AFTRS & ABC announce Selwyn Speight Scholarship winner

Sudanese refugee Natal Jimma has won the Selwyn Speight Scholarship for 2019.

Presented by AFTRS and the ABC, the scholarship is available thanks to $20,000 bequest from the late ABC journalist Selwyn Speight.

Natal is currently studying at AFTRS, completing his Graduate Diploma in Radio, having started his career in Sudan.

He also has a Bachelor of Journalism with a Major in Political Journalism from the University of Queensland and over five years experience in university and community radio, as well as speaking multiple languages.

Thanks to the scholarship, Natal will also intern at the ABC throughout the year and receive a 12-month employment contract at the conclusion of the course.

“The Selwyn Speight Diversity scholarship, now in its second year, plays an important role in helping us achieve that goal,” said ABC Acting Director of Regional & Local Judith Whelan.

“It’s so important to have scholarships to assist in improving diversity,” added AFTRS Head of Radio Fyona Smith.

“AFTRS and The ABC are both committed to this. Natal brings interesting angles to content and a great energy to the studio. He has a bright future ahead.”

Natal thanked the ABC and AFTRS for the opportunity.

“I am humbled to be the recipient of the Selwyn Speight Scholarship and feel fortunate to be studying atm AFTRS and working at the ABC this year. Thank you personally to everyone at AFTRS and at the ABC for your generosity, I am touched beyond words”.

Last years’ recipient Iranian refugee Pariya Taherzadeh, is now working at the ABC as a producer on RN’s The History Listen.