Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne, Ms Lecki Ord, is to become the Victorian president of Friends of the ABC.

On Tuesday (5/1/99), Ms Ord called on the ABC to continue supporting local production and new talent and nurture "the broadcasters of the future". Ms Ord said she hoped the ABC would continue as a training ground for reporters, producers, directors and technical staff. She said highlights of the ABC's year included the coverage of the federal election, the coverage of the constitutional convention in Canberra, The 7.30 Report, and the series Sea Change. (The Age Wednesday, 6/1/99)

Dr June Factor will continue as Vice President and Janet Powell remains on the committee.