Regional scholarships inspire new generation of journalists

Regional Journalism Scholarship recipients Olivia Romanella, Maddy Lloyd and Benjamin Ruge with Assoc Prof. Kerrie Foxwell-Norton, student Benjamin Ruge with Professor James Carson, Associate Professor Kerrie Foxwell-Norton and Professor Mark Pearson.
Regional Journalism Scholarship recepients Olivia Romanella, Maddy Lloyd and Benjamin Ruge with Professor James Carson, Associate Professor Kerrie Foxwell-Norton and Professor Mark Pearson.

Four young students are now able to pursue their dreams of working in the media after being awarded $40,000 Regional Journalism Scholarships funded by the Federal Government.

Olivia Romanella, Maddy Lloyd, Benjamin Ruge and Hannah Ross will study a Bachelor of Communication and Journalism through Griffith’s School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science.

“I’d heard great things about this degree and was absolutely thrilled to receive my acceptance letter,’’ says Olivia Romanella, from Airlie Beach.

“I have always been intrigued by current affairs, writing, editing and a large diversity of interviews and documentaries and hope to work in this field.”

Maddy Lloyd, from Ballina, is interested in the power of social media. “Social Media is a visual communication tool that has so much potential to empower, influence and raise awareness.

“I want to become better at telling a story that creates action, hence this degree and what I want to do with my future.”

For Benjamin Ruge, fromTaree, pursuing a career in journalism was his intention from his early years at high school.

“Attending university has been a goal for many years, not only because I knew it would help me find a career, but the idea of furthering my knowledge on subjects and topics that I get to select is something I’ve been genuinely interested in doing.

“Ultimately, I would like to pursue a career in journalism and I believe studying at Griffith University will equip me with the tools, knowledge, connections and resources to successfully pursue these goals.”

School of Humanities, Languages and Social Sciences Head Professor James Carson said the scholarships were testament to the quality of journalism taught at Griffith.

“Our journalism lecturers are industry experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience and we are committed to ensuring regional journalism remains an important voice in the national conversation.

“The Regional Journalism Scholarships will stand successful applicants in good stead when looking for work in the competitive media industry.”