In Summary

  • Robert Gill, Course Director for Communication programs, has been nominated for the 2017 National Golden Target award for PR Educator of the Year
  • Award winners to be announced this November

A Swinburne lecturer has been nominated for the award of Public Relations Educator of the Year at the 2017 National Golden Target awards.

Robert Gill, Course Director for Communication programs at Swinburne, has been shortlisted as the Victorian nominee for the award, which is handed out by the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Each state can nominate applicants, with the national winner being announced at the PRIA Golden Target Awards in Sydney this November.

Mr Gill says the nomination is a great honour for not only himself, but also for Swinburne.

“I feel honoured to be the nominated State Finalist for the PR Educator of the Year,” he explains.

“However, I believe the nomination is really a reflection of the great teamwork and diverse expertise represented in the Swinburne Media and Communication department.”

Now in its 41st year, the Golden Target Awards is the PR and Communication industry’s longest running and most esteemed awards ceremony. The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of PR and communication professionals nationwide.

The PR industry has seen some dramatic changes since the turn of the century, and Mr Gill believes this has played a significant role in shaping Swinburne’s program.

“Digital and mobile communication technologies have revolutionised PR practice over the last 15 years, and the industry is in a constant state of change” he explains.

“As educators, we try to ensure we are contemporary with how the industry operates, while developing inquisitive and independent learners.”

Mr Gill attributes the nomination to the collaborative nature and real-world application of Swinburne’s PR courses.

“The cross-discipline nature of our program adds immense value to the Swinburne PR program,”

“Students get to work with other students from related disciplines in many of our units – and really learn off each other” he says.

“Also, we have intensified our focus on employability skills and making students more capable and confident in tackling real-world topics.”

Award winners will be announced at the 2017 National Golden Target Awards Finals: Gala Dinner at the Sydney Opera House, on November 9 at the Sydney Opera House.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the Public Relations and Communications industry, visit the Swinburne Study Options page to find out more.