Professor Geoff Farrell Award
The Professor Geoff Farrell Award encourages responsible, accurate and timely reporting on hepatitis C. Approximately 200,000 Australians live with chronic hepatitis C, a virus that has no vaccine. Greater recognition of the extent and impact of hepatitis C is required and the media plays a critical role in sharing knowledge and highlighting the need for prevention, treatment and patient support.
2008 Award
Hepatitis Australia is pleased to announce the winners of the 2008 Professor Geoff Farrell Award in recognition of excellence in reporting on hepatitis C.
Kris Flanders – for his report
“The Silent Epidemic” for the Living Black programme on SBS Television
Kris’s story looked at the high prevalence of hepatitis C in the indigenous community, and gave information about the virus itself; the impact on long-term health and how it can be spread, treated, and prevented. The facts were highlighted with personal stories from people living with Hepatitis C and how it had affected them.
Rada Rouse – for her report
“The Great Hep C Divide” for Medical Observer
Rada’s article focused on the screening of pregnant women for hepatitis C, a complex and important issue for general practice. The facts about current practice and conflicting guidance on antenatal hepatitis C screening in Australia were presented, with insight provided through interviews with experts.
2007 Award
Last year’s winners of the inaugural Professor Geoff Farrell Award were:
Adam Cresswell, Health Editor for The Australian newspaper, for two stories focused on the prevalence of the hepatitis C virus and the challenges faced by people living with hepatitis C; and
Paul Smith, Chief Political Correspondent for GP publication Australian Doctor, for his feature article on prison health and the rising incidence of hepatitis C in Australian gaols, Inside/Outside.
*Update* Congratulations to Paul Smith for also winning the National Press Club's Health Journalist of the Year Award for Inside/Outside.
Danielle Cronin from the Canberra Times and Rada Rouse from the Medical Observer received highly commended mentions for their entries.