RPCV Annual General Meeting 2009 The Annual General Meeting of the Rural Press Club of Victoria (RPC Victoria Inc) was held on Thursday 26 November 2009 at La Camera, Level 1, Southgate, Melbourne, Victoria. Click here to download the AGM notice. Click here to download the presidents report. Click here to view the Profit & Loss account to 30 June 2009. Click here to view the Balance Sheet as at 30 June 2009. Click here to view the minutes of the 2009 AGM. 2009 Rural and Regional Journalism Seminar Friday 28 August 2009 On Friday 28 August, young rural journalists from across Victoria had the chance to talk to senior journalists about reporting on disasters, cutting through 'spin' and the art of investigative journalism at a forum. The Rural Press Club of Victoria has now held three of these forums offering young journalists the chance to discuss and debate issues with seasoned reporters, editors and public relations professionals. Adam Vaughan and Jordan Oliver from the Shepparton News attended the forum. About 50 journalists attended in 2009 from all corners of the state, many taking the opportunity to make important new contacts and have face to face discussions about some of their everyday challenges. Left to right: Louise Preece Stock & Land, Jenna Meade and Tiffany Meade - Deakin University journalism students. The bushfires in February 2009 dominated much of the day's debate, with the opportunity to quiz senior television and newspaper reporters about their coverage of the fires, how they made their decisions and how they have coped with the emotional fallout in the months since the disaster. The Country Fire Authority's media manager also shared with journalists his experiences of the bushfires and some tips for how to work together in future fires. Investigative reporters and feature writers also shared their experiences and knowledge, offering food for thought for those looking to extended writing opportunities. These were inspiring speakers with varied paths to their chosen career, showing younger journalists the many opportunities in their field. Media managers from government and the corporate sector made up the panel "cutting through the spin", helping young journalists negotiate these offices as they work to find the right person for the story. The bushfire coverage sparked the most debate and with another bushfire season now looming, the discussion was timely. The strongest feedback was a call for another day to give time for more discussion. Many forum participants then headed to the Club's annual gala awards night at the Hilton. This capped of a great day for rural journalists and photographers, recognising their efforts throughout the year. Please click here to download the program.