UQ journalism reaps rewards of creating change

Ten journalism students from The University of Queensland have won the Communication and Media Achievement Award at the Queensland Multicultural Awards. The students were recognised for Change Makers magazine , a project with Woodridge State High School which aimed to tell the real stories of the local community and debunk negative stereotypes. School of Communication and Arts Lecturer Dr Scott Downman said the award was terrific recognition for the students and the UQ journalism program. " Change Makers is an innovative project that combines cross-cultural reporting and the use of non-traditional newsgathering techniques. There is nothing else like it in Australia." Dr Downman said. Six students visited Woodridge State High School over five months to document stories and create the magazine, which was launched in October 2014. Another four students joined the project in 2015.