The Ipswich Tribune swept the top editorial awards at the Queensland Country Press Awards on Friday night.
Held in Mooloolaba, more than 60 newspapers were represented in the regional newspapers’ night of nights.
The Ipswich Tribune won the ultimate award of the night, Best Paid Newspaper, thanks to the hard work of the team of editorial, advertising, design, and administrative staff.
Judges Peter Owen and Terry Quinn said the newspaper led the way with championing the region and covering breaking news.
“It benefits from an experienced team of reporters who understand their role and know their patch,” the judges said.
“Content is presented in an appealing style and the photography is outstanding.
“ … its news coverage is complemented by excellent sections on Entertainment, Arts, Film, Travel, Motoring and Property … A feature is the comprehensive coverage of local sport.”
On top of the overall win, Journalist Rob Mellett won Best Editorial Campaign for his series on homelessness in Ipswich.
He said his stories highlighted the plight of homelessness in a wealthy nation.
“I wrote the series of homeless articles because I fail to comprehend how the fourth wealthiest country has permitted our fellow people to resort to surviving in tents in doorways, and on our riverbanks and in parks,” Mr Mellett said.
Judge, Dr Julie Browning said the year-long campaign served as a powerful testament to the role of local media in addressing pressing community issues.
“The coverage not only sheds light on the plight of those affected by homelessness but also recognises the challenges faced by local operators and the intricate nature of this issue,” Dr Browning said.
“Kudos to the Tribune for their commendable efforts in bringing attention to these important matters.”
Tribune photographer Lyle Radford won Best Community Portrait with the judge effusive in his commentary.
“Perfect, amazing, great timing, and a high degree of difficulty to capture the dove in focus. I love the expression of the man when the dove takes off,” Judge Dany Weus said.
“The photographer undoubtedly has an eye for, and the knack and talent to make a press pic unforgettable.”
And former Ipswich Tribune journalist Brian Bennion won the award for individual journalistic excellence.
The judge said Brian had mastered the art of asking ’why’ - the best weapon in a journalist’s armoury.
The newspaper and its team also won a number of second and third places in the following categories:
Overall Journalistic Team Excellence Award
Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist - Brian Bennion - Time for Truth
Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist - Rob Mellett - Rural GPs win Federal review
Best News Picture - Lyle Radford - Sacred Land
These awards highlight the continued dedication of the Ipswich Tribune team to the readers of the newspaper and communities of Ipswich.
These awards also recognise the joint effort of the behind-the-scenes staff who put in countless hours making sure the newspaper runs smoothly and supporting the writers to make sure the stories reach as many people as possible.
The Tribune’s sister newspaper the Fassifern Guardian also won the following awards:
Best Paid Newspaper - Fassifern Guardian – Third place
Best Sports Picture - Lyle Radford - Fassifern Guardian - An unreal victory lifts Bombers hopes – Second place
Best Community or Portrait Picture - Lyle Radford Fassifern Guardian (Crowd Please - Sunflowers) – Third place
— Drew Creighton, Managing Editor