Meet the Kids News Junior Journalists of the Year

Young newshounds hope to one day pursue journalism as a career, they share their passion for storytelling.

Adit Garg and Madison Riquelme share a passion for news and storytelling.

So much so, both young newshounds hope to one day pursue journalism as a career.

For the second year, the pair has taken part in the Kids News Junior Journo competition, open to students nationwide across Years 3-9.

Adit was a category winner when the competition launched last year but in 2024 has gone one better, becoming the inaugural Junior Journalist of the Year (Primary).

Adit took out top spot for his video entry covering the Sydney Science Fair and exploring how AI and robotics will change our lives.

Adit, 11, said his passion for journalism started when he was “about six or seven”, fuelled by a curious mind.

“I love watching news programs because a lot of different people have different ways to reporting and it lets me see an event from different angles,” the Eastwood student said.

“There isn’t much real news awareness among my friends, which is why our school’s media program is great.”

Adit Garg has been named the Kids News inaugural Junior Journalist of the Year (Primary).. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Adit’s dad Alok said they were very proud of Adit and thanked his Year 5 Opportunity Class teacher Paula Mitchell.

“Adit has been passionate about this work for a long time now,” Mr Garg said.

“And his teacher has been great helping him with that.”

Ms Mitchell said: “The Kids News Junior Journo program has allowed Adit to blend his passions for science, technology, public speaking and journalism. Everyone at North Rocks Public School is immensely proud of him.”

Estella Bubulya from St Marys Primary School in Malvern East, Victoria, was named Sports Reporter of the Year (Primary) for her profile of Paralympian Shae Graham, while Sydney’s Ryan Le and Christopher Lee and Melbourne siblings Alexandra and George Riquelme were all Highly Commended in the primary category.

Victoria’s Madison Riquelme has claimed back-to-back Junior Journalist of the Year titles with a portfolio of work including a four-part domestic violence series, videos and cartoon illustrations.

Madison’s mum Maria Ligerakis said the 13-year-old has always had a “nose for news”.

“She’s always had this great ability to sit with a group of people, listen and observe,” Ms Ligerakis said.

“She’s able to gain people’s trust”.

Junior Journalist of the Year (Secondary), Madison Riquelme. Picture: Mark Stewart

Madison is also a budding artist, illustrating many of her stories with original artwork.

“This competition has given me the confidence to explore different news stories and combine my love of writing and my love of art,” the St Monica’s Epping student said.

“I would really love a career in journalism and TV,” she said.

Madison submitted original illustrations with her four-part domestic violence series of stories. Picture: Madison Riquelme/supplied

Madison said she loves combining her love of writing and her love of art. Picture: Madison Riquelme/supplied

Madison’s Year 8 English teacher Stephanie Laws said the award was recognition of Madi working “to shine a light on some prominent issues facing our society”.

“It is rare these days to see a student so committed to honing her craft and developing her journalistic style … always striving to reach her writing goals. St Monica’s College is incredibly proud,” Ms Laws said.

News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador Penny Fowler congratulated all winners, who “chose compelling and newsworthy topics that really resonated with our judges”. Picture: David Caird

Kids News editor Diana Jenkins. Picture: Tim Pascoe.

Skye McCowan and Sophie Shing from Mentone Grammar in Victoria were named joint Sports Reporter of the Year (Secondary), while NSW student Nicole Stratis of Casimir Catholic College was Highly Commended.

Kids News editor Diana Jenkins said Junior Journo “encourages Aussie kids to get on the tools, so they can recognise and avoid fake news.”

The initiative is supported by News Corp Australia in partnership with the Seven Network.

News Corp Australia’s Community Ambassador Penny Fowler said Kids News was an important part of the company’s News in The Community program, with its focus on improving childhood literacy.

“Congratulations to (all) entrants and especially to all of our winners, who chose compelling and newsworthy topics that really resonated with our judges.

“In particular I would like to congratulate Madison, who has remarkably won the competition two years in a row, showing a maturity beyond her years in her exposés of bullying last year and the scourge of domestic violence this year,” Mrs Fowler said.

Originally published as Meet the Kids News Junior Journalists of the Year