Mushroom lunch deaths scoop earns Ferguson Gold Quill
The Australian’s John Ferguson has won the prestigious Gold Quill and scoop of the year for his exclusive on three deaths linked to the mushroom lunch in Leongatha.
The Australian’s associate editor John Ferguson has been awarded the prestigious Gold Quill and scoop of the year at the Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards for his exclusive story on the three deaths linked to the mushroom lunch in Leongatha.
Ferguson broke the story in August of a suspected mass poisoning in Gippsland, revealing the news online on a Saturday, and it quickly made headlines in Australia and around the world.
Ferguson’s report was one of the most talked about stories of 2023 and resulted in Victoria Police being forced to reveal more information about its investigation. The judges said Ferguson’s exclusive story captivated the nation.
“This was journalism which celebrates, and honours, everything the Gold Quill stands for,” the judges said.
“Ferguson’s story proves nothing counts more than a reporter’s competitive edge.
“This was a good old-fashioned scoop in one of the most competitive beats in this town, where nothing stays secret for long.”
The investigation resulted in mother-of-two Erin Patterson being charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
All category winners are eligible for the Gold Quill. Ferguson received the honours at the 29th MPC awards ceremony honouring excellence in Victorian journalism at Crown Palladium on Friday night.
Ms Patterson’s former in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, who were all at the lunch, died. Wilkinson’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived the fatal lunch.
Ferguson continued to break numerous stories on the mushroom deaths, and also conducted a one-on-one interview with Erin Patterson.
He recently signed a book deal with HarperCollins Australia and will delve deeper into the case that continues to make headlines.
More Coverage
ABC Radio’s soggy breakfast shows drag Aunty down
As with all radio stations, breakfast programs set the tone for all of the other shows that follow throughout the day.
Nine journo denies breach of ethics in defame case
The Nine newspapers journalist acknowledged saying his career would be over if he lost the defamation case, but insisted he was only ever motivated ‘to find evidence of truth’.