In front of news media owners, staff and industry peers from across Australia the Chronicle won the coveted Overall Newspaper Excellence Award for its circulation category along with the best Agricultural Photo and Emma Prior and Adrienne Hartnett brought home the prestigious TAC Award for Road Safety.
Yarrawonga Chronicle Managing Editor and Victorian Country Press Association Chairman Jared Loughnan said the successful award wins by the Chronicle were a reflection of the dedication and passion of his team.
“These awards don’t just happen, to deliver a quality publication that provides a snapshot of our wonderful community each and every week of the year comes with hard work and passion, and I congratulate all my team for making this happen,” Mr Loughnan said.
In the Overall Newspaper Excellence Award Category Judge Carolyn Turner said there were great examples of what regional newspapers do best to keep their local communities well informed.
“Despite small newsrooms, all entries showed a strong connection to their communities in the key areas of advertising, editorial and photography and all were well presented with their readers in mind,” Ms Turner said.
“The Yarrawonga Chronicle is an excellent rural newspaper offering its readers strong editorial and advertising, excellent sports coverage and great photographs all presented with clean, consistent layout and design.
“This is complemented with special sections including Good Times Monthly and Country News. Its wrap-around for the Ovens-Murray Football Netball League grand final is excellent and I am sure it was a keepsake for many readers.”
In the TAC award for road safety Judge Samantha Cockfield commented on the all-encompassing spread of articles on the tragic first half of 2023 on Victoria’s roads that Emma Prior and Adrienne Hartnett from the Yarrawonga Chronicle produced.
“The reporters looked at the factors contributing to the increased road trauma; impact on emergency services; and a rising increase in road incidents in their local area, the Hume region,” Ms Cockfield said.
“The articles also included advice to road users for the upcoming winter conditions, and measures and initiatives being undertaken by road safety authorities.”
A record 537 entries were received from media association members this year for the 19 awards.
Mr Loughnan said it was important to acknowledge that without the support of sponsors, speakers and award judges the conference and gala awards night could not happen, and again thank everyone for their ongoing support of the event and the broader news industry.
“I also congratulate all our winners and thank everyone for nominating for the awards. Our eligible winners will now progress to the Country Press Australia national awards, which will be announced at the Country Press SA conference and awards night in Adelaide on Friday, February 28, 2025.
The 2025 VCPA annual conference and awards night will be held at Yarrawonga on Friday, October 24 as part of a joint conference with Country Press NSW, just the second time the two states have joined together for such a historic and significant occasion.
“The last time a combined conference was held between the two states was in Mulwala in 1992. So, it will be a pleasure to host this event again in October next year,” Mr Loughnan said.
