Walkley Foundation announces first round of journalism grants, appoints new chair
The Walkley Foundation plans to hand out $50,000 in grants to Australian journalists in the first half of 2019.
At the 63rd Walkley Awards in Brisbane, Foundation CEO Louisa Graham, revealed the first round of grants from the Walkley Public Fund, established by the industry body to ensure Australians continue to benefit from public interest journalism.
“This year we launched our Public Fund for Journalism to attract donations and philanthropy to ensure the sustainability of the work we do,” Graham said.
“I’m thrilled to tell you that in the first half of 2019 we will hand out $50,000 in grants to Australian journalists from the fund.”
More details about how journalists can apply for funding for projects, stories and development will be available earlier next year. A number of senior journalists and media figures will assess and select the applicants.
At the same time, Graham thanked the outgoing chair of the Walkley Foundation, Quentin Dempster, and chair of the Walkley Judging Board, Angelos Frangopoulos for their hard work.
Dempster has completed his term after more than a decade, and will be replaced by Walkley-award winning journalist, Kerry O’Brien.
O’Brien is the former editor and host of The 7.30 Report and Four Corners on the ABC.
Guardian Australia’s editor, Lenore Taylor, will now chair the Walkley Judging Board, alongside deputy chair, The Sunday Telegraph’s Claire Harvey.
“This year we say farewell to two amazing journalists who have volunteered many hours. Both Quentin Dempster and Angelos Frangopoulos, complete their terms on the board and I want to thank them both for their tireless commitment,” Graham said.
