Westpac Judges’ Choice for Best Young Journalist

Eligibility: The National Rural Press Club recognises the challenges for young rural journalists in an era of shrinking regional news budgets. The Judges’ Choice award recognises a young rural journalist in the early stage of their career (under 30 years) who has shown a talent for and a commitment to reporting issues that matter to rural and regional Australia. Entry is open to all paid up members of the National Rural Press Club. 

Judging criteria: Rural journalists work under extraordinary and diverse conditions across the country on multiple platforms, with access to varying levels of resources. Judges will assess the entries on consistency in timeliness, accuracy, context, balance and impact. Judges will also take into account the resources available to the journalist and their working conditions. 

Process: Applicants must submit a 200 word supporting summary describing: 

• how the portfolio reflects the journalist’s experience and skill,
• how the stories came about,
• resources available to the journalist and working conditions,
• where they were based,
• where it was published/broadcast,
• impact and feedback generated.

PDF files or audio or video links of stories must also be provided however weblinks will only be accepted as long as they can be freely accessed without registration or paywalls. If the work you are entering is behind a paywall, it is strongly advised that you also upload an accessible copy with your entry such as PDFs for stories.Your entry may be disqualified if the judges cannot access your work.