Vale Ash Westerman: Wheels remembers one of its greats

A hugely respected member of the Australian automotive industry, Ash started out as a sales representative but in the late 1980s transitioned to his real calling – motoring journalism – joining Motor magazine under the editorship of Davey Robertson.

With an infectious passion for cars, a natural road-testing ability and a gift for clear, concise and entertaining writing, Ash was soon a crucial member of the Motor team as it stole sales off rival Wheels Magazine in the 1990s.

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He would divert from cars, however, to play a key role in the early days of ACP’s Ralph magazine – Australia’s answer to UK ‘lad mags’ like Loaded and FHM. Ash brought his magazine craft to this fast-paced and fiercely competitive publishing environment, never out of place in a world filled with expert wordsmiths all looking to outdo each other with the smartest and funniest headlines, intros and captions.

In 2002, Ash began freelancing as a sub-editor for Wheels before then editor Ged Bulmer asked him to join the team full-time two years later. Adding a layer of polish to the work of many of the country’s best writers, he helped make the magazine sing with his cleverly crafted captions, headlines and intros.

Ash was editor of Australian Penthouse Magazine before rejoining the Wheels fold. In 2021, Ash was acting editor of Wheels Magazine.

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A talented writer and editor, Ash was also a voracious consumer of popular culture, always seeming to have his finger on the pulse of what was happening in the music, magazine, literary and film worlds, and he channeled these influences into his own writing, and into improving the writing of others. Ash mentored and tutored an entire generation of young motoring journalists.

Ash was a father, a brother, and he was a friend to many. With his trademark “G'day, champion” greeting, and kind, honest and fun-loving nature, Ash will be deeply missed.

The Wheels Media team sends its heartfelt condolences to Ash’s family, friends and loved ones.

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