DEAKIN University and Country Press Australia have congratulated Bunbury Mail journalist Andrew Elstermann on being awarded a prestigious Edward Wilson Prize.
Chairman of the national journalism training committee Lloyd Jenkins announced the award at the annual conference of the Victorian Country Press Association on Friday night.
He said Mr Elstermann had been judged the best Year 1 student in the Deakin University-CPA Post-cadet Journalism Course.
He received a cheque for $2000 from the director of the program, Dr Kristy Hess, a senior lecturer at the university.
“Andrew’s contribution to regional journalism in a digital environment is outstanding,” Mr Jenkins said.
“Much credit must go to the Bunbury Mail for its innovative approach to reporting news and providing information online.
“Andrew has adapted to these strategies well, helping to make the newspaper a leader in this field.”
Mr Jenkins said the young journalist’s news writing skills were sharp and he presented excellent story ideas that showed a strong connection to the Bunbury community.
Mr Elstermann began his career at the Mail in March last year and has become one of the editorial team’s senior members.
He was the only West Australian winner among the three awards this year.
Dr Hess said Deakin University valued highly the support of the trust fund set up after the death of a Melbourne pioneer newspaperman, Edward Wilson who was the inaugural editor of The Argus in 1848.