Entries have opened for Queensland’s richest reporting prize, the Bean Lockyer Ticehurst Award for Excellence in Regional Journalism.
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) launched the annual $15,000 prize in honour of ABC cameraman John Bean, journalist Paul Lockyer and chopper pilot Gary Ticehurst, who tragically died in a helicopter crash while on assignment in 2011.
This year, the award aims to recognise and encourage the work of more journalists, with the first prize to worth $10,000, second place $3000 and third place $2000.
LGAQ Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith said John Bean, Paul Lockyer and Gary Ticehurst were a pioneering storytelling team with the ABC, recognised and respected throughout the regional communities.
“Queensland councils and the LGAQ commemorates John, Paul and Gary with this annual award to encourage journalists to adopt the doggedness and professionalism for which they were renowned,” Ms Smith said
“It is this journalism that ensures regional Queensland is given a voice, locally and in the offices of decision-makers in the city.
“By including a second and third place prize we are hoping to encourage even more journalists to put forward and continue their work for their communities.”
The award is open to print, television/video, online and radio, with judging criteria including newsworthiness, incisiveness, public benefit and impact on the understanding of the issues and challenges facing regional Queensland.
The winner will be announced at the 128th LGAQ Annual Conference in Brisbane in October.
For entry, terms and conditions, visit www.lgaq.asn.au/journalism-award.
Entries close Friday 11 October 2024