$10,000 scholarship available for aspiring regional journalists and communicators.
Communication and Journalism students passionate about working within regional or rural media are being encouraged to apply for the RAS Foundation’s JB Fairfax Award for Regional & Rural Journalism and Communications for a guaranteed leg-up in their career.
The national scholarship, now in its 16th year, provides an unbeatable opportunity for aspiring rural communicators with a $10,000 cash prize and three internships up for grabs with Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s (ABC) Landline in Brisbane, Australian Community Media’s rural publication The Land, and in the media team at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
2024 recipient Nick Newling said the scholarship has been fundamental to progressing his career as a journalist and helped him better understand his goals and career ambitions.
“My experience with this award has been incredible. I have had so much support from the RAS Foundation and those at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, The Land and the ABC. Everyone was really committed to my growth and development as a journalist, and I felt that at every stage of the process,” Newling said.
“The award has been a huge boost to my career and has definitely opened the door for my current position as a Trainee Journalist at the Sydney Morning Herald. While interning at the Sydney Royal Easter Show I met journalists that encouraged me to apply for my current role, and without it I may not be where I am today.
“The award has introduced me to a huge number of journalists and has built my network far more broadly than I anticipated. It is an absolute career builder and is a gift to anyone that is successful in their application.
“I couldn't recommend the JB Fairfax Award highly enough. When I applied, I was unsure if I would be the right fit, but I am glad I took the chance, because it has fundamentally changed my career for the better."
RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan said the scholarship was created to support the next generation of communicators who hope to become a voice for regional and rural Australia.
“Sixteen years ago, alongside our benefactor John B Fairfax AO, we saw a need to support students who were passionate about a career in journalism and who aspire to share the rich stories of our regional and rural communities,” Logan said.
“I encourage any student currently studying journalism or communication to apply, the benefits of accessing not one, but three internships with such reputable organisations and receiving a cash prize to support your studies and experiences is truly one-of-a-kind.
“Let us help you reach your career goals and become a voice for our regional and rural communities.”
Applications for the JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications are now open and will close on 11 August 2024.
Interested applicants can apply via www.rasf.org.au
