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 IFAJ award direct – they must be selected by the ACAJ.
Entry criteria: Examples of published work to meet the categories of:
- Broadcast
– Video: piece produced primarily for broadcast on television
– Radio: piece produced primarily for broadcast on radio
– Online broadcasting: web-based report produced primarily for broadcast via internet (must incorporate a video or audio component as a key element). - Photography
– People
– Production – including photos of machinery or technical aspects of farming, plant and animal production, bio-energy etc
– Nature/landscape - Print
– No sub-categories
What is on offer:
* Broadcast award: The national winner will receive professional development in the form of a trip overseas to attend the annual the IFAJ Congress. The prize includes airfares and registration fees for congress only (pre and post congress tours not included).
* Print award: The national winner will receive professional development in the form of a trip overseas to attend the annual the IFAJ Congress. The prize includes airfares and registration fees for congress only (pre and post congress tours not included).
* Photography award: $1000 cash prize for the overall winner, provided by the ACAJ.
Entries close: Mid-March in most states, contact your state rural press club for details.
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.