IPSWICH Tribune editor Brian Bennion took out the top journalist award for the second year running at the QCPA Newspaper Excellence Awards at a gala event in Brisbane on Friday.

Brian was awarded Journalistic Excellence for an Individual Journalist by the Queensland Country Press Association which covers 59 newspapers across the state.

He also received the Excellence Award in 2022 along with Best Editorial Campaign.

Brian won the top accolade this year for his series of stories on development at Deebing Creek, lavish changes to the council administration building and failings in the restoration of the Commonwealth Hotel.

Judge, respected newspaper executive Peter Owen, described the work as “good, old-fashioned journalism” that “confirmed the role of a newspaper to uphold the interests of the community, and fight for the underdog”.

“Brian Bennion is a journalist who clearly has no qualms about taking on councils, governments - indeed, anybody in authority - who acts against the best interests of his readers,” Mr Owen said.

“This entry sees him supporting Indigenous Australians whose sacred land is at risk of dubious development; taking on a council seemingly obsessed with spending money on itself while keeping it secret; and questioning why the same council squandered the opportunity to preserve the heritage of a favourite old hotel being renovated.

“The body of work demonstrates Bennion’s meticulous research, unwavering commitment to the story, and his considerable ability as a story teller.”

Editor of sister publication The Fassifern Guardian Wendy Creighton was also recognised in the Journalistic Excellence for an Individual Journalist category with judges commenting on her versatility as a journalist.

“Wendy is a mature, diligent journalist with an inherent interest in her community
and a passion to make it better.”

Brian and Wendy were also both recognised in the Best Story by an Individual Journalist category at this year’s awards.

Judges described Brian’s story AV Jennings report ‘cover-up’ exposing missing site survey results at the development site at Deebing Creek where bones were discovered, as “tenacious, investigative reporting that threw a spotlight on a corporate cover-up”.

“A meticulous and responsible piece of investigative reporting that seems to indicate a cover-up by AV Jennings, and perhaps other authorities … an important story, where every avenue has been explored by the reporter.

“The research is thorough and the reporting tenacious. A good example of why newspapers are vital as a custodian of people’s rights and interests.”

Judges described Wendy’s story A horseman’s journey to find himself  as a “wonderful story, beautifully told … once you start reading it’s hard to stop”.

“The key to good writing is the ability to tell interesting stories and engage the reader. Wendy Creighton succeeds admirably.”

The Ipswich Tribune was also recognised in the Overall Journalistic Team Excellence Award for a Newspaper category.

Judges described The Ipswich Tribune as a “professional product with a mature approach to its coverage of local issues” commenting on a “comprehensive” sports section, “the superb photography of Lyle Radford” and that it was “great to see the work of a local cartoonist published”.

Lyle was recognised for Best News Picture for A Horseman’s Journey.

The Ipswich Tribune was also recognised for Marketing Campaign of the Year.

Publisher Wendy Creighton said awards might have singled out individuals, but awards of this calibre were founded in a team effort.

Congratulations must go to the wonderful team at the Boonah Newspaper Co, for making our awards possible through all their endeavours and determination,” she said.

“And no newspaper achieves what it sets out to achieve without the support and confidence of its readers and advertisers. My thanks to you all.”