Thanks to grant win, the Terrier is turning up the volume

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Carol Altmann – The Terrier

The Terrier has won a major grant to help turn up the volume on indigenous stories from our region, and to help this site survive and thrive.

The grant is one of only nine funded in the first round by Sydney billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson’s Institute for Journalism and Ideas and it will allow me to hire and mentor a cadet Indigenous journalist.

As if there wasn’t enough adrenalin pumping through the veins of The Terrier this week, this news has just come through today and, I tell you, I had to have a small lie down when I saw the other recipients:

the ABC, The Australian, The Guardian, The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Schwartz Media (The Monthly/The Saturday Paper), Ngaarda Media and… drumroll….The Terrier, in Warrnambool.

So what does this mean for The Terrier?

Well, it means I can fulfil my hope of being able to better tell the Indigenous stories of our region, including those of the colonial invasion and those that are unfolding as we speak, such as Budj Bim, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Area, and the mind-blowing research around Moyjil.

I want these stories to be told by an Indigenous voice, not only my voice, and in so doing I want to empower the next generation of journalists.

The south-west can do so much more to celebrate, respect and listen to the Indigenous voices in our region, and with the support of the Institute, I can help that to happen.

 

The second part of the 12-month grant will allow The Terrier to explore different funding models, which basically means finding ways to encourage readers to be as loyal as a Cairn, a Maltese or a foxy, by contributing what they can, when they can.

So many stories to tell: Uncle Alby Clarke in the battle to save Levy’s Point, part of the Tarerer coast, from commercial racehorse training. Image: Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group.

Through the $100 million Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas, Ms Neilson* – who owns the White Rabbit gallery in Sydney – is breathing life back into the lungs of a struggling media landscape.

And she is making sure that this air is pumped not only into the big cities, but into regional towns, where journalism is at a crisis point.

We all know that before The Terrier, investigative journalism in Warrnambool had become almost non-existent and yet, as the Warrnambool City Council credit card scandal has shown, it is absolutely critical.

The Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas gets this.

 

As its director Mark Ryan says, “the Institute believes that the best way to champion quality journalism is to help journalists do more of it“.

You got it Mark!

The Terrier headquarters was abuzz this morning with news of a major grant from the Judith Neilson Institute of Journalism and Ideas.

If The Terrier can develop a group of loyal supporters who, between them, help cover the costs of sniffing, digging and writing, then The Terrier will not only survive, but thrive.

We have made it this far, on the back of a Tip Jar, but there is still much more to do.

After the huge events of this week, and the outpouring of support that has followed, I reckon we can do it.

On we go.

*I did, by chance, see Ms Neilson in the distance while filming the above video at her Sydney headquarters. I showed restraint…okay, I admit it, I had to be restrained. I hope I do get to thank her personally one day, as what she is doing for journalism via her philanthropy is game-changing.

You can see the full list of grant winners and the fabulous projects here.

11 thoughts on “Thanks to grant win, the Terrier is turning up the volume”

  1. Brilliant work Carol- CONGRATULATIONS, now the real work begins!!
    I bet WCC members are nashing their teeth in anger- nothing pisses people off more than success. Well done

    1. Nothing pisses off people with a sense of entitlement more so than someone gaining success the good old honest and hard working way.
      Onward and upward for this feisty terrier!!

  2. This is wonderful news Carol, congratulations, you absolutely deserve it. And well done the Judith Neilson Institute for recognising and funding high-quality regional journalism.
    Kind regards, Donald

    1. I am absolutely over the moon Donald. We will have to raise a small glass when we next meet.

  3. Dear Carol,
    I am so pleased to hear of your recognition! Perhaps you could map out for us just what you need in terms of ongoing support. For example 100 supporters each giving $120 annually or whatever based on what has been donated in the past and your needs. This would give us a realistic idea of how we can help as well as giving you some security.
    Congratulations!
    Jim Williams

    1. That is exactly what I plan to do Jim. Thankyou so much for being one of the very, very early supporters who has helped me to get this far and to now be able to launch to the next level. Your advice early on was absolute vital to be able to get to this point.

  4. Hi Carol,
    I am thrilled for you, and for SW Victoria that you have been given this opportunity.
    I have no doubt that you are the best person for this challenge and I have every confidence that you will achieve a result that will help to disentangle this part of our clouded frontier heritage.
    Congratulations and very best wishes,
    Jane Carpenter

    1. Oh Jane, thankyou so much for this wonderful comment. I am going to give it everything I’ve got.
      I also want to thank you for being such a strong supporter of The Terrier. It makes such a difference to have readers who are willing you on.

  5. Well done Carol, it is a real feather in your cap and something all of us in Warrnambool can be proud of. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

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