Young Journalist of the Year Award

Henrietta entered a single story, that began with a simple question at a workshop for teachers and ended with front-page news in Australia and coverage around the world.

Henrietta was at a teachers’ workshop for the Victorian government’s pre-election initiative to tackle homophobia in schools. When she asked if there were any cases where same-sex couples had been an issue at school formals, the co-ordinator mentioned Ivanhoe Girls Grammar but gave no more details. Henrietta used Facebook to track down the students. She won the confidence of the girls and their parents to write a story that ran on the front page of The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. It created headlines around the world and the ensuing debate almost certainly changed attitudes in schools.

For asking the right question to the right person at the right time, for determination and tenacity and for her portrayal of a sensitive issue in a powerful but sympathetic way, the judges congratulate the 2010 Young Journalist of the Year, Henrietta Cook.