RMSA Fellowship to attend IFAJ Pre-Congress Tour in Cairns (June 2015)

Rural Media SA is offering a Fellowship to a young Rural Journalist to attend the upcoming International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ (IFAJ) Pre-Congress Tour in Cairns.

Themed “Hot Tropics 2015 - Farming Australia's Far North” and jointly organised by the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) and the Queensland Rural Press Club, the IFAJ Pre-Congress Tour will run from 8^th-12^th October 2015. It will be followed by the IFAJ World Congress in New Zealand, commencing on 14^th October.

RMSA’s Fellowship will fund the $1,300 Pre-Congress Tour registration fee of one Rural Journalist. The recipient needs to fund their flight to Cairns and homeward flight from either Sydney or Auckland.

A Pre-Congress Tour with a difference, “Hot Tropics 2015” will offer a chance to experience one of the world’s most advanced tropical agriculture regions set in a renowned tourist playground. Attendees will be able to see first-hand how a major commercial agriculture sector not only coexists, but thrives in a pristine natural environment, from tropical rainforest jungle to the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Working journalists will be assured of some great stories and photographs to take home during an unforgettable visit.

“Hot Tropics 2015” spends the initial three days in far north Queensland, then transports participants to Sydney for two nights. The registration fee includes an onward flight to New Zealand on 13^th October to join the IFAJ World Congress, or participants can depart for home direct from Sydney.

All expenses during the Pre-Congress Tour are included in the registration fee, including single room accommodation at the Novotel Oasis Resort in Cairns, flights from Cairns to Sydney/Auckland and single room accommodation at Rydges World Square Hotel whilst in Sydney.

To be eligible for the RMSA Fellowship, rural journalists must be 30 years or younger. Expressions of interest, including brief bio and 400 word max outline of personal development benefits must be received by RMSA Secretary, Bob Snewin (bsnewin@acmff.org.au) via email by Friday 3^rd July 2015.