Randal Heymanson

Sir Sydney Henry (Randal) Heymanson (18 April 1903 – 27 August 1984) was an Australian journalist who had a long career as an international correspondent for The Herald and its affiliated Australian Newspapers Service, based at first in London and later in New York City.

Early life and education Sydney Henry Heymanson was born at South Yarra, Melbourne, Australia, in 1903. His parents were Frederick Leopold Heymanson and Bertha McDonnell Heymanson. His father worked as a commercial traveller.

After his early education at All Saints' Grammar School in East St Kilda and the Melbourne Church of England Grammar School, he was awarded a scholarship to the University of Melbourne, where he graduated with first-class honours in 1924. At university, he won prizes in history, political science, and political economy and was elected editor of the Melbourne University Magazine.

In 1940, Heymanson, who was by then using the first name of "Randal", accepted Sir Keith Murdoch's invitation to start a New York bureau for The Herald s Australian Newspaper Service. Murdoch wanted to start a New York bureau because of his hope that the United States would enter World War II in support of the Allies and because he regarded connections with the United States as strategically important for Australia. In 1946 he and Keith Murdoch participated in a meeting with U.S. business leaders that led in 1948 to the establishment of the American Australian Association for the purpose of fostering understanding and cooperation between the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. As one of the organisation's principal founders, he served the American Australian Association as a director from 1948 to 1984, vice-president from 1949 to 1965, president from 1966 to 1967, and chairman from 1967 to 1984. His leadership played a significant role in fostering opportunities for prominent businessmen, politicians and diplomats from Australia to interact with their American peers. Australian Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies called him "the best informed Australian living in America".

Honours and awards In recognition of his services to Australian journalism and his contributions to fostering friendship and cooperation between the United States and Australia, in the Queen's Birthday Honours 1955 Heymanson was appointed an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services in connection with Australian commercial relations with the United States of America and in promoting international commerce. In the New Year Honours 1965 Heymanson was promoted to Commander of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. In the New Year Honours 1972 Heymanson was appointed a Knight Bachelor.

Death and legacy Heymanson died in New York City on 27 August 1984. His ashes were returned to Australia.