NewsLocal dominate at Community Newspapers of Australia awards
NEWSLOCAL newspapers dominated the Community Newspapers of Australia awards held in Melbourne, winning 11 out of 15 categories in the first year of the event being fully national.
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NEWSLOCAL newspapers dominated the Community Newspapers of Australia awards held in Melbourne, winning 11 of 15 categories in the first year of the event being fully national.
NewsLocal editor in chief Kathy Lipari said she was thrilled all the hard work journalists, photographers and sales teams put in every day, had been recognised with a swag of awards on Friday night.
“It was fabulous to see so many of our team standing up at the podium collecting awards for all the incredible work they do to deliver simply the best stories, photos and campaigns for our readers and clients,’’ she said.
“I am extremely proud of the quality and depth of our products and it is a tribute to everyone at NewsLocal that we have been able to set such high standards in the world of community news.”
In previous years the awards were split into southern and northern division pools but this time it was a national event.
The Parramatta Advertiser took out the best large circulation newspaper award, with the Manly Daily also a finalist.
The judges said the paper had an extremely strong news focus.
“The depth and skill in executing the brief — elevates this publication above the field,” they said.
“Content is rich and deep. A strong, all-round package that is difficult to find fault with.”
Advertiser editor Simone Roberts said she was honoured to accept the award on behalf of her talented team of journalists, Tony Bosworth, Melissa Yeo and Maryanne Taouk, and photographers Justin Sanson, Peter Kelly and Carmela Roche.
“Our reporters and photographers do a great job breaking news and advocating for the community,” she said.
“They thoroughly deserve this accolade. But a good newspaper reflects the community it serves, and this award is shared equally by the Parramatta public.”
The Wentworth Courier took out the gong for best medium circulation newspaper.
“Wentworth Courier is proud of its role as an advocate for our readers and the community we serve, reflecting their interests, pursuits and achievements for the past 70 years,” editor Steve Howard said.
The judges said about the paper, “Strong paper, knows its community, makes bold decisions in content and design. Love the clean, crisp layout, great use of photos, the market wrap column and the going places column. All round an excellent paper.”
Central Sydney and Rouse Hill Times were also finalists for the best small circulation newspaper.
There were joint winners for the news story of the year with Isabell Petrinic from Penrith Press, with for an article about a ban on helicopters landing at the Nepean Hospital, and Robbie Patterson from Manly Daily, for an article about the government moving Frenchs Forest school and rezoning the land for high rise buildings.
The judges said of Petrinic’s article, “Isabell tracked down an important story, developed and broke it, forcing the NSW Government to react. It touched on a vital service, highlighted a serious problem and through a sustained campaign, including the use of digital media, made a difference and improvement for the region.”
Of Patterson’s they said, “A solid and well written article.”
The best feature story was taken out by Matthew Taylor of the Central Coast Express Advocate for his story about mega-millionaire Tony Denny’s rise including a tale about death threats from the Russian mafia.
The judges said of the feature, “A great get and a great yarn. Everyone loves a local boy made good. Enjoyed his backstory, and was interested to learn more about the man behind the museum. Plus his big plans for the future, which will have a major impact on locals.”
The best news photo was taken out by Peter Kelly for the Penrith Press for a photo of a firefighter coming to another’s aid.
The judges said of his photo, “While so many times we see news events covered by iPhones and the general public, it’s fantastic to see true news photo journalism at its best. No iPhone could capture such unimpeded emotion in a moment of crisis.”
Melvyn Knipe from the Macarthur Chronicle was also a finalist for his photo of the Ingleburn siege.
The best feature photo was taken out by Craig Wilson for the Wentworth Courier for an amazing photo from a dog show.
The judges said of the photo, “A unique quirky image — rarely captured and gives the illusion of a dog walking on water.”
OTHER NEWSLOCAL WINNERS AND FINALISTS
Best advertisement
Winner — The Canterbury-Bankstown Express — Bankstown Sports Club Transparent Wrap.
Best ad feature
Finalists — NewsLocal — Future Leaders and Macarthur Chronicle — House of Hope.
Outstanding design
Joint winner — NewsLocal — Christmas Gift Guide and NewsLocal — Future Leaders by Mark Nulty.
Best special publication
Finalist — Manly Daily 110 Year Anniversary.
Best sports story
Finalist — Jonathan Geddes, Sea Eagles legend tackles new challenge after football, Manly Daily.
Best digital publishing
Winner — Inner West Courier, Inner West Council Spitting Incident.
Finalist — Mosman Daily, Tony Abbott Mobbed in Mosman.
Community service
Finalists — Macarthur Chronicle, Appin Rd campaign and Central Coast Express Advocate, Scenic Highway upgrade.
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