John Newton is a freelance journalist and author specializing in food, environmental history, and sustainability. Based in Australia, his work for outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald and his award-winning books explore Indigenous food systems, marine conservation, and the cultural roots of agriculture.
For pitches, emphasize data-driven stories with historical context. His profile and recent work can be explored on his blog.
We’ve followed John Newton’s work as a journalist and author whose career spans over two decades, rooted in Australia’s food, environmental, and historical narratives. Beginning as a restaurant critic for The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, Newton’s early work focused on Sydney’s culinary scene. His transition into long-form journalism and books, such as The Oldest Foods on Earth, marked a shift toward exploring the intersection of food, culture, and sustainability. Today, his freelance contributions blend investigative rigor with a passion for preserving Australia’s culinary heritage and environmental advocacy.
This deeply researched piece examines the cultural and environmental ramifications of whaling, particularly in Japan and Australia. Newton combines historical records with contemporary interviews to critique the tension between tradition and conservation. The article’s impact led to widespread discussion in environmental circles, cited by NGOs advocating for marine protection policies.
Newton’s award-winning book, adapted into articles, highlights Indigenous Australian food practices. By collaborating with First Nations communities, he documents how native ingredients like wattleseed and kangaroo have sustained ecosystems for millennia. This work has become a cornerstone for discussions on sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
In this geopolitical analysis, Newton argues that shifts in global power dynamics necessitate reevaluating historical alliances. He draws parallels between environmental crises and political fragmentation, emphasizing Australia’s role in a multipolar world. The article’s data-driven approach, citing agricultural trade patterns and climate policies, underscores his ability to connect disparate themes.
Newton prioritizes stories that center Indigenous knowledge in food and land management. Pitches should highlight partnerships with First Nations communities or innovations in native crop cultivation. For example, his coverage of bush tomato harvesting in The Oldest Foods on Earth demonstrates his interest in solutions that blend tradition and modernity.
While Newton occasionally touches on policy, his work leans toward historical context. A pitch about the 19th-century whaling industry’s impact on current marine laws would align better than breaking news on climate protests. His whale story exemplifies this approach, linking past practices to present-day conservation debates.
Newton rarely covers celebrity chefs or trending restaurants. Instead, he seeks stories about grassroots movements, such as urban farming cooperatives or heritage seed preservation. His Grazing memoir reinforces this preference, celebrating unsung contributors to Australia’s food culture.
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