Awards
Awards
The Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists hosts professional awards each year to recognise the leaders in Australia’s rural media sector.
These awards include:
Australian Star Prizes
- Australian Star Prize for Rural Broadcasting, sponsored by Rabobank
- Australian Star Prize for Rural Writing
- Australian Star Prize for Rural Photography
Who can enter: Photographers and print/online/broadcast journalists – finalists are nominated by state rural media organisations affiliated with the ACAJ. Individuals cannot enter the award direct, they must be selected by their state guild. To be considered, entries must be a single story, published between 1 January and 31 December in the award year and be eligible for the corresponding IFAJ Star Prize category.
Entry criteria: Examples of published work about some aspect of agriculture or rural life to meet the categories of:
- Broadcast
– Video: piece produced primarily for broadcast on television or online
– Audio: piece produced primarily for broadcast on radio, web or podcast
– Digital: piece produced primarily for broadcast online or cross-platform (must incorporate at least two of the following: text, images, audio, video). - Print
– Written: piece produced primarily for a print publication - Photography
– People – the people of agriculture and rural communities
– Production – crops, livestock, pests and the technology or process of producing food, feed, fuel or fiber
– Nature/landscape – images that highlight rural flora, fauna, atmosphere or scenery
What is on offer:
* Broadcast award: The national winner will receive a professional development bursary in the form of a trip overseas to attend the next annual the IFAJ Congress. The prize includes airfares and registration fees for the congress only, up to the value of $5,000 (pre and post congress tours or other travel costs not included).
* Print award: The national winner will receive a professional development bursary in the form of a trip overseas to attend the next annual the IFAJ Congress. The prize includes airfares and registration fees for the congress only up to the value of $5,000 (pre and post congress tours or other travel costs not included).
* Photography award: $1000 cash prize for the overall winner, provided by the ACAJ.
Entries close: March 1
Submit your state’s entries here
IFAJ-Alltech Young Leader in Rural Journalism
Who can enter: For young journalists (18-35 years) showing professional and leadership potential. Entrants must be members of their state rural media organisation, affiliated with the ACAJ.
Entry criteria: Examples of published work and written explanation of professional and leadership potential.
How does it work: The Australian winner progresses to international judging, where 10 entrants are selected from across the globe to attend a professional development Boot Camp at that year’s IFAJ Congress.
What is on offer: The 10 Young Leaders selected by the IFAJ receive a prize to the value of €1000 for Boot Camp and Congress registration and accommodation. Other expenses are entrants’ own.
Entries close: Usually in mid-February each year – click here for more information.
Other Awards
Each state rural press club holds its own annual awards – click here for contacts.