Applications open for JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications
The search for the next generation of Australia’s rural journalists has begun with applications now open for the 2023 RAS Foundation JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications.
The Award, now in its fourteenth year, is given to a communications student who has a passion and desire to report on issues affecting rural and regional communities. It includes a $10,000 scholarship as well as practical work experience at The Land newspaper, ABC Landline and in the Sydney Royal Easter Show media centre.
RAS Foundation Manager, Cecilia Logan, said the scholarship aims to unearth an aspiring young communicator who is motivated to share the stories of rural and regional Australia.
“There are many young people studying journalism who are passionate about rural and regional Australia and want to ensure that current events and issues affecting these communities receive worthy recognition through the media,” Cecilia Logan said.
“The RAS Foundation is proud to help support aspiring students in this field and, given the Award includes the opportunity to undertake invaluable practical experience as well as financial assistance, I urge any interested students to apply.”
Kate Newsome, originally from Glen Innes and currently studying a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Media and Communications) at the University of Sydney, was the 2022 JB Fairfax Award recipient.
Kate said she encourages any students studying journalism or communications with a passion for rural reporting, to throw their hat in the ring and apply for the Award
“Coming from a farming family in rural New South Wales, this Award deeply resonates with me and my understanding of the media’s importance in the country. Journalism is essential to empowering these communities through storytelling,” Kate Newsome said.
“I have had the privilege of learning from those who understand the media’s urgent potential to share authentic rural voices and had the pleasure of meeting so many people from different walks of life. I would encourage other students passionate about regional journalism to apply.”
Applicants are required to submit an article, blog post, video or audio report of up to 600 words.
Interested applicants are encouraged to visit https://www.rasnsw.com.au/foundation/scholarships/jbfairfaxaward/ to find out more about the scholarship and to complete the online application form.
The JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications was established to encourage quality coverage of rural and regional affairs by Australian journalists. It was created through a private donation by Mr John B Fairfax AO and is managed by the RAS Foundation.
Applications close Monday, August 8 2022 and the recipient will be announced in early 2023.
