FORMER Warwick girl Caitlyn Gribbin has won the radio journalism category of the Walkley Young Journalist of the Year Awards.

Caitlyn has been travelling in Europe for the past six weeks and was in Dubai when the awards were being held, relying on Twitter to hear the winners' announcement.

"I was pretty distracted at the time of the announcement though because I was trying to cool down from 43-degree heat by swimming in the pool," Caitlyn told the Daily News.

"It was a lovely shock to eventually check my phone to see so many emails and Twitter messages coming through congratulating me on my win.

"It was a surreal moment to be in another part of the world and be receiving such wonderful news from home."

Working for ABC Rural, Caitlyn's win was for three stories - the Bundaberg floods, farmers affected by the drought and the drug culture in the mining industry.

Caitlyn said it was "such an honour" to be nominated for the prestigious award.

She called it the highlight of her short, but extensive journalistic career, which has taken her from Warwick to places like Mount Isa, Bundaberg and Brisbane, with her next challenge in Western Australia.

"I believe this nomination reflects the dedication ABC journalists have in producing stories that challenge, inform and entertain their listeners," she said.

"The stories I've been nominated for are also a reflection of the rural department I work in.

"We are committed to getting the stories first-hand, even if it means days of travelling, and telling them in unique ways, with a focus on quality journalism."

She paid homage to the Rose City, where she first got her big break in the media industry.

"I'm very grateful for the guidance I received as a young cadet journalist working at the Daily News," Caitlyn said.

"I think regional and rural journalism is the best training ground for young reporters.

"There's nothing like persisting with a difficult story, then walking into the local pub after the report airs, or is printed, and running into the person you posed the hard questions to!

"That's taught me so much about the importance of research, balance and accuracy in journalism."

The Walkley Young Journalist of the Year Award judges said Caitlyn had "a bright future" ahead of her.

"Caitlyn Gribbin's entry demonstrated not just her tremendous skills as a journalist, but obvious skill and passion for the medium of radio," the judges said.

"She was particularly skilled in her use of audio to give the stories extra emotion and depth.

"This showcased her understanding of the importance of context and setting, to the art of telling someone's story.

"In particular her use of children to illustrate the plight of many rural families suffering drought conditions wasn't just emotive, but also showed how humour can be used to convey a serious news story to the broadest audience."

Caitlyn will fly home from her overseas adventure today, and spend some time back home in Warwick, before jetting off to Perth for her next step in what is certain to a long and successful career.