Best New Journalist or Cadet Award ($2,000)

Eligibility: Open to all rural and regional journalists working in their first year at a media outlet across any platform. Entrants must be from the Canberra region (ACT, NSW South Coast, Yass, Goulburn, Snowy Mountains). Entry is open to all paid up members of the National Rural Press Club.

Judging criteria: Recognition of an up-and-coming reporter who has demonstrated outstanding potential in their field. The winner will have shown dedication to developing their craft while uncovering rural and regional stories that have resonated with local and/or national audiences.

Process: Applicants must submit a 200 word supporting summary of how they’ve approached their first year in the job and what their main achievements have been. Entrants must also include two examples of stories or reports to demonstrate the quality of their work. PDF files, audio or video links of stories must also be provided. Please note, weblinks will not be accepted.