Solutions Journalism News from Australia

Traditionally, the Walkley Foundation has been known for its journalism awards. But in 2024, the Australian nonprofit tried something new, offering $180,000 in funding for 11 solutions journalism projects. This embrace and support of solutions journalism was led by Corinne Podger, the foundation’s senior manager for programs and education. Through a 2022 training offered by SJN, Podger became the first accredited solutions journalism trainer in Australia. That relationship proved pivotal to the introduction of the Walkley grants, as along the way SJN supported Podger in developing the grant program and a solutions training curriculum. This partnership brought together Podger’s knowledge of local cultures and the Australian media landscape with SJN’s resources and staff, several of whom helped lead live solutions journalism webinars co-hosted with Podger herself. Those webinars are now featured in the Walkley Foundation’s Solutions Journalism Training Program. A separate live webinar on solutions journalism for potential grantees welcomed 50 journalists, and Walkley staff says interest in a future round of grants remains high.