Tribute from Michael Hutak - Maaate, love your work
By Michael Hutak - February 2, 2005
I first worked with Col in the late 80s when he was putting out the Sunday Tele racing liftout and I was a wannabe racing journo. We'd spend all afternoon punting, leisurely putting out the section between races. Later, when I'd finally attained the mantle of racing journo, we worked together on the Sun-Herald (a period marked by a similar lack of punting success). I always hit it off well with Col, we shared the same sense of humour, loved to talk "off the record", and, without overdramatising it, I feel a bit like a kindred spirit has joined the spirit world... The racing thing runs deep and we shared that deep but joyous cynicism that comes from proximity to the dazzling glory and nefarious notoriety that constitutes the Aussie turf. It has been an enduring point of 'male bonding' if you like, and during this most recent stint with Col on The Bulletin, we'd compare notes on tips for the spring carnival, in between always cordial and efficient negotiations over coming stories about the art market.
With Col one shared the Aussie male clarion call of "maaaaaate" with rich irony. He used it most often when I was pushing the deadline a bridge too far, as in: "Maaaaaaate, love your work, but really need that copy!" I'm pretty sure we shared a mutual respect. Anyway, from my end that respect was never in question, just as I never doubted his professional ethics, which were of the highest standing. His guidance on where to take a story was always spot on and I got the feeling with Col that we had an understanding of what was required and then we did it, no nonsense. As an editor, he never tried to suppress the 'lyricist' or the 'mongrel' in me, or to alter my 'voice'. When it needed a cut, no matter how savage, he always promised to 'be gentle' with it, as he would say. Usually he ran the copy warts and all and then said thanks. What more can you ask? He was an ally, a mentor, a colleague and a great editor...I learnt much from him and I will miss him. Thanks Col, you were always a gentleman. Seeya (soon enough) maaaaaaaate!
Michael Hutak
