First published 14 October 2026
As a ‘reluctantly retired’ journalist and academic, Dr Mark Hayes is passionate about providing opportunity for the next generation of communication experts - and his generosity is now set to open the door to university for those facing financial challenges.
The transformative Dr Mark Hayes Learning Potential Fund Journalism Scholarship provides a pathway to QUT for disadvantaged students from regional or remote areas - while Dr Hayes is also leaving a gift in his Will to QUT.
He said in a fast-evolving media landscape, there was a greater importance than ever on producing well educated, resilient graduates who “know the craft - how to write stories, have a news sense (and can) turn it into a piece of journalism across mixed media of print, online, radio and television”.
“Journalism students have to be able to think, and reflect, over what they are doing.
“Is it effective? Does it have impact? Can it make a difference?
“A lot of journalism is routine stuff. But every so often you come across a story - and I've been privileged to be involved reporting, and helping to report, on some major stories - where you push through, sometimes against resistance from your editors, producers or bosses, to produce something that has lasting impact ... something that really changes things, hopefully for the better.”
Dr Hayes started on his own journalistic path through the campus newspaper at UQ and in radio (ZZ and 612 4QR), before working as inaugural researcher at QTQ-9s Today Tonight.
He was a researcher and producer on The 7.30 Report when the Fitzgerald Inquiry rocked Queensland in the late 1980s - and he played a key role in bringing inquiry proceedings into the homes of viewers nationwide, through daily re-enactments working alongside veteran ABC presenter Quentin Dempster.
“Live streaming of court cases and royal commissions is still a very tricky issue,” he said.
But the key skills of journalism – “persistence, acute attention to detail, curiosity and verification” – have stood the test of time.
A sociologist and peace researcher, Dr Hayes has degrees from UQ, Bradford and Griffith universities and has been a media academic – including teaching at Southern Cross University, QUT, UQ and University of the South Pacific.
As for the substantial challenges created by the “toxic soup” of misinformation and disinformation - amplified through social media and AI - Dr Hayes said the trick was to “add to the record”.
“AI produces masses of material through what is already on the record … (but) the trick is to add material that isn't out there yet; that the public don't know about yet but need to know about.
“You've got to look hard and it is hard work, but it can be done. You've got to be able to think, investigate, verify then know how to publish effectively. “
Dr Hayes has “great respect” for the journalism course at QUT, where he has conducted guest lectures through his connections to former colleagues who became QUT Journalism staff.
“QUT has a very good track record for graduate employment,” he said.
“Students who are still studying journalism tend to be the keen ones, the really hungry ones ... (but) for any number of reasons, a promising student may not be able to complete their studies, or has to drop out or put things on hold because they can't afford it.
“With QUT equalling my donation, it can be drawn on to help an aspiring student out of a spot.”
Main image: Dr Mark Hayes talks to QUT Associate Professor Stephen Harrington (School of Communication) during an interview to be shared with aspiring journalists.
- Through Gifts in Wills, generous supporters continue to transform the lives of future students. For more information about creating a lasting legacy through remembering QUT in your Will, or if you already have a gift in your Will, contact Heath Mackay, Development Manager (Gift in Wills), on 07 3138 7525 or heath.mackay@qut.edu.au
