The ACAJ annual Star Prize awards Three major national awards for journalists and photographers covering rural issues were announced in November 2009 by the Australian Council for Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ). They include: Australian Star Prize for Rural Broadcasting sponsored by Rabobank. Australian Star Prize for Rural Writing sponsored by John Deer. Australian Star Prize for Rural Photography. The successful entry in each category goes on to represent Australia in the IFAJ Star Prize for Broadcast Journalism, which will be announced during the annual IFAJ Congress in Belgium, April 17 to 21, 2010. The Alltech young journalist award Young Victorian rural journalists can win a trip to Europe next year with the 2010 Australian Young Leaders in Rural Journalism Award. Alltech Australia marketing manager Emma May has opened the award at the Rural Press Club of Victoria's October lunch in Melbourne. The Award, now in its fifth year, is organised by the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) in association with Alltech Biotechnology Pty Ltd. The winner will attend the annual International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Congress in Ostend, Belgium, from April 17 to 21, 2010. The scholarship will cover airfares and registration costs for the congress, up to a value of $5000. Click here for more information. Click here to download the media release. Planning a trip overseas? Need something extra to help you open doors and make contacts? Apply for your Official IFAJ Press Card today! This official card of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists is a useful tool to help you get the information you need overseas, particularly in Europe. Rural Press Club of Victoria members are able to apply to the Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) to get their card. Also don't forget if you are heading overseas, the ACAJ can use its networks in the IFAJ to find contacts and background information for you. The Australian delegate to the IFAJ can even set up an email contact for you. So if you're planning a trip overseas contact ACAJ Secretary Emily Bogue on 03 5225 6450. ACAJ new leadership group The Australian Council of Agricultural Journalists (ACAJ) has elected a new leadership group for the coming year. Rural Press Club of Victoria Treasurer Emily Bogue has been elected the ACAJ secretary, providing closer links for Victorian members with the national body. Emily has previously worked for ABC Regional News and the Victorian Farmers Federation and maintains close links with regional media in her current role as communications and media adviser with the Transport Accident Commission. The ACAJ annual meeting also elected South Australian-based freelance rural journalists Liz Harfull as the new President. Click here for more information.