BREAKING: The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser has just clinched a prestigious national award for country and regional newspapers in Australia, while the Sentinel-Times has been honored with a state award at a joint ceremony in Yarrawonga on October 15, 2023.
The Phillip Island and San Remo Advertiser secured the Victorian Country Press Association award for the Best Special Publication for its Island magazine. This accolade propelled them into national competition against entries from South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland, where they emerged victorious.
Editor Eleanor McKay expressed pride in the win, stating the magazine was launched post-COVID to spotlight the island’s uplifting stories and foster a sense of community among locals and visitors. “We wanted to celebrate the beauty and resilience of our island through engaging stories,” McKay said.
Meanwhile, the Sentinel-Times achieved top honors in the Best Opinion/Editorial category for a compelling piece authored by Michael Giles. This award is open to all eligible newspapers across regional Victoria, and the category was judged by Patrick Elligett, Editor of The Age.
The recognition of these publications highlights the vital role local journalism plays in connecting communities and telling their stories. As the media landscape evolves, these awards serve as a reminder of the importance of quality reporting and local engagement.
With both newspapers celebrating their achievements, the local communities are encouraged to rally behind them. As the results of this joint awards night continue to resonate, readers are urged to support local journalism and stay tuned for more updates on how these victories impact the community.
For more information on the awards and future developments, keep an eye on updates from the Victorian Country Press Association.


































