The award, which was established by John B Fairfax AO in 2008 aims to foster the next generation of rural journalist, providing them with invaluable opportunities to grow their portfolio and tell stories from rural Australia.

As the 2019 recipient, Jarrod will receive a $10,000 cash prize for career development and intern with the Sydney Royal Easter Show media team, rural newspaper The Land and ABC’s Landline program in Brisbane throughout the year.

The University of Newcastle honours student says he wishes to utilise his career to contribute to rural Australia and make his mark on this industry,

“As a rural journalist, I hope to bring the most important issues to the forefront of people’s minds” Mr Sansom said,

“I won ABC’s Heywire competition [in 2018] and was given the chance to fight for positive change in the Williamtown community. However, once I arrived at the Heywire summit, I quickly realised that there is an endless amount of stories to be told in rural Australia,

“I want to be someone that contributes to rural and regional Australia on a daily basis. This scholarship provides a pathway for me to achieve this,” Mr Sansom said.

Cecilia Logan, RAS Foundation Manager says Jarrod has demonstrated a keen passion for his local community and represents the key values of the award, 

“Jarrod has demonstrated a unique drive and commitment to a variety of projects, particularly for his local community,” Ms Logan said

“We hope the JB Fairfax scholarship can foster this drive and provide rural leaders like Jarrod with the opportunity to become a voice for rural and regional Australia, continuing the important mission to tell their stories,” Ms Logan said.

Jarrod will be officially awarded at the 2019 Sydney Royal Easter Show (12 -23 April).

For further information on the JB Fairfax rural journalism scholarship please visit the website.