The National Rural Press Club Awards were held in Canberra last week, recognizing the work of some of Australia's leading rural journalists.
For farming and rural communities across Australia, reporting on rural affairs is crucial as many rely on the news coverage to stay well informed about the issues affecting their communities.
The National Rural Press Club (NRPC) brings together like minded individuals and organisations interested in issues affecting rural and regional Australia.
Last Wednesday, the NRPC held its inaugural awards, recognizing the stories of Australia's leading rural journalists.
The 2019 competition received a total of 47 stories covering print, television, online and radio. As the current drought continues to take its toll on Australian farmers, there was a heavy focus on drought and water management pieces.
Prizes were awarded for 'Best News Coverage' and 'Best News Feature' and 'Best Feature Sections' ($1000 for winners and $250 for runners up), along with an award for Outstanding Contribution ($500).
Canberra-based ABC reporter Lucy Barbour took out top honours, winning the inaugural Excellence in Rural Journalism Award for her report on the impact of the drought on rural and urban communities, Day Zero.
And our overall winner is…. @lucybarbour 👏👏🏆🏆
From the judges 'the quality of Lucy's reporting on a subject of national interest – the drought – was a standout' #superstar #legend #ag @pipcourtney @afsnsw @PressClubAust @abcnews @ABCRural pic.twitter.com/tXaIcV5Myf
— National Rural Press Club (@nrpc_au) November 27, 2019
Other winners included:
Best News Coverage
Winner: Lucy Barbour, ABC
Highly Commended: Kath Sullivan, ABC
Highly Commended: Shannon Twomey and Chantelle Francis, The Weekly Times
Best Feature
Winner: Brett Worthington, ABC
Highly Commended: Kath Sullivan, ABC
Highly Commended: Anna Henderson, ABC
Outstanding Contribution
Winner: Mike Foley, Australian Community Media
Overall Winner
Winner: Lucy Barbour, ABC
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.
