Aspiring Tassie Journalist awarded prestigious RAS Foundation JB Fairfax Award

Tasmania’s Tayla Gofton has been announced as the recipient of the national RAS Foundation JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications following a rigorous judging process.

The award, which was created in 2008 thanks to the generosity of Mr John B Fairfax AO, aims to foster aspiring journalists and communicators who have a passion for regional and rural Australia by providing a cash prize of $12,500 and three unique internships. 
 
Gofton, who is a second-year Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) student at RMIT University in Melbourne, will have the opportunity to gain experience at Australian Community Media’s The Land newspaper, Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s Landline program, and in the media centre at Australia’s largest agricultural show, the Sydney Royal Easter Show,  later this year.

Gofton said her interest in regional journalism stems from wanting to preserve the history of communities and inform the wider public of issues facing small towns, including mental health struggles in rural areas.

“I have always believed that everyone has a story to tell, some people just don’t get asked, and I am committed to listening, learning, and sharing the experiences of rural people. To be able to combine my passion for journalism with my farming upbringing is an incredible opportunity that I am excited to experience,” shared Gofton.

"Receiving the 2026 JB Fairfax Award is a great privilege that I am immensely grateful for. The financial aid will allow me to focus more on my final year of studies, and the internships provide instrumental support for me in completing my degree and in future employment.

“Receiving this award opens so many doors for me in the journalism industry that I would have never dreamed of accessing. The opportunity to work with publications within the ABC, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, and The Land is invaluable experience that will provide me with industry skills I can apply to the remainder of my studies and use in my future career."

Originally from north-east Tasmania, Gofton grew up on her family’s dairy farm and spent her youth surrounded by a small-town community, which sparked her commitment to regional representation in media.

RAS Foundation Manager Cecilia Logan said Gofton was a deserving recipient.

“The JB Fairfax Award aims to preserve and protect rural and regional journalism and communications by awarding one individual each year who is passionate about sharing the stories of our rural communities. The aim is to provide opportunities to foster that passion and open doors for that person," said Logan.

“Tayla is incredibly deserving and has demonstrated a great talent in journalism and sharing the stories of others. I look forward to seeing where this award will take her and watching her career flourish.”

Previous winners of the JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications have gone on to secure jobs at the Sydney Morning Herald, Queensland Country Life, and ABC Rural.

The 2027 JB Fairfax Award for Rural & Regional Journalism and Communications will open in July 2026. To learn more, please visit www.rasf.org.au