The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser has received a prestigious national award for country and regional newspapers in Australia, while the Sentinel-Times secured a state award during a joint ceremony held by the Victorian and New South Wales Country Press Associations in Yarrawonga.
As the winner of the Victorian Country Press Association award for the best special publication, the Advertiser’s Island magazine was recognized for its outstanding content. This achievement placed the magazine in competition for the national award, where it outperformed entries from South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland.
The magazine was launched by the Advertiser following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eleanor McKay, the editor of the Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser, explained that the publication aims to showcase positive stories about the island, its surroundings, and its residents. The magazine has been well received by both locals and visitors, reflecting a strong community connection.
In addition to the Advertiser’s success, the Sentinel-Times excelled in the Best Opinion/Editorial category of the Victorian Country Press Association. This open-entry award, available to all eligible newspapers in country and regional Victoria, was won by a piece authored by Michael Giles. The judging for this category was conducted by Patrick Elligett, editor of The Age, adding further credibility to the recognition.
Both awards highlight the important role of regional journalism in Australia and celebrate the contributions of local news organizations in fostering community connections and sharing impactful stories. More details regarding the awards and the contributions of these newspapers will be shared in the near future.
