UPCOMING EVENTS: Premier Brumby addresses the bush John Brumby has long been regarded as the Labor party's champion of the bush, playing a pivotal role in capturing vital rural votes in the 1999 election win. But since his elevation to the premiership in mid-2007, there have been rumblings across country Victoria about his style and controversial decisions. Irrigation renewal, the north-south pipeline, a desalination plant, an ambulance services merger and drought policy have all fired debate across the state. Now, here's your chance to hear Mr Brumby address these issues at The Rural Press Club of Victoria annual show breakfast, September 26, at 7.15am for 7.30am. Click here to download the meeting notice. Click here to download a map of the showground. Journalism & Photography Awards Dinner Our 2008 Rural Press Club of Victoria Journalism and Photography Awards were held on Friday 29 August 2008. Journalists from across the state celebrated with the best of the best in rural and regional media in Victoria. For all the winners, photos and more, please go to the awards section of this site. IFAJ Congress survey wants your views to guide important debate Worldwide agricultural journalists are invited to participate in a special on-line survey contributing to an international debate about the profession at the 2008 IFAJ Congress. The congress session on September 11 will explore the question To whom are agricultural journalists responsible, politicians, farmers, consumers or advertisers? Leading representatives from politics, lobbying, agriculture and industry have been invited to participate in the discussion. Click here to participate Best Australian Rural Photo for 2008: A sheep dog trial gone wrong set the scene for the best Australia rural photo for 2008. This competition is organised by the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) and this year, Mr Mike Dugdale of the Geelong Advertiser was the worthy winner. Click here for further details Dog trial drama photo a national winner Membership 2008-09 The Rural Press Club is open to membership for all people interested in rural Victoria. The club has both a country and metropolitan base from both print and electronic media. You are invited to become a member of the Rural Press Club of Victoria. Click here to download a membership form