David and Priscila Luschwitz new panellist for the Overs 31s New Zealand and International young writers
The Press Service International young writer program in conjunction with Christian Today see the 2018 Panellist program commence today with the international panellist group getting under way.
The young writer program started today Monday 15 January - the marking season runs through to mid July with the awards conference being held in Christchurch New Zealand on Saturday 1 September.
The International Panellists are
Dr Vic Matthews
Rev Euan McDonald
Mr Daniel Stott
Dr Nathanael Yates
Ms Danielle Stott - 2014 Basil Sellers Award
Dr Mark Tronson coordinates the Panellists
Awards Commission
Last September Press Service International held an Awards Commission chaired by New Zealand Panellist Christina Tyson (Salvation Army) and one outcome of the Awards Commission is as follows:
18-30 years of age - Basil Sellers Award
Over 31's - a separate award
What this means – are additional panellists for the Over 31's.
There are 10 young writers over 31 in the Australians and there are 9 Over 31's in the New Zealand and Internationals combined, The amounts to 10 more panellists.
Along with additional panellists in the major groups filling spots – as it were.
New Panellists
New Zealand
Wayne Graham
Sarah Richards
Sport
Josh Robbie
Wayne Graham the editor of Daily Encourager,whereas Sarah Richards is the editor of the Bible Society of New Zealand. These are experienced people. Josh Robbie from South Africa will add something special to the sport panellists.
Vic Matthews, International young writer Panellist
New Panellists for the Over 31's
Brad Mills
Tim McDonald
Peter Rope
Talisa Pariss
Annemarie de Villiers
Jack Liang
David Luschwitz
Brad Mills from Auckland is a former Kiwi young writer, winner of the 2014 Sport Award and the 2015 and 2016 2nd place NZ Basil Sellers.
Tim McDonald from Mackay was one of our very first Australians young writers 2011-12 before the awards were established.
Peter Rope from Auckland was a Kiwi young writer 2012-14 and became a New Zealand Panellist in 2015-16, and took a break in 2017.
Talissa Pariss from Brisbane is a former Australian young writers 2015-16 and won 2nd place in 2016 in the Australian Basil Sellers Award.
Annemarie de Villiers from Melbourne won both the 2013 and 2014 Sport Writer Awards being the only young lady amongst the 4 young men - following on from another young woman sport writer now serving overseas in mission.
Jack Liang from Sydney has been in the young writer program for four years and has introduced numerous other young people.
David Luschwitz from Walgett NSW has been in the young writer program for four years relocated in 2017 from Sydney to Walgett as a senior teacher.
2018 looks like a fun year for the panellists.
Vicki Nunn an Australian Panellist, editor of SPAG, who set out the Panellist Points Sheets for 2018
Dr Mark Tronson is a Baptist minister (retired) who served as the Australian cricket team chaplain for 17 years (2000 ret) and established Life After Cricket in 2001. He was recognised by the Olympic Ministry Medal in 2009 presented by Carl Lewis Olympian of the Century. He mentors young writers and has written 24 books, and enjoys writing. He is married to Delma, with four adult children and grand-children. Dr Tronson writes a daily article for Christian Today Australia (since 2008) and in November 2016 established Christian Today New Zealand.
Mark Tronson's archive of articles can be viewed at