THE Queensland Branch of the Australian National Sportfishing Association (Qld Sportfishers) is currently offering its third round of the Vic McCristal Sportfishing Writers Scholarship.
The scholarship was established in honour of one of their founding members and a pioneer in the world of sportfishing journalism Vic McCristal. Arguably Australia’s most influential sportfishing writer, Vic McCristal passed away in 2015 leaving a legacy of written materials as relevant today as the day they were penned.
The Vic McCristal Sportfishing Writers Scholarship recognises Mr McCristal’s outstanding contribution to sportfishing journalism and the role he played in mentoring and nurturing the next crop of sportfishing writers, many of whom have themselves become icons in the field of sportfishing journalism.
This will be the third consecutive year that Qld Sportfishers have offered this invaluable scholarship with several of the previous recipients already starting to establish themselves within the sportfishing writing community. The works produced to date have been outstanding which is a complement to the program and the mentors within it.
Qld Sportfishers vice president Adam Royle said that Qld Sportfishers are committed to cultivating the next crop of sportfishing writers to both honour Mr McCristal and as a pathway to promote sport, conservation and integrity in fishing.
“We’re offering a scholarship to two individuals, with no age restrictions; one of which we hope will be offered to an applicant from within our state wide membership.”
“All Queensland residents interested in making a start in sportfishing journalism are welcome to apply but ideally we are looking to attract candidates with no, or only very limited, sportfishing journalism experience.”
“The scholarship will offer a financial benefit by way of a monetary contribution from Qld Sportfishers, paid directly to the successful applicant, as well as access to three seasoned mentors who have a wealth of experience and knowledge between them.”
“Our mentors, Warren Steptoe, Bill Bowtell and I (Adam Royle) have spent many years writing for sportfishing magazines and other publications and will be able to offer the successful applicants a real leg-up in developing their writing skills.”
“All we ask is that the successful applicants have a willingness to learn and a focus on developing their writing skills based on our organisations ethos of sport, conservation and integrity.”
“Anyone interested in applying for the scholarship has until April 30 to send in their application, said Mr Royle.”
To apply, applicants are only required to put together a paragraph or two, of no more than 150 words, introducing a topic that they would like to write about based on sport, conservation and/or integrity.
Qld Sportfishers are dedicated to this cause and any applicant/s not successful in this round are encouraged to apply again next year.
Applications for the Queensland Sportfishers Qld Vic McCristal Sportfishing Writers Scholarship should be sent to president@ansaqld.com.au before the 30th April 2019. Applicants will be notified within two weeks of the application deadline.
For more information go to the Qld Sportfishers website and click on the Vic McCristal Sportfishing Writers Scholarship link.
