Former School of Contemporary Communication academic and Idiom 23 Magazine editor Liz Huf has received the 2005 Johnno Award.

Ms Huf, now a PhD student, received the Queensland Writers Centre (QWC) award in December. It was presented by 2004 Johnno Award recipient, poet Ross Clark.

The QWC press release quotes Liz as saying she is very touched and excited about receiving the award.

"I feel it is a milestone for the regional writers of Central Queensland, poets, story tellers and contributors to Idiom 23, to realise they are making a difference and being remembered by their colleagues throughout the state," she said.

The Johnno Award (named after the novel by David Malouf) is presented annually by Queensland Writers Centre to an individual or group in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Queensland writers and writing. The Johnno Award acknowledges work that often goes unnoticed by the industry and the wider public.

Liz Huf spent more than 15 years at CQU as a Public Relations lecturer and has devoted her free time to furthering opportunities for Central Queensland writers.

Taking over Yapunya magazine, she renamed it Idiom 23, and developed it artistically and commercially, to become a dominant force in regional literary circles.

She founded the Bauhinia Literary Awards, and worked tirelessly to raise prize money.

Liz is popular and well-loved by students and writers, especially for initiating and running Poets in the Pub at the Criterion Hotel and the Poets Workshop on Pumpkin Island.

She made a video film (screened on national television) about the Waltzing Matilda legend, providing film and writing opportunities to outback residents.

She was also one of the driving forces behind CQU Press’ 'Sin, Sweat and Sorrow', the history of Capricornia from Great Keppel Island and Rockhampton to Longreach and Winton.

Photos: Liz Huf in some of her creative roles.

Details about the QWC are at: http://www.qwc.asn.au/new/home/default.asp