QUT journalism students and graduates have been recognised this month for stories concerning natural disasters, war-torn countries and law reform.
A radio documentary produced by QUT student Amanda Gearing as part of her Master of Arts thesis, The day that changed Grantham, has been short-listed for a Walkley Award.
The program about the flood-affected Queensland town was created with the assistance of producer Claudia Taranto for the 360 documentaries program on ABC Radio National.
This year's Walkley Award finalists also include former QUT students Nance Haxton for her radio feature on intellectually disabled people fighting for equal access to justice; Angus Grigg, Ellen Fanning and Trent Dalton for their feature stories; and Leigh Sales for her broadcast interviews.
QUT students have also seen recent success in the annual Red Cross international humanitarian law writing competition, taking out the top three places.
The $1,000 prize was won by student Amy Psaltis, with second place going to Dannielle De Pinto and third to Zuzanna Kamusinski.
This year's Red Cross competition focused on violence against the wounded and sick, healthcare workers, and against healthcare facilities during armed conflict.
Ms Psaltis said the topic is an important issue and she is grateful to play a part in raising awareness about the risks faced by healthcare workers.
"Having come from a background in law, I understand the need for the international community as a whole to understand and uphold humanitarian laws and its importance in protecting human rights. It is an issue which I feel very strongly about," she said.
The judging panel included award-winning Australian journalist and former ABC foreign affairs editor Peter Cave and Red Cross representatives.
Entries were judged on originality, relevance, investigative skill, quality of writing, as well as an understanding of the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The QUT head of Journalism, Media and Communication, Professor Brian McNair, said the recent success was recognition of student commitment and social engagement, and also of the excellent teaching they receive.
"People preparing for work in journalism realise they will be going out into the world to do something important; and often enough it is an unforgiving place, demanding skill, commitment and compassion, to provide the best kind of coverage," Professor McNair said.
The Walkley Award winners will be announced 30 November.
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