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The Rural Press Club of Queensland awards Life Membership to outstanding individuals who have given substantial service to rural industry in Australia or in advancing the objectives of the Club.
Life Members
Stacey Wordsworth (2024)
Former President and experienced agriculture and regional communications specialist with a strong background across journalism, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
Lisa Palu (2023)
Former President and Vice President whose career spans journalism, public affairs, and agricultural policy. Best known as the founder of the ABC Radio Rural Woman of the Year Award.
Peter (Pete) Lewis (2022)
Pete served as a committee member and President of the Rural Press Club of Queensland, and has continued to support the Club as a speaker and MC, including at the 2015 Parliament House celebration.
Trent Thorne (2019)
First non-journalist Life Member; former President (2016-2019). Led major professionalisation of the Club, appointed SAS Group, expanded sponsorship opportunities, and helped grow the Ekka Breakfast to 800 guests.
Brendan Egan (2016)
Former President (2013-2016) and rural communications leader. Oversaw the Club’s website and process improvements, established the Hall of Fame exhibit at Longreach, and led the 2015 ‘Boot the Drought’ ball.
Alan Ernst (2015)
Served as the Club’s first Executive Officer for nine years, retiring in 2015, and supported successive Presidents and committees over a long association with the Club.
Genevieve McAulay (2013)
Award-winning rural journalist and former RPC President. Former editor of Cotton Outlook and long-time advocate for agricultural journalism.
Christine Walker (2010)
Former Treasurer, President, and Secretary of the Club. Communications leader at Growcom and long-time contributor to Queensland horticulture and agribusiness communications.
Jane Milburn OAM (2009)
Instrumental in reviving the Club in 2000 and helping rebuild it into a respected rural and agribusiness forum. Served on the Executive and later as President.
Phillip Bate (2008)
Foundation member, former President (1981-1984), and one of the journalists present at the Club’s launch in 1972. Represented Australia at key agricultural journalism conferences.
Gordon Collie (2007)
Highly respected rural journalist with a career spanning more than 35 years. Former Queensland Country Life journalist, Courier-Mail Rural Editor, and long-serving RPC executive member.
Bill Kerr (1981)
Foundation-era member who served in multiple executive roles including Treasurer, Secretary, and President. A long-time rural journalist and editor with deep ties to Queensland agricultural publishing.
