Deadline: 26-Apr-23
The Walkley Foundation is excited to announce the Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism has been expanded to allow for the provision of a second $10,000 grant.
The grants program, which honours the work of legendary ABC journalist Sean Dorney, will allow up to two Australian journalists to produce significant content in any medium profiling issues in the Pacific region. Journalists from all sectors, backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply with pitches for reportage, features and news stories. The work will give voice to Pacific island perspectives on an under-reported issue or development of importance to Australia and the region. Applicants with three years or less reporting experience can access a mentor to support their project development.
The judges are looking for original journalism with public interest value and impact. This grant aims to provide:
- an incentive for more reporting of Pacific issues by the Australian media in all formats.
- increased opportunities for Australian journalists who cover the Pacific to develop more detailed stories on the region.
- support for Australian journalists and media outlets who want to embark on Pacific journalism for the first time.
- greater exposure and publicity for journalism that brings the stories of the Pacific island region to Australian audiences.
Funding Information
- $10,000 grant.
Eligibility Criteria
- The judges want journalists from all sectors, backgrounds and experience levels to apply with pitches for reportage, features and news stories. The judges hope to see a broad range of applications from diverse and emerging voices as well as experienced and well-known journalists.
- The grant is open to both freelancers and those employed by media organisations. Please note terms and conditions before applying.
- Academics, public intellectuals and former journalists working in Pacific-related fields. These applicants must have a strong track record in the media as an independent voice or writer.
- Applicants must be an Australian resident or citizen but may live outside Australia, preferably in the Pacific.
- Group applications may include up to three names, with one person nominated as the primary contact.
- Applicants should:
- Give a brief outline of their project
- Show they have a realistic understanding of the budget for their project and provide details with their application
- Show they have in principle support of a publisher or broadcaster to publish the work they produce as a result of this grant
- Submit up to three examples of their work to support their application
Terms & Condition
- Applicants must be Australian citizens or permanent residents. They do not need to be based in Australia. Work needs to be accessible to an Australian audience.
- For the purposes of this grant, the Pacific islands region comprises all states and territories that would ordinarily be considered to be in Melanesia, Micronesia or Polynesia. A project which focuses solely on New Zealand will not qualify; however a project which focuses on New Zealand in addition to somewhere else in the region will be considered.
Judging Criteria
- Essential
- Focus on an under-reported issue or development that relates to one or more Pacific island countries. (For the purposes of this grant, the Pacific islands region comprises all states and territories that would ordinarily be considered to be in Melanesia, Micronesia or Polynesia. A project which focuses solely on New Zealand will not qualify; however a project which focuses on New Zealand in addition to somewhere else in the region will be considered)
- Originality and timeliness
- Potential impact and newsworthiness
- Proof that the applicant is able to produce high-quality journalism (including research, investigation, accuracy, ethics and delivery by the deadline)
- Excellence in written or verbal communication and/or technical/production skill
- Highly Desirable
- A plan to work in collaboration with Pacific island journalists or media organisations
- Innovation and creativity in storytelling including through the best use of formats for the project, including multimedia
For more information, visit Sean Dorney Grant for Pacific Journalism.
