ARPA exists to help Christian publications and their staff to better understand and fulfil the work that Christ wills to be done through the Christian press in Australia and New Zealand.
Our purpose
ARPA seeks to fulfil three main objectives:
to enhance the effectiveness and quality of Christian publications, the professionalism and faith of their staff;
to maintain a network of fellowship and communications among those working for or interested in Christian press; and
to pursue areas of common concern or mutual benefit to ARPA members.
Our major activities
Chapters are organised in each Australian state and New Zealand.
The annual conference provides a weekend (Friday lunch to Sunday) of challenge, stimulation, training, discussion, fellowship, worship and fun. The annual general meeting is also held at this time. Conferences rotate among the states and New Zealand.
Conference workshops are always enthusiastically attended. Areas covered might include interview techniques, writing reviews, page design and layout, designing ads, website design, and writing editorials.
ARPA awards are presented each year for excellence in religious journalism and publishing in 23 categories, such as Best News Story, Best Layout, Best Photograph, Best Ecumenical Story, Best Social Justice Story, to name a few. These are judged by leading professional journalists and awarded at a dinner at the annual conference.
The Presidential award, the Gutenberg, is presented to a person or publication for overall excellence in religious communication.
