The ABC, in partnership with Kidney Health Australia, has called for applications for the inaugural Mark Colvin Scholarship, to commemorate the life and work of the esteemed ABC journalist, broadcaster and presenter.

Applications are open until 13 July to entry-level journalists or those from non-traditional journalism backgrounds with a demonstrated passion for quality reporting and excellence in storytelling.

The successful applicant will be mentored by leading ABC journalists in the editorial and technical skills required for reporting across multiple media platforms. The 12-month scholarship includes the opportunity to work with ABC journalists in-depth on an agreed story.

Mark was one of Australian journalism’s most authoritative and admired voices, known to many listeners as the long-time presenter of ABC Radio’s PM.

ABC Director of News, Analysis & Investigations Gaven Morris said: “Mark was one of Australia’s finest journalists and a mentor and teacher to young reporters at the ABC and beyond. He was a voice of wisdom, experience and integrity in our newsrooms and on our airwaves.

“The Mark Colvin Scholarship is a fitting legacy for such a giant of Australian journalism, ensuring that his commitment to accuracy, honesty and generosity of spirit will be passed on to future generations.”

The scholarship honours the award-winning ABC journalist and former foreign correspondent, who died in May 2017 due to complications related to kidney disease.

Kidney Health Australia is the national organisation dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people living with kidney disease.

Kidney Health Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said: “Mark Colvin was a leading Kidney Health Australia advocate and we are thrilled to launch the Mark Colvin Scholarship in his honour.

“Kidney disease is highly undiagnosed in Australia. Less than 10% of people who are affected know they have the disease. One person in Australia dies every 27 minutes with kidney-related disease. The more Australians who know the risks and check their kidneys, the higher chance we have of sparing millions of Australians from prolonged suffering, expensive dialysis and unacceptably high fatalities.”

The scholarship will be awarded in a ceremony on 3 September at Admiralty House, Sydney, as part of Kidney Health Australia’s 50th anniversary.

Applications for the Mark Colvin Scholarship should be submitted via the Kidney Health Australia website by 5pm on Friday, 13 July. For more information, including the application form and guidelines, go to: https://kidney.org.au/connect/awards-and-recognition/mark-colvin-scholarship.

Mark Colvin

Mark was a prominent part of the ABC for more than four decades as a reporter, correspondent and presenter. He was admired and respected by colleagues and audiences alike for his formidable intellect, sharp wit and absolute integrity.

Mark first joined the ABC as a cadet in February 1974. His work across ABC radio and television included roles on 2JJ (the precursor to triple j), Nationwide, Four Corners, Foreign Correspondent, The 7.30 Report and Lateline.

Mark worked as an ABC foreign correspondent across Europe and Africa, covering such major stories as the American hostage crisis in Tehran and the Balkans War.

In 1994, while on assignment for The 7.30 Report in Rwanda and Zaire, Mark contracted an infection that led to the development of a rare autoimmune disease, which nearly took his life. The illness ultimately resulted in kidney failure, which required dialysis and a kidney transplant.

In 1997, Mark returned to Sydney to present ABC Radio’s PM, interviewing Australia’s political leaders and leading coverage of major events such as the Arab Spring.

On 11 May 2017, Mark died from lung cancer related to the immunosuppressant medications he took to prevent rejection of his kidney transplant. Characteristically, he had the last word on Twitter, with the posthumous sign-off under his popular handle @Colvinius: “It’s all been bloody marvellous.”

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For further information contact:

ABC:

Peter Munro

Communications Lead

Entertainment & Specialist

02 8333 3082 | 0420 440 654 | munro.peter@abc.net.au

Kidney Health Australia:

Lulu Fogg

Marketing and Communications Coordinator

0434 801 485 | media@kidney.org.au