News Release                                                 September 14, 2009

ACAJ elects new president

Best-selling author and freelance rural journalist Liz Harfull has been elected president of the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ).

The first South Australian to hold the position, Liz brings 30 years’ experience as a journalist and public relations consultant to the organisation, which represents Australia’s five rural press clubs.

She will also continue to serve as the ACAJ’s official delegate to the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), the global umbrella body which draws together rural journalists, photographers and communicators from more than 30 countries.

Over the years, Liz has worked for a range publications, including the Stock Journal and The Adelaide Advertiser. She spent 12 years with specialist rural communications business, Porter Novell Adelaide, where she won four major national awards for her work and was awarded a Churchill Fellowship before resigning as a director to focus on writing.

Her first book, The Blue Ribbon Cookbook, was published by Wakefield Press in September 2008. A collection of stories, recipes and images from South Australian country shows and prizewinning show cooks, the book was runner-up in its category in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards announced in Paris in July.

Based in the Adelaide Hills, Liz continues to work as a writer, consultant and freelance rural journalist for both Australian and overseas publications. She is a long-standing committee member of Rural Media South Australia, and has represented Australia on the IFAJ Executive since 2000. She has served as the IFAJ’s managing editor for the past five years.

In taking up her new position, Liz paid tribute to Brisbane journalist and consultant Gordon Collie, who has been ACAJ president for the past four years.

“The ACAJ has come of age under Gordon’s leadership, establishing a vibrant program of annual awards and holding its first national press club event in Canberra in 2008,” she said.

“The organisation plays an important role in supporting rural journalism and communication, and encouraging the media to report on rural issues. It also provides a vital link for people who often work in isolation, giving them an opportunity to network with their peers around the world.

“As president and IFAJ delegate, I am keen to continuing working with Australia’s extremely active rural press clubs in Victoria, NSW, WA, SA and Queensland to strengthen these links and to offer even greater opportunities for professional development to our members.”

The ACAJ annual meeting also elected Queensland-based journalist and media consultant Jane Milburn as vice president. Victorian communicator Emily Bogue is the new secretary. Marketing and promotions consultant Bob Snewin, from Adelaide, continues as treasurer.

For more information about the ACAJ visit www.acaj.org.au

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Media inquiries: contact Liz Harfull, phone 0409 674 941, or by email at lizk@adam.com.au