The prestigious event, held at Yarrawonga’s Sebel Resort, brought together more than 170 delegates for just the second-ever joint celebration of the two state associations. The evening marked a record-breaking year for entries, with 670 submissions across 19 categories — the highest in the awards’ history.
The Free Press was named Best Newspaper (under 2500 circulation, paid), while Jemma Jones took out Best News Story at both the state and national levels, earning accolades from the Victorian Country Press Association and Country Press Australia.
Free Press editor Nikala Dixon said Jemma’s achievement was recognition for her dedication and storytelling ability.
“Jemma is a great young journo and I am so proud of her and the way she covers the stories from our community,” Ms Dixon said.
“Telling the stories that need and deserve to be told – the heart-warming, the heartbreaking, and everything in between — is what we do as journalists. They may sometimes be hard to write and harder to hear, but that is what makes them worth telling.”
Ms Dixon said the newspaper’s overall win was the icing on the cake after a great night for the Kyabram team.
“Jemma’s win, Oliver Shedden being a finalist in two categories, and the overall win for Ky is recognition of the hard work we all put in,” she said.
“The award goes to everyone involved in the Free Press, from the journalists to the ad reps, contributors and creative team.
“It’s a team effort, and it’s nice to be recognised by our peers.”
Additionally, McPherson Media Group sister paper Campaspe News won Best Commercial Feature, while three MMG cadets – Billie Davern (Seymour Telegraph), Oliver Shedden (Riverine Herald) and former Cobram Courier reporter Owen Sinclair – were nominated for Cadet of the Year.
Mr Shedden was also nominated for Best Sports Story.
