep sadness and loss, but also immense gratitude (Letters, August 28). Each morning I turn first to Cathy’s cartoon in my print edition of the Herald. Nothing encapsulates the old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” better than Cathy’s cartoons. She has always interpreted the news with her trademark fearlessness, intelligence and wit, never afraid to speak truth to power. No topic was out of bounds. Never cruel, often funny without being frivolous but always perceptive and thought-provoking. She has become part of the daily lives of Sydney Morning Herald readers for decades. She has made an outstanding contribution to Australian journalism and cartooning, and she will leave an enormous empty space. There will never be another Cathy Wilcox. She is peerless. Go well, dear Cathy, and enjoy the next chapter in your life. Geoff Turnbull, Ashfield
I am deeply saddened to read in her, as always, wonderful cartoon, that Cathy Wilcox is leaving the Herald. I have thoroughly enjoyed every single one for many, many years. Her cartoon of the day is the first item I look for when opening the paper. She really hits the nail on the head, but always with much consideration and thought to the topic at hand, and, when required, much understanding and compassion. Her awards over the years have been well-earned. I shall miss her very much, as I’m sure so many others will. I wish you every joy Cathy in whatever is ahead for you, but maybe you could consider publishing a book of your cartoons over the years. I’ll be first in line to buy it. Christine Helby, Forbes
I often tear up after reading Cathy Wilcox’s cartoons – sometimes from joy, sometimes from sadness and anger, and sometimes, inexplicably, from both. But her farewell cartoon had the tears welling up before I finished reading it, as I sensed where it was heading. Cathy is one of my heroes, someone who can see and assess the world with both head and heart and convey her insights with compassion, depth and clarity. I have often wondered what it would be like to have the capacity to do what Cathy does, just once, let alone regularly and consistently. I hope she finds a way to replace the fulfillment and satisfaction that her role surely provided. Thank you, Cathy, we’ll really miss you. Steve Curran, Randwick
In the midst of global wars, the dire impact of climate change, the viciousness of Trump-aligned right-wing parties and in the aftermath of Bondi, Cathy’s almost daily cartoons bring sanity, wit and humour to our breakfast table. We understand the enormous pressures directed against voices that speak the truth in these dire times, so understand your need to step away from the fray. But we sincerely hope it’s only for a short time as we will miss your brilliant, sharp analytical pen. You are a real loss to a critical debate. Ann Stephen, Balmain
I never thought there would be a Cathy Wilcox cartoon that I didn’t want to see, but here it is, staring me in the face (Letters, August 28). Hopefully it’s au revoir and not farewell, but nonetheless, it’s a terrible loss. I can’t think of any of her cartoons whose perspective I’ve disagreed with, while always admiring the smart way she could make us laugh about serious matters. Her drawings are always a delight and her words reveal a person whose heart is in the right place. She cares. I have always thought her work would be an excellent primer for politicians, with so many guiding principles in it for humanitarian leadership with the best interests of our nation, and our planet, so persuasively stated, sweetened by her inimitable humour. Anne Ring, Coogee
Thank you seems inadequate for Cathy Wilcox’s many years of insight and wit. With a couple of strokes of the brush and a few words she has always managed to reveal the kernel of truth, making us all think more deeply about current issues. Her contributions will be sadly missed, but who deserves a break more? Thank you, Cathy. Pam Ayling, West Pennant Hills
Oh no, without Cathy Wilcox to put some cheer and sense into my day I almost have no reason to get out of bed. Along with Emile Mercier (remember him?) Cathy is the best cartoonist the SMH has ever published. I will miss her cartoons and insights so very much. Thank you, Cathy, for putting a smile (or grimace) on my old face for so many years. Llieda Wild, Eastwood
The first Wilcox cartoon I saw accompanied an item in the Herald’s Stay In Touch column. An elderly lady, wearing spectacles, seated in a rocking chair, sees a mouse. Elderly lady: “Eeek! A whatsit!” Mouse: “Where?” I still have that cartoon in a small frame set on the windowsill above my work table, and it always brings a smile. Thank you, Cathy Wilcox. Alexandra Szalay, Berowra Creek
There’s a particular insight and joy that a deft cartoon brings, a gift given to us so many times by Cathy Wilcox. There have been times you could barely see my fridge for all the impossibly delightful Wilcox clippings adorning it. I’m guessing I’m not the only one replete with gratitude for Cathy’s beautiful work and her impact on our lives and wishing here every success with whatever happens next.
Peter Fyfe, Enmore
Cathy Wilcox, your gold standard will be difficult to surpass. Never has anyone been able to sum up reams of reporting on our world’s moral corruption and its absurdity in one cartoon like you. So many of my favourites are attached to the fridge. Goodbye and good luck. Maryan Heffernan, Mona Vale
While I understand that everyone needs a rest, I am devastated by Cathy Wilcox’s retirement. I hope, after a period or R&R, she will be drawn back to her pencil and continue to expose injustice and inspire the humanity in us all. What will the letter pages be without her? Rowan Godwin, Rozelle
Cathy is irreplaceable. She can slap down evil and stupidity with the swipe of a pen. She exposes hypocrisy and is brave and bold about fairness and justice. I will miss her. Lucy France, Cronulla
Wilcox has always been my favourite cartoonist. She is clever, engaging but always got her message through in a clear way, unlike many other political cartoonists who are so cryptic that I often miss the point. I’m really sorry she’s gone and hope she continues producing her intelligent messages. Thank you, Cathy. Robin Rath, Castle Hill
Dolly dead, destructive avalanches in Nepal, now Cathy will hang up her pen. I’m glad the sun is shining today, because the lights went down on the world this week. Go well Ms Wilcox. Helen Lewin, Tumbi Umbi
The sad news on August 28 of Cathy Wilcox’s retirement was truly devastating. Despite copping the occasional (but unwarranted abuse), Cathy always provided insightful and witty cartoons, and her contributions will be greatly missed by all Herald readers. Peter Beveridge, Drummoyne
We have always had a rich pantheon of satirical political cartoonists in this country, and Cathy Wilcox is up there with the best of them. You’ve tickled our funny bones for nigh on four decades – a most remarkable run. Thank you a thousand times Ms Wilcox and enjoy the break, but please come back every now and then (and keep preferring Promite). Russ Couch, Woonona
What a shame for Herald readers to lose the wonderful Cathy Wilcox, who brought humour, wit, incisiveness and intelligence to her job. I have enjoyed her skill and insights for more years than I like to remember. Good luck with your next endeavour, Cathy. Peter Richardson, Coniston
Oh Cathy, I like many others will miss your succinct and ever so insightful observations on national and international events. It has been my first go-to page every morning. Perhaps calling them cartoons undervalues their impact. Thank you so much for your service to us all. Mike Dooley, North Balgowlah
Thank you, Cathy Wilcox. You have brought us all great joy, insight, sadness and a lovely touch of oddness. You will be greatly missed by each and every one of us. Stuart Laurence, Cammeray
A huge thank you to Cathy Wilcox whose brilliance has, day after day, with a few strokes of her pen, encapsulated our conscience in an albeit very amusing but also very challenging way. Although I understand she surely deserves a rest, I am selfishly begging, please, Cathy, don’t go. Heather Johnson, West Pennant Hills
My awareness of political cartooning goes right back to Molnar. Australians have been blessed with the wit and wisdom of those who lampoon the pretentious and the corrupt. Cathy Wilcox turned it into an art form and her absence will be greatly felt. The Herald is diminished by her “taking a break”. Her satirical observations revealed an empathetic humanity that most of us could only aspire to. Chris McKimm, Karangi
Cathy, your daily artistic contributions have helped this reader make sense of often complex, convoluted and highly emotional news. Many readers, like yours truly, turn straight to your trusty take on daily news before diving into the sea of details. Your beautifully penned and cleverly rendered artworks have provided clarity, compassion and wit when all were hard to find. Who will replace you as the moral compass on good ship SMH? I wish you all the best in your next creative endeavour. Cleveland Rose, Dee Why
I have long admired Cathy Wilcox and often praised her craft in my letters to the Herald. Reading her final contribution in Friday’s paper was accompanied by sadness, yet not without sincere appreciation for bringing to life the passing parade of a rapidly changing world where the subjects often raised the ire of readers. I long held a desire that one of my published epistles would be worthy of a Wilcox minuet. Thank you Cathy, your work will loom large in toon town history. Allan Gibson, Cherrybrook
My morning begins with quickly finding the Wilcox cartoon in the Herald. Often it elicits loud laughter, smiles or enthusiastic nodding as she draws attention to society or political life. More laughter inevitable follows when I ask my friends “have you seen Wilcox’s cartoon today?” Cathy’s wit and sharp observations are the beginning of our conversations. You feel like a good, old friend Cathy, and we will all miss you. Enjoy your break, you have earned it. Bea Hodgson, Gerringong
I sincerely want to thank Cathy Wilcox for her brilliant drawings, insights and care. I absolutely love her work. It’s certainly a highlight of my day, and a talking point with my friends. Will I keep my Herald subscription now? Go well Cathy. Stephanie Short, Woy Woy
Thanks for all the years of laughs and tears, Cathy. You are the queen of show not tell, capturing the range of emotions I’ve felt, be it anger, sadness or humour. I bow to you. Sharon McGuinness, Thirroul
Dear Cathy, your cartoon is always my first stop in the SMH. I will really miss you. Thanks and all the best. Corinne Shaw, Paddington
A friend and I regularly text each other with the phrase “Wilcox nails it again”. We hope her break is not permanent, but even if it is, we wish her well. Her cartoons often distil a complicated issue into one glorious cartoon. Mary Anne Kennan, Burwood
“The conversation has been with you, dear reader” (Letters, August 28). With these precious words, Cathy Wilcox said goodbye to us in her own inimitable, gracious way. Margaret Jones, Bathurst
We’ve enjoyed a week of brilliant, straight-to-the-fridge-door cartoons, but Wilcox’s farewell contribution is the most devastating. Viv Mackenzie, Port Hacking
Oh, no! Life without Wilcox will be like living without oxygen. Like you, Cathy, this paper with its cartoons has been my home since I was a nipper. Enjoy your break and we all look forward your return. As they say, “Love your work!” Bill Young, Killcare Heights
Considering the fact that we live in a world of media reruns, I hope Cathy’s vast library of excellent cartoons will become Herald reruns for years and years into the future. Joy Cooksey, Harrington
Cathy Wilcox has been a major reason I subscribe to the Herald and always turn first to her page. Her cartoons are succinct, spot-on relevant, clever and never cruel. You will be so missed Cathy. Go well. Barbara Harry, Paddington
All the joy has gone out of my day. Thank you, Cathy for your perceptive commentary, and fun. Paree Hartley, North Sydney
Cathy, like so many others I will miss your succinct and timely observations. They have been my go-to when I open the paper every day. Calling them cartoons understates their importance to us, your dedicated readers. Good night, and sleep tight. Mike Dooley, North Balgowlah
Thank you, Cathy, for the many delightful, whimsical and insightful gifts. Enjoy your break and we sincerely hope you will be back. Rhyan Andrews, Faulconbridge
Cathy, you have brightened and enlighted us for decades. Thank you. May you enjoy your next adventure. Alison Stewart, Waitara
Thank you, Cathy. Your cartoons have brought so much amusement to my sometimes bland life and often enabled me to see other aspects of a topic. I think you are a genius. Marjie Williamson, Blaxland
Oh no, Cathy you can’t leave us. We love you. Carol Zarkesh, Austinmer
Cathy, no! Say it ain’t so! Brett Jack, Bonnyrigg Heights
Noooooo! Carolyn Lockett, Coffs Harbour
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