Seven West Media has emerged as a dominant force at the 2025 WA Media Awards, showcasing its exceptional talent across various categories. The media group secured an impressive 13 awards, underscoring the newsroom’s commitment to high-quality journalism. Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that The West Australian has won the award for Best News Photograph.
In a significant achievement, Jessica Page, the state political editor for The West Australian, received The Beck Prize for her in-depth reporting on the challenges facing Libby Mettam’s leadership within the Liberal Party. Her work highlighted critical political dynamics, further establishing her reputation in the field.
Meanwhile, John Flint was honored with the award for Best Medical Report for his investigative series in The Sunday Times. Flint’s reporting on malpractice within the dental industry prompted swift action from the Australian Taxation Office and health regulators, who moved to close loopholes that allowed patients to withdraw funds from their superannuation for non-urgent dental procedures.
Another notable winner was Natalie Bonjolo, head of digital production, who, along with chief reporter Ben Harvey, received the Multimedia News prize for their true crime podcast series about the unsolved disappearance of Kalgoorlie resident Lisa Govan. Their compelling storytelling has resonated with audiences, bringing attention to a significant unsolved case.
The award for Best News Photograph went to Ross Swanborough for his poignant images capturing the grief of mourners at the scene of a tragic car accident in Murdoch. His work emphasized the emotional impact of such events, showcasing the power of visual journalism. In the regional category, Stuart Quinn of the Geraldton Guardian earned top honors for his photography, further highlighting the diverse talent present at the awards.
Seven West Media’s success extended to text-based categories, where it claimed victories in three of the four available awards. Paul Barry, chief sub-editor, won Best Headline for his attention-grabbing piece titled, “Cocaine, Knobs, and a Kick Up the Rs.” Political reporter Caitlyn Rintoul secured the Best News Report award for her critical investigation into the shortcomings of WA’s violence support systems. Additionally, Justin Bianchini, news editor at PerthNow, took home the award in the Suburban category for his impactful series titled, Domestic Crisis & Carn West.
The prestigious Clarion Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism was awarded to Tim Clarke, a former legal affairs editor at The West Australian, recognizing his lifelong dedication to the craft.
In television, Geof Parry, political editor of 7News Perth, won Best News Reporting for his comprehensive coverage of the NicheLiving saga, a major real estate scandal. His cameraman, Christian Rudd, also received accolades for his exceptional footage related to the same story. The award for Best Video Feature went to Nick Overall and Simon Hydzik from 7News for their investigative report uncovering secrets of Perth’s alleged Shincheonji cult.
In a remarkable acknowledgment of excellence, Geof Parry was named co-winner, alongside Alicia Hanson and Nadia Mitsopoulos from ABC, as West Australian Journalists of the Year for their extensive reporting on the NicheLiving scandal. This recognition highlights the collaborative effort and dedication to uncovering the truth in journalism.
The 2025 WA Media Awards not only celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism but also reflect the continued commitment of Seven West Media to deliver impactful stories that resonate with the community.
