February 4, 2009

Australia’s rural media can achieve international recognition of their work through three national awards announced today.

The Australian Council for Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) President Gordon Collie said the Star Prize awards were open to journalists and photographers covering rural issues.

“The Star Prize awards program selects the best efforts from 2008 media coverage to represent Australia in a prestigious international competition,” Mr Collie said.

“National winners then compete against the best in the world in a global program run by the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ), a professional organisation representing rural media and communicators from about 30 countries.”

“Last year Mike Dugdale, from Victoria’s Geelong Advertiser was a finalist in the ACAJ Star Prize for Rural Photography.”

“Mike’s winning picture went on to claim the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Star Prize for Photography.”

The Star Prize awards program includes:

• A new award for radio and television journalists, the Australian Star Prize for Rural Broadcasting;
  
  
• The Australian Star Prize for Rural Writing, sponsored by John Deere, with prize money of $1000 for the     national winner; and
  
  
• The Australian Star Prize for Rural Photography.

The prizes will be presented at the IFAJ’s 2009 annual congress which is being held in Texas, in the United States, in late July.

Australia is involved in the IFAJ through the ACAJ, which represents the country’s five rural press clubs:

- Farm Writers' Association of NSW Inc
- Rural Media South Australia
- Rural Media Association of Western Australia
- Rural Press Club of Queensland
- Rural Press Club of Victoria

These clubs will select State finalists during the coming six to eight weeks. Contact your state club for information about selection processes and deadlines.

For more information on the awards contact ACAJ president Gordon Collie on 07 3856 3614 gordon@agriprose.com.au or Vice President and Australian delegate to the IFAJ, Liz Harfull on 0409 674 941 lizk@adam.com.au