Taking home three major awards, the editorial team of Warwick and Stanthorpe Today were recognised for excellence in journalism in Mooloolaba last week at the Queensland Country Press Association’s annual conference and awards.
Journalist Jeremy Cook received the prestigious Young Journalist of the Year award, while Lucy Waldron secured third place for Best Story by an Individual Journalist with her piece Chef Brings Taste to the World in Warwick Today, and second place for the Journalistic Excellence Award for an Individual Journalist for her work in Stanthorpe Today.
Warwick Today and Stanthorpe Today Samantha Wantling said she was proud of the team’s accomplishments.
“Receiving these awards really validates what we do as a local independent news brand and how important it is to our readers,” Ms Wantling said.
“We are a small team, but we pride ourselves in delivering quality news, advocating for our region, and celebrating its uniqueness.”
That sentiment was echoed by Group Editor Garry Howe, who said the region was fortunate to have attracted such young journalism talent.
The Young Journalist of the Year category was judged by Dr Julie Browning, who praised the high standard of reporting which made selecting a winner challenging.
“From the compelling storytelling to the attention to facts, the young journalists have demonstrated a talent for reporting,” Dr Browning said.
“All entrants shine a light on important issues, coupled with a commitment to integrity and ethical reporting.
“All possess a passion for uncovering community stories and a dedication to giving voice to a range of local views.”
Jeremy Cook’s award-winning series on water security in the Granite Belt was particularly noted for encapsulating a spectrum of viewpoints and providing readers with valuable insights into the diverse interests and concerns involved.
“Jeremy’s series on water security is a deserving winner,” Dr Browning said.
“Water security is a contentious issue, and Jeremy’s interviews paint a vivid picture of the complexities.
“This series exemplifies the power of reporting to illuminate complex issues and drive meaningful discourse.”
Jeremy reflected on his time at the newspaper and the recognition of the award.
“Having arrived at the job only 10 months ago, I’ve learnt more than I could have imagined about this community and by extension myself,” he said.
“Coming from a city where rural areas can sometimes be looked at differently, even mocked, I’ve felt nothing but privilege to have been welcomed with love by almost everyone I meet.
“To me, this award is recognition of how lucky I am to be able to do what I do and meet the sorts of people who I otherwise would never get a chance to speak to.“
Long-time journalist, Celine Foenander, who judged the Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist category, highlighted the competitive nature of the entries, with more than 70 submissions from journalists of all levels.
She praised the winners for their sound journalistic principles, including strong leads, fair and balanced reporting, multiple sources, good grammar, and engaging storytelling.
“[I] really love Lucy’s writing. This could easily have been a run-of-the-mill profile piece but to blend life and work in this way is pretty clever,” Ms Foenander commented on Lucy’s third-place story.
In judging the Journalistic Excellence Award, Ms Foenander emphasised that excellence in journalism involves consistency in quality storytelling and news gathering.
She commended Lucy for her all-round experience and endeavour as an individual journalist, noting her ability to find unique angles and ask pertinent questions.
“Well done on exploring all angles of this story,” she said.
Reflecting on the recognition Lucy said: “Moving to a small regional town to start my career as a journalist almost a year ago now, I would never have thought it would result in state recognition”.
“To me, these awards reaffirm my passion to tell people’s stories and be the community’s voice.
“Working in such a close-knit town, everyone is like a big family and I have been welcomed with open arms. I am thankful that I have been trusted with their stories and hope I continue to do them justice.
“While these awards showcase the work of myself and my amazing team, they wouldn’t be possible without the Southern Downs community always willing to answer a question or pose for a photo, so for that, I thank you.”
