Hundreds of award entries recognise excellence in rural and regional journalism and photography

Tickets for next month’s Rural Press Club of Victoria 2023 Rural and Regional Journalism and Photography Awards in Geelong are now on sale, following the close of nominations last week.

Hundreds of Victoria and Tasmania’s journalists, photographers and media outlets are now in the running for the awards, which will be assessed by a panel of 15 esteemed judges.

“We’ve had more than 360 entries, which is a massive increase on last year, so the judges have some tough work ahead of them,” RPCV president Bryce Eishold said.

“I’m sure they’ll be impressed by the quality of work being produced by journalists across regional and rural Victoria and Tasmania and the passion they all show for telling important stories in their community.

“It’s particularly pleasing to see the wide variety of entries that have come in, and the diversity of media organisations represented because our club is not just for the big newspaper or broadcast outlet. Newsrooms big and small, and their staff all stand a chance of winning on our awards night.”

This is the first year the RPCV awards have been presented in Geelong.

Traditionally, the awards night was held in Melbourne, but the RPCV committee changed that approach in 2022, moving the night to Ballarat.

“Unashamedly, we represent rural and regional media, so we decided that’s where we should hold our biggest event of the year,” RPCV vice president Greg Dundas said.

“It’s always a great night, and last year’s event was particularly successful, so we’re excited to have this chance to bring more than 100 journos, photographers and media professionals to Geelong and showcase the city.”

The gala awards night will be held at the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre on Friday, October 27.

The distinctive dome-shaped venue in Johnstone Park in the heart of Geelong’s Little Malop Street arts precinct is close to the Geelong train station, the city centre and has ample on-street parking nearby.

The Quest and Ridges hotel groups have offered discounts on accomodation in Geelong to those attending the function, and post-event celebrations will kick on at nearby Beavs Bar.

Those attending on the night will get a three-course meal with drinks included.

Tickets cost $115 for RPCV members, or $125 for non-members.

Each year, the RPCV presents a wide variety of awards, with categories for print, broadcast and online journalism.

The most coveted awards are: Media Outlet of the Year (won in 2022 by the The Loddon Herald); Journalist of the Year (won in 2022 by Harrison Tippet, then working at the Geelong Advertiser now at the ABC); the Ray Frawley Young Journalist of the Year (won in 2022 by Shannon Schubert, of ABC Central Victoria) and Photographer of the Year (won in 2022 by Darren Howe, of the Bendigo Advertiser).

Planning to stay in Geelong?

Book via Quest Apartments and receive a 5 per cent discount using code RPCV or Rydges with an ambassador 10pc discount using code RPCV.