Warwick & Stanthorpe Today placed in three categories at the recent Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) awards.
This year saw the highest number of nominations sent in the awards have ever received.
Dominique Tassell placed 3rd in the Young Journalist of the Year category for her overall portfolio, including her work covering the border closures and the Emu Swamp Dam project.
Judges stated that “Dominique’s work covers a wide range of topics important to her community”.
“She has displayed an ability to cover controversial issues as well as produce human interest stories.
“Her portfolio shows she regularly consults a wide range of sources.”
Samantha Wantling received 2nd Place in the Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement category for her campaign; Care Goondiwindi Community Legal Service: ‘Drowning in debt’.
The judge’s comment read “there’s nothing like the restriction of only having a small space to tell your story that forces you to think simply and search for impact”.
“With three words and a dramatically powerful image, Care Goondiwindi Community Legal Service was able to strike an immediate emotional chord with the target market to add gravitas and urgency to the promotion of this important community event.”
Lisa Crouch received 3rd Place in the Best ROP Newspaper Feature/Supplement for her Jingle & Mingle feature.
The judge’s comment stated it was a “very well designed feature encouraging locals to attend the Jingle & Mingle late night shopping event”.
“Having a coloured background bordered the editorial and advertising making the stories and adverts stand out on the page.
“Well designed advertisements showcasing what the stores have to have to offer are supported by lots of little photos of products which surprisingly didn’t make the page look busy at all.
“Small snippets on the showcased business were concise, briefly giving the reader all the information they needed.”
Manager Samantha Wantling said “receiving three awards at the recent QCPA is an indication of just how hard our team works for this community”.
“Both our advertising and editorial team go above and beyond to make sure we are your voice.”
“Seeing Dominique Tassell take out third place in the Young Journalist of the Year Award was a highlight of the evening for our team,” she said. “This section was hotly contested and to see ‘Mini’ recognised for the material she produces week in and out, was a testament to her commitment and her talent.”
The Today Group also won big at the QCPA awards.
Overall, the Today Group took out 27 places in 15 categories.
The group won 10 first-place awards and all three places in the categories for Best Locally Produced Print Advertising Campaign and Best Community or Portrait Picture.
