Media Release

15 October 2009

Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award

The Australian Embassy invites applications for the 2009 Elizabeth O’Neill Journalism Award.

The Award commemorates the distinguished career of Elizabeth O’Neill OAM, the former Embassy Press Attache, who died in service in Indonesia on 7 March 2007.

“The Award builds on her tireless work to foster mutual understanding of Australia and Indonesia through accurate and informed media coverage. The program is designed to build a stronger understanding and appreciation between our two countries,” said Ambassador Farmer.

The Award is open to high achieving early or mid-career journalists and is conferred each year on one Australian and one Indonesian journalist. The Indonesian recipient will spend up to three weeks in Australia on a fully-funded program.

Sponsored by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australia-Indonesia Institute, the Award is open to print, radio, television and online media journalists. The program will be tailored to the journalists’ area of expertise and reporting responsibilities in such areas as foreign and trade policy, development assistance, people-to-people links and education.

Applicants must be Indonesian citizens resident in Indonesia - the successful applicant must be available to travel from January through to March 2010.

For Indonesian journalists wishing to apply for the award, application forms and details on the application process can be found on the Embassy’s website at www.indonesia.embassy.gov.au/jakt/awards.html.

For Australian journalists wishing to apply for the award, please visit: http://www.dfat.gov.au/lizoneill/

Applications must be lodged by 30 October 2009.

Media Enquiries:
Toby Lendon, (Public Affairs, Australian Embassy) mob. 0811 187 3175