Entries to the WA Media Awards must have been published, broadcast, or televised in Australia in the 12 months from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024.

Eligibility for these Awards is based on independent acts of journalism, free from any commercial or corporate interests.

Entries open at 9am on Monday, April 29, 2024, and close at 11.59pm on Monday, July 15, 2024.

ALL MEDIA (including online publications)

BUSINESS, ECONOMICS OR FINANCE REPORT

• This award recognises excellence in business, economics, and finance journalism.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

COLUMNIST – The Matt Price Prize

• This category is open to journalists involved in comment and analysis and includes leader writers, reviewers, opinion columnists and bloggers across the spectrum of discussion and debate, including arts, sports, business, and politics. This award honours the memory of Matt Price, former columnist for The Australian.
• Entrants may submit up to three (3) pieces, not necessarily related, to be judged as indicative of their work.

CULTURE AND ARTS REPORT – The A.H. Kornweibel Arts Prize

• Awarded for the best culture and arts story in any medium.
• The award honours the memory of Albert H. Kornweibel, who was widely celebrated for his music critiques, under the pen name Fidelio, and his reviews of books and drama.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

FREELANCE JOURNALIST

• This award recognises the unique and growing contribution that freelance journalists make to the industry.
• Entrants may submit up to five (5) pieces, not necessarily related, to be judged as indicative of their work.

HEALTH / MEDICAL REPORT

• Awarded for the best health and medical story in any medium.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

LEGAL AFFAIRS REPORT

• Awarded for excellence in legal reporting in any medium.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

NEW JOURNALIST OR CADET – The Eaves-Prior-Day Prize

• Open to cadets and journalists in their first full year of grading. This prize honours the memory of AJA members Jack Eaves, Selwyn Prior and Merv Day, who took a great interest in the training and development of young journalists.
• Entrants may submit their three (3) best pieces of work, showing a range of skills and styles.

OUTSTANDING JOURNALISM STUDENT AWARD

• Open to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate journalism students enrolled at a West Australian tertiary institution and not employed as journalists.
• Entrants may submit up to three (3) examples of their best work.

POLITICAL REPORT – The Beck Prize

• Awarded for the best political reporting in any medium, this award honours the memory of Will Beck, a long-time Hansard reporter at the WA Parliament and a prominent member of the Australian Journalists’ Association.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

REGIONAL & COMMUNITY – Three News Stories/Features outside a 70km radius of Perth

• Awarded for he best three news stories and/or features in regional or community media outside a 70km radius of Perth CBD. This category includes broadcast, online and country publications but NOT specialist rural publications such as the Countryman or Farm Weekly.
• Entrants must address in their supporting statement if their work was also featured and subbed in metropolitan or national publications and must upload their un-subbed copy.
• Entrants may subm -it up to three (3) pieces, not necessarily related, to be judged as indicative of their work.

SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT

• Awarded for excellence in covering science and environmental issues.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

SOCIAL EQUITY REPORT

• This award recognises the vital role of public service journalism and media reporting which addresses issues relating to social and economic equality, human rights, and participatory democracy.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

SPORTS REPORT – The Gilmour-Christian Prize

• This award recognises the diverse skills of the sports journalist and the elements that make a great sports story – tenacity, accuracy, ethics, research, great storytelling, and the capacity to capture and share the emotion in sport.
• This award honours the memory of Doug Gilmour, former sports editor, and Geoff Christian, sportswriter, and broadcaster.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

TEXT FORMATS

These awards recognise print or digital journalism delivered primarily through the written word.

BEST HEADLINE (ten words or less)

• This award recognises the art of witty and succinct headlines that grab attention across all media. It is open to all journalists, sub-editors, and digital content producers whose job it is to attract readers and viewers with clever use of language.
• Entrants will be judged on three (3) samples of their work.

FEATURE – The Hugh Schmitt Prize 

• The focus of this award remains on quality writing. It celebrates excellence in the craft of feature writing and storytelling, with prime consideration given to the written word and research ability as well as originality, creativity, impact and technique. (This award is also open to multi-media packages where writing is the primary medium.) This award honours the memory of feature writer Hugh Schmitt.
• Entrants may submit a single feature story or no more than three (3) related feature stories on the same subject.

NEWS

• This category recognises excellence in news journalism created for print or digital formats. It recognises the diverse skills of the news reporter/journalist – not just for breaking news but for all the other elements that make a great story under the pressure of deadlines. The emphasis of this award is on solid, gripping reporting and outstanding individual (or small team) efforts in covering a news story.
• Entrants may enter a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

SUBURBAN – Three News Stories/Features within a 70km radius of Perth

• Awarded for the best three news stories and/or features written by journalists working for a suburban masthead.
• Entrants must address in their supporting statement if their work was also featured and subbed in metropolitan or national publications and must upload their un-subbed copy.
• Entrants may submit up to three (3) pieces, not necessarily related, to be judged as indicative of their work.

PHOTOGRAPHY

This platform recognises visual journalists producing still photography for any platform. Criteria include storytelling, courage, public impact, creativity, innovative use of technology, technical ability, and resourcefulness.

COMMUNITY/REGIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

• Celebrating the best work of photographers working in regional and community media.
• Entrants may submit up to three (3) unrelated images to be judged as indicative of their work.

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPH / PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY

• Recognises excellence in a series of creative, original, and revelatory images about a topical issue on any aspect of life.
• Awarded for best feature photograph or series (five or less) on the same subject – at least one photograph in the series must have been published.

NEWS PHOTOGRAPH

• News photography encompasses a range of photography from an exclusive or spontaneous news moment or images depicting news values on the day. The images should represent a story or event not a series or a theme.
• Entrants may submit a single image or no more than three (3) related images on the same subject.

RADIO/AUDIO JOURNALISM

This platform recognises journalism produced primarily in an audio format, for radio or digital platforms.

AUDIO FEATURE – Based on a Single Story

• This category recognises audio feature productions and journalistic research programs focusing on in-depth information, utilising the crafts of storytelling and/or investigative journalism.
• This award acknowledges the unique skills required to present content for radio and digital broadcast, including podcasts.
• Judges will recognise excellence highlighting research, impact, storytelling, investigation, analysis, and public impact.
• If entrants are submitting a podcast series, they may enter a maximum of three episodes and no more than 90 minutes of total audio for the judges to listen to.

AUDIO NEWS STORY

• This category recognises excellence in news and current affairs journalism produced in audio formats, taking into consideration the immediacy and unique demands of the medium and deadline pressure.
• This award acknowledges the special skills required to present content for radio and digital broadcast, including interviews and podcasts. In particular, the judges will reward work demonstrating the best elements of the platform – accuracy, immediacy, incisiveness, research and production skill, originality, public impact, and a gripping story. Judges will also take into account the time and resources available to the journalist.
• Entries in this category may be a single news report or no more than three related reports on the same subject. A series of three related interviews is also eligible for entry.

MULTIMEDIA FEATURE

• Awarded for excellence in research, impact and storytelling of a current affairs or feature story as well as presentation including data journalism and data visualisation, interactivity, and animation, as well as new formats or modes of distribution.
• Entrants may submit up to three works, related or in a series. A body of work (maximum 3 pieces) is also accepted.

MULTIMEDIA NEWS

• Entrants are encouraged to enter journalism that does something new or surprising to tell a story imaginatively, effectively and with impact or that connects with readers in new ways.
• Judges will take into consideration techniques in news gathering and presentation including data journalism and data visualisation, interactivity, and animation, as well as new formats or modes of distribution.
• Entrants may submit a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

TELEVISION / VIDEO JOURNALISM

This platform recognises journalism primarily produced in video formats, for television, film, and digital platforms.

CAMERAWORK

• This award recognises excellence in camerawork in Australian news, current affairs, and documentary as well as videography and photo films in digital formats, representing the highest standards of the craft.
• Entrants may submit a single piece of footage or three (3) pieces of work showcasing a body of work.

NEWS REPORTING

• This category recognises the skill of producing quality news journalism in television and video formats under deadline pressure.
• The emphasis of this award is on solid, gripping reporting, clarity of message and outstanding individual or team efforts in covering a developing news story. In particular, the judges will reward work demonstrating accuracy, immediacy, incisiveness, public impact, and storytelling ability. 
• Entrants may enter a single report or a series on the same issue or topic comprising up to three (3) reports as a single entry.

VIDEO FEATURE

• Awarded for excellence in research, impact and storytelling of a current affairs or feature story as well as production expertise and writing.
• Entrants may submit up to three works related or in a series. A body of work will also be accepted.

GOLD PRIZE 

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO JOURNALISM – THE CLARION AWARD

• This award is presented to a member who has, in the opinion of the 新萄京娱乐 Media Section committee, made the greatest contribution to the profession in WA during the year.
• The committee considers the quality of work and other ways in which the member has contributed to journalism and to 新萄京娱乐. The award is named after the union’s 1980 national strike newspaper.

WEST AUSTRALIAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – THE DAILY NEWS CENTENARY PRIZE

• Awarded each year for the piece of journalism judged to be the best from the winners of all the categories.

Entries open Monday, April 29 and close close 11.59pm, Monday, July 15, 2024.

All entries must have been published, broadcast, or televised in Australia in the 12 months from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024. Eligibility for these Awards is based on independent acts of journalism, free from any commercial or corporate interests.

All entrants must certify that their entry, apart from normal sub-editorial/production treatment, is their original work and that they have adhered to the 新萄京娱乐 Journalist Code of Ethics (‘Code of Ethics’) in the work preparation, and have complied with any relevant copyright requirements.

Judges will also be required to certify that they have read and understood the Code of Ethics and will apply it in judging entries.

All entrants must provide a professional headshot (individual or team) and biography of 150 words written in the third person. Joint, group, and team entries should provide only one bio reflecting all entrants and their contribution to the story and one team image.

All entrants (or lead entrant) must complete the Entry Questionnaire.

Eligibility

• Entries must be factually based and must be primarily the work of an entrant or entrants based in Western Australia, or working for a WA-based media organisation during the eligibility period. The work may be supported by colleagues based interstate or not working for a WA-based media organisation.
• Entry is open to journalists who have self-published, including blogs and social media.
• Self-published entrants should provide relevant URL links and, where possible, verification of the work’s authenticity. If the entrant is verifying their own work, they must make this clear in their response to the entry questionnaire.
• All entries must declare any legal and other formal complaints and/or proceedings concerning the subject work. This includes, but is not limited to: defamation actions, contempt of court actions, suppression orders, complaints lodged with the publisher or author concerning accuracy, corrections or claims of plagiarism relevant to the work at the time of entry.
• Entrants must declare if the creation of the work involved payment or financial benefit or material support, including in-kind contributions, for information, an interview or access, and the nature of that payment.
• Entrants must declare any use of artificial intelligence (AI) used in producing the works entered. This includes but is not limited to data scraping, using language-based systems such as ChatGPT for writing and scripting, transcription services such as Otter AI and AI image tools to create artwork, photography, data visualisation and other graphics. The use of AI will not necessarily disqualify an entry, but transparency is important.
• Entrants must enter only once in each category, however if entering as part of a group or team may submit up to two entries in each category. Journalists entering more than one category must complete a separate entry form for each entry in each award category.
• Entrants may submit the same entry into any two categories either as an individual or as a group or team.
• Team or group entries may include up to five people with the name of the team clearly stated. Entries must be primarily the work of an entrant or entrants whose principal and permanent residence is in South Australia or work for a South Australian based organisation during the eligibility period. Entry must include substantial collaboration before publication on the same piece of work. This should be clearly outlined in the entry questionnaire.
• Each entry must be verified by a representative of the employer/commissioning media organisation.
• The Daily News Centenary Prize will be selected from the winners of the other awards categories.
• The New Journalist or Cadet Award is open to cadets and journalists in their first full year of grading. Entrants are to submit their best three pieces of work showing their range of skill and style.
• The Clarion Prize is presented to a member who has, in the opinion of the 新萄京娱乐 WA Media Section Committee, made the greatest contribution to the profession in WA during the year. The committee considers the quality of work and other ways in which the member has contributed to journalism and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
• The entrant acknowledges that 新萄京娱乐 and the Walkley Foundation may reproduce, broadcast, and communicate materials submitted for the purpose of promoting the Awards, conducting the presentation ceremony, and making the finalist and winners’ entries available to the public.

To facilitate access for judging, entrants provide work on an accessible URL. If the work is behind a paywall, the entry should provide a log in details for judges to access that work. If the work is behind a paywall, it is strongly advised that entrants also upload a copy of the entry (e.g. as a .PDF or .mp3 file) as work submitted without current log in details may not otherwise be able to be judged. Note: If you are entering the Suburban and Regional category you must upload an UN-SUBBED COPY copy of your work and address if the story was then picked up by a metropolitan or national publication.

Cost of entry

• The cost of entering the awards, including GST, is $150 per entry for journalists and photographers. 新萄京娱乐 waives the entry costs for its financial members as a benefit of 新萄京娱乐 membership. Financial members are not required to pay the entry fee except where a non-member is part of a group entry, in which case the normal entry fee ($150 per entry) is required.
• To qualify for the fee waiver, 新萄京娱乐 members must retain financial 新萄京娱乐 membership for a minimum period of 6 months after joining.
• If you have lost your 新萄京娱乐 membership number or would like to speak to someone about joining, please phone 1300 65 65 13.

Judging criteria and considerations

The purpose of the WA Media Awards is to recognise creative and courageous acts of factually based journalism that seek out the truth and give new insight to an issue.

You can find information about the judging process and criteria that form part of the terms and conditions of entry here.

Please note:

• Judges have the right to reject an entry that, in their opinion, does not comply with the terms and conditions of the awards and/or in their reasonable opinion misrepresents an essential element of the story’s subject matter. The judges’ decision will be final.
• The 新萄京娱乐 Board reserves the right to withdraw award(s) if it later finds the entrant did not comply with the entry/eligibility criteria. This includes where the content has demonstrably been established to be misleading or false.
• Where a runner-up can be determined for an award that has been withdrawn, the award will be awarded to that entry.

Photography Awards

Photographic awards recognise photojournalists producing photography for any platform. Criteria including storytelling, courage, public impact, creativity, innovative use of technology, technical ability and resourcefulness.

Only photos or other visual creations published between July 1, 2023 and 30 June 2024 are eligible for entry.

Please see the category descriptions for further information. Below are the number of images you can submit per category:

• Community/Regional Photography up to 3 images, not necessarily related.
• Feature/Photographic Essay can comprise 1 to 5 images in a series with at least one published Image.
• News Photography up to 3 related images on the same subject

Entry requirements for photographers

Material specifications:

• Images must meet the following specifications:
  • Images must be uploaded in .jpg/.jpeg format
  • Images should be at least 3,000 pixels in size
  • Each image should be saved in the .jpg/.jpeg format with a medium to high quality.
• All required image information, such as the creation date, place, and country, as well as the caption/description must be provided. It can be included in the metadata of the image files or entered on the entry website after uploading the images.
• The content of an image MUST NOT be altered. Only retouching that conforms to currently accepted standards in the industry is allowed. No cloning, montaging or digital manipulation other than cropping, ‘digital spotting,’ burning and dodging is permitted. The judges are the ultimate arbiter of these standards.
• Entrants must not intentionally contribute to, or alter, the scene they picture by re-enacting or staging events.
• Entrants must ensure captions are accurate and provide information in the entry questionnaire that is open and transparent about the entire process through which their pictures were taken and published.
• Participants who are longlisted by the first-round judges may be contacted and required to provide file/s as recorded by the camera for all images in order to proceed to the final stages of the contest. These file/s will be requested and examined confidentially during the judging period. A failure to provide these files if requested will lead to the elimination of the entry that will not proceed into the final rounds and will not become eligible for an Award.

How can I enter the 2024  WA Media Awards?

You must register by completing the electronic registration form on the entry page on this website.

Who can enter the WA Media Awards?

Entry is open to all journalists and media professionals across all forms of print and electronic media throughout Western Australia.

Those who enter do not have to be members of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance. The Awards entry administration fee, however, is waived for 新萄京娱乐 members as one of the benefits of their membership. The entrants must be Western Australian residents or working for a Western Australian-based organisation.

What are the conditions of entry?

Eligible entry submissions are for work published/broadcast July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.

All entrants must certify that their entry, apart from normal sub editorial/production treatment, is their original work and that they have adhered to the 新萄京娱乐 Code of Ethics in the work preparation, undertake to continue to abide by the Code of Ethics and have complied with all copyright requirements.

Key dates

When do entries open?

Entries open on Monday, 22 April, 2024.

When do entries close?

Entries will close 11.59pm on Monday, July 15, 2024.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners of the WA Media Awards will be announced at a cocktail event at The Anzac Club in Perth on Saturday, November 12, 2022.

Entry fees

How much does it cost to enter the Awards?

Entering the WA Media Awards is free for financial members of 新萄京娱乐, and $150 (per entry) for non-members.

Where a non-member is part of a group entry, the normal $150 entry fee applies.

Contact 新萄京娱乐 to discuss membership options or confirm your membership number.

Preparing to enter

What do I need to prepare to enter?

As per the Terms and Conditions of Entry, all entrants must complete the questionnaire and provide a professional headshot (individual or team) and biography of 150 words written in the third person. Joint, group, and team entries should provide only one bio reflecting all entrants and their contribution to the story and one team image.

What is an entry title, and will I be judged on this?

While you won’t be judged on your entry title, it will be used to refer to your work throughout the judging process. If you become a finalist, it will also be included in any press releases and during the award presentation.

Do I have to include an entry statement of up to 200 words?

Yes, your entry statement is compulsory. This is an important part of the entry submission process, so please give some thought to what you want to say to the judges and the impact your work has had.

Pay attention to the criteria and the category description and address these points in your statement.  It is recommended that this statement be written by the entrant themselves.

You can also include context that may not be known to the judges eg. resources, and background information in your entry statement.

Please note that the online entry system will not accept more than 200 words. You may need to perform a word count in a word processing document before copying your entry statement into the form.

Do I need to have the entry form authorised?

Yes, for copyright and authorisation reasons we require a declaration from your employer or commissioning company to submit your work.

During the online submission process, you will be asked to provide contact details for your editor, producer or equivalent manager. They will receive an email requesting verification of the work and related details. This person must verify the entry via the email they receive before it can be considered by the judges.

If your work was self-published, you may verify this yourself, providing relevant URL links where possible. If you are verifying your own work, please make this clear to the judges in your supporting statement.

Category questions

Can I enter the same category more than once?

Each entrant may enter each category once. The exception is with joint or team entries. In this instance, you may submit up to two entries per category. That is: one single entry and one joint or team entry, or two joint or team entries with different teams. Entrants must complete a new and separate submission for each award category.

Can I enter the same subject material (e.g. story, photograph, etc) into more than one category?

You can enter the same subject material into a maximum of two categories.

The difference between a group or team

What’s the difference between ‘group’ and ‘team’ entries?

A group entry is permitted to include up to five people’s names as entrants, while a team entry is a group of five or more people under a team name.

What is a group entry?

A group entry may include up to five people as entrants. Groups will complete one registration with full details for each group member.

Please note that the order of the names as given in the group entry process is the order used on all publicity and trophies. You cannot change this order after an entry is submitted, so please consult with all members before entering.

What is a team entry?

Team entries comprise more than five individuals who will be recognised only as a collective.

A team entry is an entry produced by more than five individuals and should be attributed to the print publication or section, network or program. Please include the name of your team under ‘entrant’s name’ in the entry form.

Judging

How are entries judged?

The peer judging panels for the WA Media Awards are comprised of media professionals, academics, and previous award winners. A panel of three judges will determine the winner and two finalists based on the criteria specified.

What are the criteria for judging?

Award winners will be chosen on the basis of journalistic excellence. This will vary according to individual categories but, in general, criteria will include:

• Newsworthiness
• Research
• Writing
• Production
• Incisiveness
• Impact
• Public benefit
• Ethics
• Originality
• Innovation
• Creative flair

Judges will take into consideration the resources available and the effort expended in the preparation of the work. You can find information about the judging process and criteria that form part of the terms and conditions of entry here.

File uploads and paywalled articles

Can I upload video or audio files?

Depending on the size of your files it might be better to supply a link to where judges can view/listen to your work online such as YouTube or Soundcloud.

I have multiple PDF pages that I want to upload, how do I do this?

The entry system will only allow you to upload a single pdf file per story. Articles over one page long can be merged into a single file at www.pdfmerge.com.

My PDF file is too large to upload, is there a way to make it smaller?

You can compress your pdf files for free at http://smallpdf.com/compress-pdf.

What do I do if my stories are behind a paywall?

Entrants will need to ensure judges can access stories and websites behind a paywall. Please upload these articles as pdf files where possible. If you are providing links to paywalled articles, you will need to include instructions or passwords in your supporting statement to give access to judges.

More information

For information on all matters related to the WA Media Awards, please contact Janet Gibson at 新萄京娱乐stateawards@walkleys.com or on 0455 656 504.

All the winners at the 2022 WA Media Awards.The West Australian journalist, Daryna Zadvirna won the prestigious 2022 West Australian Journalist of the Year—The Daily News Centenary Prize for her coverage of the war in Ukraine.

The 26-year-old had been a print journalist for less than three years before she took personal leave, bought a camera and independently travelled to Ukraine to tell and show the stories of the Russian invasion of her homeland. Daryna had no itinerary, no guide and no cameraman and relied on a network of family and friends as she traversed the country filming the devastation and speaking to  the people on the ground impacted by the war.

With no prior camera experience she returned after five weeks, with 17 hours of footage and interviews, which resulted in the documentary, “My Ukraine: Inside the warzone”, which won the Video Feature category, produced by Natalie Bonjolo, Daryna and The West Australian team.

Daryna also won the Feature Photograph/Photographic Essay category for her “My Ukraine: Inside the Warzone”, Sunday Times Magazine, The West Australian piece, and was part of the team who took out the Multimedia Feature prize for The West Australian video series, “Foul Play — The Tiny Pinder Story”.

In awarding Daryna the top prize, the judges said: “Displaying tremendous personal courage and commitment to her craft, Daryna Zadvirna created the absolute stand-out piece of journalism of the year.

“Her stunning footage and wealth of interviews with everyday Ukrainians combined to build an intensely personal account of the suffering the war has brought to the country of her birth – and the determination of its people to prevail in the face of overwhelming odds.

“The judges were impressed with the sensitivity with which she handled her subject matter and her superb story-telling that wove a compelling narrative.

“The result was an emotionally powerful portrait of the horrors of the invasion.”

Mark Duffield was awarded The Clarion Award for Outstanding Contribution. Mark began his career in 1982 when he joined The South Western Times before moving to The West Australian in 1984. For close to four decades, he has been the much loved Chief Football Writer for The West Australian. However, this year, Mark announced a new chapter, leaving to join the Sports Entertainment Network (SEN) to take up a new role, hosting his own morning program.

新萄京娱乐 WA President for Media, Kate Ferguson said: “Congratulations to the winners and finalists this evening. Despite the ongoing challenges facing the media industry, the engagement with the awards continues to grow year on year. We should be proud of the quality and range of work produced from Western Australia. It continues to be among the best in the country”.

Print/Text

News Coverage
Supported by The West Australian

• Josh Zimmerman, The West Australian, “St John WA: The Fall of Michelle Fyfe”

Zimmerman made this story his own when he revealed that two ambulance officers could have attended to a Geraldton woman who died while waiting for treatment if they had been given permission to work overtime. The revelation heaped pressure on embattled St John Ambulance boss Michelle Fyfe, with Zimmerman demonstrating that ambulance ramping played no role in the death and later revealing that Ms Fyfe had fallen on her sword after weeks of speculation over her future. This series of reports provides a fine example for journalists as to how important it is for them to continue to dig, probe and challenge authorities on matters of public interest.

Feature Writing — The Hugh Schmitt Prize
Supported by Steedman Stagg Lawyers

• Tim Clarke, The West Australian, “Whyte Lies”

Confronted with one of the most disgraceful cases of fraud in WA Government history, Clarke’s writing effortlessly guides the reader through the complexities of Paul Whyte’s decision to steal millions meant for the State’s most vulnerable. Given much of the evidence of Whyte’s fraud played out in financial documents, the judges were struck by the reporter’s ability to look beyond the legalese and craft a compelling account of the case.

Headline Journalism
Supported by Media Stable

• The West Australian Editorial Backbench, “Novak’n Worries”, “C’mon Aussie Cummins C’mon” and “Does he know his a*** from his Albo?”

The West Australian’s backbench loves a pun, but these headlines went beyond a play on words, setting the mood and tone for the news of the day. They were clever, attention grabbing and drove an emotional response – whether laughter or anger in any reader seeing the headline. Anthony Albanese’s mis-steps on key facts triggered a classic election front page that didn’t pick a side, but certainly called out the chaos of the leader at the time. There would be few West Australians who grew up with 90s cricket who weren’t singing the ‘Come on, Aussie’ theme song hoping it would be Pat Cummins who would lead our team into the next generation. And Novak Djokovic became such a decisive figure during the COVID debate internationally so as a judge made a ruling on his competition future, the West’s headline captured the vibe instantly.

Suburban—Three Stories/Feature within a 70km radius of Perth
Supported by The Public Transport Authority

• Indigo Lemay-Conway, PerthNow, Sound Telegraph, The West Australian and Sunday Times, “Catch my drift”, “MP recalls own story of FIFO harassment” and “First-aid delay for bad burn angers mum”

Indigo’s entry showcased three strong hot-topic stories with a terrific breadth of scope. Written with a touch of flair and deft turn of phrase, these included a positive spin on a demonised part of Aussie youth/car culture, and a heart-wrenching must-read for any parent about a childcare centre incident. The judges were impressed by these stories’ potential to be of great benefit to the community.

Photography

Community/Regional Photography
Supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet

• Jessica Hayes, ABC, “Body of Work”

The strength of Jessica’s entry was in both the variety and quality images submitted, working in her favour to elevate Jessica above other submissions. Her body of work is a great example of making the most of what photographers might encounter on assignment throughout the remote regions of Western Australia. Well done.

News Photograph
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Colin Murty, The Australian, “Little Girl Found”

There was only one News story in W.A this year and it was “Cleo”. Colin has captured the innocent and the evil. The amazing and innocent smile of a little girl the world wanted to hear was safe, cuddled into her mother’s arms, looking at him, and the face of evil staring down his lens. Chilling and emotional. These are exceptional pictures from a horrific story that will never be forgotten.

Feature Photograph/Photographic Essay
Supported by Media Super

• Daryna Zadvirna, Sunday Times Magazine, The West Australian, “My Ukraine: Inside the Warzone”

What would you do if your country of birth was brutally invaded by a powerful neighbour ?
Ukrainian born The West Australian journalist Daryna Zadvirna grabbed a new camera and took off on a personal odyssey to document the destruction of her country and the lives of her compatriots – without the usual media entourage of minders, fixers and guards. Daryna’s images are sometimes poignant, sometimes searing – and unforgettable. Epic.

Television/Audio-visual Journalism

News Reporting
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Jerrie Demasi, 9 News Perth, “WA Health Crisis”

Jerri Demasi’s reporting on the death of an elderly woman, while waiting for an ambulance, was textbook public benefit journalism. Demasi’s stories stood out amongst the large volume of news coverage on WA’s health crisis, by exposing not only the tragic reality of the crisis, but the unacceptable behaviour by those entrusted to look after us which, without good journalism, would likely have gone unnoticed. Demasi treated the story with an exceptional level of dignity, while also ensuring those responsible were held to account. This ultimately led to the resignation of a CEO and forced the State Government into action.

A highly commended is extended to Geof Parry’s reporting from Ukraine. Geoff’s work was some of the best internationally, as he covered exclusive angles, with a well considered and personable approach. Geoff brought the foreign conflict into our living rooms and provided a powerful and raw perspective. Congratulations to Geoff for providing the audience with a highly skilled and original insight into the lived experience of conflict.

Video Feature
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Natalie Bonjolo, Daryna Zadvirna, Shivanka Samarajiwa, Alexander Smith and Troy Lemmey, The West Australian, “My Ukraine: Inside the warzone”

While tens of thousands of Ukrainians were trying to find ways out of their war-torn homeland, Daryna was sitting in Perth determined to find a way in. She was devastated by what she was seeing on TV and hearing from friends and families. In an incredible act of bravery, Daryna put in for leave from The West, bought her own camera and headed inside the war zone. She had no itinerary, no security and no previous experience behind a camera lens. But her knowledge of her place of birth, ability to speak the language and feel genuine empathy for the people she interviewed, guaranteed a personal and high quality insight. Back in Perth, the team of Natalie, Shivanka, Alexander and Troy helped transform hours and hours of footage into the video feature so deserving of this award.

Radio/Audio Journalism

Audio News Story
Supported by the Judith Neilson Institute                    

• Sean Tarek Goodwin, ABC, “In the pits: Mental health in Australia’s biggest mining town”

Sean’s story was a sharp and incisive look into an issue having a huge impact on people’s lives. It took an ongoing inquest and fleshed it out, making the court proceedings real for listeners. It also asked poignant questions about the WA Government’s response to the event itself, and the ongoing issue of youth mental health. The production values were high, the script was well written, and the interviews Sean carried out were obviously done with great care.

Audio Feature — Based on a Single Story
Supported by Media Super

• Erin Parke, ABC, “How to Catch a Fugitive”

All of the pieces in this category were of a very high standard and the judges commended the finalists for producing such exemplary work across diverse topics.
Overall though, Erin Parke’s winning entry was a ripping yarn, very well told.
It demonstrated dogged skills in investigative journalism, combined with thoughtful scripting and production. Impressive.

Multimedia

Multimedia News
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Hamish Hastie, WAToday, “Federal Election Body of Work”

Hamish Hastie’s investigative coverage before and after the 2022 federal election demonstrates clear-cut commitment to driving stories of public interest. His diligence with translating statistics into tangible, accessible infographics brings vital context to stories of impact for a digital audience. His reporting is forensic, fair and fascinating.

Multimedia Feature
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Aleisha Preedy, Daryna Zadvirna, and Josh Cable, The West Australian, “Foul Play”

“Foul Play” was beautifully produced and drew in audiences through a variety of media to tell a story which remains painfully relevant today. The level of access to past Perth Wildcats figures and extensive research added depth and context to the engaging docuseries and its accompanying articles.

All Media (including online publications)

Freelance
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Giovanni Torre, The Saturday Paper and National Indigenous Times, “Body of Work”

Giovanni has delivered a powerful series of stories which get to the heart of several crises in resource rich WA. By pounding the pavement and immersing himself in the communities he is reporting on – particularly with the impressive Fitzroy Crossing feature – Giovanni has been able to deliver moving insights which go beyond the data.

Camerawork
Supported by Seven Network

• Simon Hydzik, 7NEWS Perth, “War in Ukraine”

Journalists who have worked with Simon know he puts his blood, sweat and tears into each assignment. Sleep often comes second. But during his 12-weeks as a Seven network camera operator at the height of conflict in Ukraine, Simon surpassed his own high standards.
Firstly, it was his first time inside a war zone. Secondly, filming with veterans Chris Reason and Geoff Parry brings with it demands to go above and beyond. Whether it be capturing the ground level drama and destruction by shooting innovative pieces to camera with a gimbal, or the destruction from a bird’s eye drone view, Simon used all his skills in dangerous and unpredictable conditions. Simon’s camerawork inside the biggest story on the planet was world class.

Political Report — The Beck Prize
Supported by Seven West Media

• Paul Garvey, The Australian, “Powerbroken: Inside WA’s dysfunctional Liberals”

Health/Medical Report
Supported by Australian Medical Association

• Paige Taylor and Paul Garvey, The Australian, “Rivers of Grog”

Relentless journalism at its best where two reporters were determined to expose the truth behind policies governing the alcohol-fuelled health crisis in the Kimberley. On the back of private data sourced through contacts, their stories revealed how the McGowan Government went against recommendations from the Police Commissioner and Chief Health Officer — who want to outlaw or restrict the sale of alcohol altogether.

Science and Environmental Report
Supported by the ABC

• Erin Parke, ABC, “Pandemic Surge in Illegal Foreign Fishing”

A perfect example of a journalist using her contacts, experience and local knowledge to break a significant story with international reverberations. Erin’s reporting turned the spotlight on the environmental damage being done off Broome by illegal foreign fishers. By exposing the issue and then doggedly following up her initial reports, she forced the Federal Government to take long-overdue action to protect marine parks.

Business, Economics or Finance Report
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Peter Milne, WAtoday, “Calling out working with Shell as a dangerous hell”

Legal Affairs Report
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Paul Garvey and Paige Taylor, The Australian, “The battle for Carol”

A deeply insightful report on an event that captured national attention. Garvey and Taylor told us the story behind the news, by connecting with key family members and digging deep to find out what really happened. The story was expertly written, delving into legal issues that could affect numerous families while holding the readers’ attention to the very end. A clear winner.

Sports Report — The Gilmour-Christian Prize
Supported by Network Ten

• Steve Butler, The West Australian, “Rare Herb Elliott exclusive”

The fastest man over 1500m, for years it has proven hard to catch Herb Elliott, but Steve Butler never gave up. Through a creative design, in both print and multimedia form, he has told Elliott’s story in a way it hadn’t been told before. Steve’s exclusive report on the uncovered letters of Herb Elliott included everything the judges were looking for – tenacity, accuracy, research, emotion and overall great storytelling.

Social Equity Report
Supported by the Equal Opportunity Commission

• Annabel Hennessy, The West Australian, “Broken Communities”

Annabel Hennessy’s exclusive series revealing the contents of a report a state government department would have preferred to keep secret sparked a police raid on a whistleblower and exposed the lengths Communities would go to in order to stop leaks about racism inside the department charged with looking after our most vulnerable people. She reported fearlessly on the raid which occurred in front of a young child, highlighted the inadequate responses of the Minister, and followed it up with another report on the fact that police dropped the charges in the end as the raid wasn’t “in the public interest”.

Regional and Community – Three News Stories/Features outside a 70km radius of Perth
Supported by the Judith Neilson Institute

• Sam Tomlin, Hannah Barry, Erin Parke, Hinako Shiraishi and Eddie Williams, ABC, “Coverage of Youth Crime in the Kimberley”

ABC’s Kimberley’s dogged reporting on youth crime in the state’s north drew on human experience, trusted sources and leaked documents to uncover the shocking impact entrenched disadvantage can have on children and the broader community. The team’s coverage of the escalating issue went beyond the initial headline grabbing vision of kids posting their exploits on social media to expose the state government’s lack of funding and track record of empty promises to address the issue. It is a shining example of why regional journalism is important to continue to hold those in power, often based in city offices thousands of kilometres away, to account.

New Journalist or Cadet — The Eaves-Prior-Day Prize
Supported by Cannings Purple

• Keane Bourke, ABC, “Body of Work”

Keane is an accomplished and technically versatile reporter who can break stories and find fresh angles on even the biggest issues. His exclusive on the COVID patients forced to self-isolate in a park, which he filmed himself, showed a dogged determination to deliver a scoop, and he is just as comfortable interviewing the Premier about the State Budget as he is delivering quirky stories on cafe culture.

Culture and Arts Report — The A.H. Kornweibel Arts Prize
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Erin Parke and Andrew Seabourne, ABC, “Kimberley Girl”

“Kimberley Girl” is a story imbued with impact and flair, both important and uplifting. Erin Parke clearly garnered significant trust, and combines compelling protagonists with keen storytelling craft, leading a small regional story onto the national stage. The story has sweep, heft, integrity and heart, and is a worthy winner.

Columnist—The Matt Price Prize
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Ben Harvey, The West Australian, “Up Late with Ben Harvey”

‘Up Late With Ben Harvey’ is an innovative approach to comment and analysis. His nightly videos contain the best features of a traditional written column delivered in a new and entertaining medium. The team putting together the online video program incorporates high production values and extensive research on topics covered, combined with Ben’s cheeky and outspoken ‘love him or leave him’ approach to tackling topical issues and people.

Outstanding Journalism Student Award
Supported by Nine

• Charles Mills, Curtin University

Charles’ entry showcased his writing and research skills and emerging aptitude for multiplatform storytelling. His ‘Donating in Vein’ feature was a particular standout. Charles clearly put his interviewees at ease, allowing them to open up and discuss personal topics. Based on this body of work, Charles could easily slot into any newsroom and has a bright future ahead.

The Arthur Lovekin Award
Supported by The University of Western Australia

●      Peter de Kruijff, WAtoday

West Australian Journalist of the Year — The Daily News Centenary Prize
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Daryna Zadvirna, The West Australian

Displaying tremendous personal courage and commitment to her craft, Daryna Zadvirna created the absolute stand-out piece of journalism of the year. Her stunning footage and wealth of interviews with everyday Ukrainians combined to build an intensely personal account of the suffering the war has brought to the country of her birth – and the determination of its people to prevail in the face of overwhelming odds. The judges were impressed with the sensitivity with which she handled her subject matter and her superb story-telling that wove a compelling narrative. The result was an emotionally powerful portrait of the horrors of the invasion.

Outstanding Contribution to Journalism — The Clarion Award
Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Mark Duffield

The Clarion Prize goes to a member of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance who has, in the opinion of 新萄京娱乐’s Media Section Committee, made an outstanding contribution to journalism and the union in WA.

Tonight’s winner started, as many a good journo does, out in the regions when he commenced at the South Western Times in 1982.

His natural flair and eye for a story saw him move to The West Australian in 1984, where he rose to the top of his field in almost 38 years of distinguished reporting and workplace leadership.

He is not only good at finding scoops, he is a fine writer of news, feature and comment reports.

He can infuse personality, passion, professionalism and insight into even the most pedestrian of sports reporting.

It ain’t just liniment, waffle by the player “put up” by the club and coach obfuscation when our reporter takes to the keyboard or the airwaves.

His final spread at The West Australian listed his favourite moments, including:

• Pat Cash’s win in the 1986 Davis Cup Final;
• Eagle Peter Matera’s five-goal performance in the 1992 AFL grand final;
• Cathy Freeman’s 400 metre gold medal at the 2000 Olympics;
• Northerly’s Cox Plate win in 2002, and
• Fremantle’s qualifying win against Geelong in 2013 in Geelong.

Of course, a cynic might question how an AFL preliminary final win matches up with an Olympic running gold medal or AFL premierships.

But flag-free Freo’s inclusion made sense by the time we had read to the end – the Dockers had made the most of some off-field antics when skinning the Cats.

Our reporter has a knack for drawing us into a yarn and keeping up reading with clear writing and subtle hints about what it is coming. There’s more to life than an inverted pyramid.

He is renowned as a tough but fair and decent reporter, with one former club public relations officer saying: “He was always courteous even when he was giving us hell.”

But tonight’s winner didn’t just write about teams, he embodied them. Whether it was coaching new and younger reporters, he was an on-field leader and off-field confidante.

He has been an important guide for 新萄京娱乐 and the House Committee in various dealings with WA Newspapers over the decades.

A popular and sensitive man, he could summarise the views and feelings of his colleagues.

This might either be articulated at a union meeting, or be in the form of some quiet advice at the right time.

His wise and considered counsel has been welcomed and appreciated over the years.

Despite having his own decisions about his future to make in very recent times, our winner still made sure to provide support to his colleagues and invaluable guidance to the House Committee and 新萄京娱乐.

His guidance will be missed by the West’s House Committee.

His top rate sports writing will be missed by readers of The West Australian.

The winner of the 2022 Clarion Prize is Mark Duffield.

PRINT/TEXT CATEGORIES

News Coverage Supported by The West Australian

• Caitlyn Rintoul, The West Australian, “Mining for change: Unearthing sex assault shame in WA’s resources sector”

Judges’ comments: Caitlyn Rintoul’s Mining for Change targets a stronghold of “blokey” culture, exposing some of the obstacles facing women in remote mining camps. Despite an initial lack of cooperation from the big miners, Caitlyn won her subjects’ trust, giving them the confidence to tell deeply personal stories. What would once have been career-threatening whistle-blowing instead became a clarion call for change, with the companies putting measures in place to improve the culture, and a Parliamentary inquiry established. Journalism at its best. The judges also salute Hamish Hastie’s perspicacity in picking a fight with media heavyweight Kerry Stokes over COVID exemption.

Feature Writing – The Hugh Schmitt Prize Supported by Steedman Stagg Lawyers

• Marta Pascual Juanola, WAtoday.com.au, “‘Wrong skin’ tragedy: death, drugs and violence in a divided town”

Judges’ comments: Marta’s account of one harrowing night in a young lady’s life, tragically cut short at the hands of another whose circumstances had so deeply failed him, is a masterclass in storytelling.
Her feature, which highlights issues faced by the Martu community in WA’s iron ore kingdom, strikes the perfect balance between clarity, brevity and newsworthiness in a single, well-produced package.

Special mention goes to Simon Collins. Simon perfectly captured the behind-the-scenes story of those in the events industry who were on the brink of collapse due to COVID. The rare interviews and insights he secured showcase how trusted he is within the music scene.

Headline Journalism Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Glynn Greensmith, The Western Independent, “The Western Independent”

Judges’ comments: Curtin University’s Western Independent was a deserving winner of the 2021 Headline Journalism award. Editor Glynn Greensmith deftly pivoted the President of the People’s Republic of China into this year’s standout, with his banner “I Xi You” leading a write-up about Chinese government surveillance. The “He Shed, She Shed” headline, introducing a story about the women’s shed movement, solidified this entry at the top of the page. The judges recognised the work of the West Australian backbench, noting international praise for ‘Don let the door hit you on the way out’, which perfectly captured sentiment after the US election.

Suburban—Three Stories/Feature within a 70km radius of Perth Supported by Public Transport Authority

• Victoria Rifici, Western Suburbs Weekly newspaper and online at Perth Now and The West Australian, “Chaos at western suburbs councils”

Judges’ comments: Victoria tapped into the national debate around the treatment of women in politics and brought it home, revealing the double standards that persist in local government and the dysfunction it causes. The trust she built with her source lead others to share their experience as well, showing the power of building relationships in and out of the council chambers.

PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORIES

Community/Regional Photography Supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet

• Hinako Shiraishi, ABC Kimberley, “Peanut the Calf”

Judges’ comments: Hinako’s photo is quirky, fun and definitely one of a kind. It would have only come about thanks to local connections. The photo immediately grabs the reader’s attention and entice them to click on the story online or on the mobile app.

News Photograph Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Colin Murty, The Australian, “News 2021”

Judges’ comments: Colin produced a creative, comical and powerful photo of Premier Mark McGowan. It is something different to the stock-standard press pack photo. While it was a cheeky photo on the day of publication, two days later the Premier became the king of WA after his party’s landslide win.

A special mention goes out to Elise Van Aken who threw herself into the deep end to cover Cyclone Seroja and take great photos of devastated locals, despite not having power or hot water in her own home.

Feature Photograph/Photographic Essay Supported by Media Super

• Danella Bevis, The West Australian, “Blue”

Judges’ comments: The presence of a perfectly placed kingfisher in a portrait of a First Nations woman from a tour company that bears the bird’s name takes this striking image to a totally different plane. The photographer has produced a compelling insight into the complex relationships of people within the wider environment. It’s the essence of ‘country’.  

TELEVISION/AUDIO-VISUAL JOURNALISM

News Story or Feature Supported by Seven Network

• Gary Adshead and Kamin Gock, WAtoday and Nine News Perth, “The Death of Aishwarya”

Judges’ comments: Through a powerful interview, the team brought matters of significant public interest to light and gave dignity to a grieving family failed in their hour of greatest need. Equally commendable is the sustained coverage that followed, putting pressure on the government to address systemic issues in the health service.

RADIO/AUDIO JOURNALISM

News Story or Feature Supported by Media Super                        

• Alex Mann, ABC RN Background Briefing, “The Base Tapes”

Judges’ comments: Brave, powerful and demonstrating investigative journalism at its finest, The Base Tapes is a confronting story for all Australians. Featuring in-depth research, quality writing and superb production values, Alex and his team combined extensive modern and traditional investigative techniques, often at their own risk, to shine a light on the growing underbelly of far right groups and make a compelling case to have The Base declared a terrorist organisation in Australia.

The judges also awarded a Highly Commended to the “Claremont: The Trial” for its comprehensive coverage of the story that gripped the state, delivering insight and educated commentary that provided additional context to a captive audience.

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM

Multimedia Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Rhiannon Shine, ABC News Online, ABC Perth Instagram and ABC News YouTube, “’A Courageous Woman’”

Judges’ comments: Rhiannon Shine’s compelling piece tells Alysha’s story with a unique sense of compassion and sensitivity across the full suite of multimedia platforms. Her creativity as well as deft approach to digital story telling that involves more than three components including social media and online shines a light on the power of new age journalism.

ALL MEDIA (including online publications)

Freelance Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Sandra Di Girolamo, Seven Network, “Flashpoint: Coward’s Collar”

Judges’ comments: In-depth news coverage is rare in the WA media – especially the electronic media – so Sandra’s coverage of the death of Peppe Raco stands out simply because of its thoroughness. By the end we feel we know the victim and his family, who continue to suffer as a result of this vicious one-punch crime. However, the real skill in the piece is the way Sandra uses interviews, archival footage and dramatisation – all vividly photographed and sharply edited – to tell the story of the attack and the impact on the family. The judges found Judas Collar to be first-rate visual storytelling.

Camerawork Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Simon Hydzik, Matt Anderson and Frank Gradisen, 7NEWS, Sunrise and The Latest, “Cyclone Seroja Coverage”

Judges’ comments: Seven’s coverage of Cyclone Seroja sets the gold standard for natural disaster news coverage in Western Australia.

The network are to be commended for their innovative use of live drone video for news crosses and fly-through drone visuals for stand ups, in combination with well-executed on the ground coverage. Overall, a determined effort to cover all angles in detail, including a diversity of storytelling across the effected regions.

It is worthy to note, their equally determined and detailed follow-up on the region’s recovery led to public donations and political aid. An outstanding effort.

Political Report – The Beck Prize Supported by The West Australian

• Gareth Parker, WAToday.com.au and 6PR, “Chief casino officer’s ‘regular fishing trips’ with Crown Perth bosses”

Judges’ comments: In a year that the McGowan Government maintained an ironclad grip on message management, an exceptional field of finalists were vying for the Beck Prize.

But 6PR breakfast presenter Gareth Parker’s journalism demonstrated the importance of reporters continuing to dig, probe and challenge every aspect of Government administration. By seizing on the Government’s lukewarm response to scrutiny of Crown’s behaviour in the Eastern States, Parker exposed the lax Government supervision of WA’s only casino with a bombshell news story that shone a light on conflicts and cronyism in WA’s corridors of power. Parker’s exclusive story was widely seen as a tipping point for the McGowan Government to eventually – and seemingly reluctantly – launch a Royal Commission into Crown Perth. His revelation was one of the bombshell news stories in Western Australia over the past year.

In a strong field, the Channel 9 team of Kelly Haywood and Gary Adshead’s work exposing an alarming data breach deserves commendation for also challenging the Government’s message management while the work of the WAToday team of Hamish Hastie, Emma Young and Nathan Hondros highlighted and analysed the dirty detail behind the domestic gas reservation exemption for the Waitsia gas field, reinforcing the need for all reporters to scrutinise every government decision – even at the height of a pandemic.

The judges would also like to acknowledge the work of The West Australian’s Peter Law, whose coverage of the disastrous Liberal campaign highlighted the role the Opposition’s mismanagement played in Labor’s landslide election victory – while Law set the news agenda in the crucial final moments of the State election campaign.

Health/Medical Report Supported by Australian Medical Association—WA

• Gary Adshead and Kamin Gock, WAtoday and Nine News Perth, “The Death of Aishwarya”

Judges’ comments: The death of a seven-year-old girl at Perth’s revered children’s hospital was not just a personal tragedy — it said much about the state of WA’s public health system struggling to cope. Pandemic-aside, this was the biggest health story of the year in WA, and credit must go to this entry, which exclusively revealed the family’s devastating experience and continued to pursue the facts behind the case.

Special mention should go to reporter Kamin Gock’s initial report. Produced under a tight deadline, it was balanced and accurate, and sparked intense media follow-up.

Science and Environmental Report Supported by ABC

• Emma Young, WAtoday, “Another plan bites the dust as WA’s best-loved bird quietly dies out”

Judges’ comments: In a competitive category, Emma Young’s series of articles stood out for sifting through significant government spin and red tape to bring to light an important environmental issue for the Perth and Peel regions that would likely have otherwise never been reported, and highlighting the heavy cost of environment inaction in the process. Emma’s extensive research, commitment to giving a voice to all sides and dogged determination to get to the bottom of the story were also outstanding aspects of this entry.

The judges would also like to highly commend Fiona Pepper’s entry Are We Burning in Ignorance? for its thorough, engaging and thought-provoking exploration of the challenging issue of whether WA’s prescribed burning program should be more nuanced, across three different platforms.

Business, Economics or Finance Report Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Gareth Parker, WAToday.com.au and 6PR, “Chief casino officer’s ‘regular fishing trips’ with Crown Perth bosses”

Judges’ comments: Not since the heady days of WA Inc has the relationship between a Labor Government and WA’s business elite been under such close scrutiny, with many of the entries in this year’s strong field of business and finance reports having a political edge.

6PR breakfast presenter Gareth Parker’s coverage of Crown’s uber-comfortable relationship with State Government regulators ripped the lid off the gambling giant’s evident abuse of its privileged position in WA, potentially upending the way gaming is administered in this State. Parker made able use of his cross-platform presence to force debate and accountability of this issue and ensure pressure was applied to the Government to hold a Royal Commission into Crown Perth. As much as Parker’s exclusive reporting had political undertones, it equally exposed the smelly underbelly of the way some corporate titans go about their business. His revelation was one of the bombshell news stories in Western Australia over the past year.

Parker’s fellow finalists in this category also deserve credit for their strong entries – Ben Harvey’s revelation of defects at Chevron’s landmark Gorgon gas project, which caused the shutdown of what remains the most expensive resources project ever developed in Australia, reverberated in markets around the globe, blindsided the WA Government and forced admissions from an embarrassed Chevron, while The Australian’s Paul Garvey’s extensive research and line-by-line scrutiny of the WA State budget papers exposing an iron ore royalties blunder that cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars.

The judges also wish to commend John Flint’s coverage of the life and times of Sam Barnett – a reminder to us all of the importance of knowing a shifty operator when you see one, and challenging each and every claim they make.

Sports Report – The Gilmour-Christian Prize Supported by Ten

• Mitchell Woodcock, The Sunday Times, The West Australian and thewest.com.au, “West Coast Fever Salary Cap Scandal”

Judges’ comments: In his series of exclusive articles, Mitchell has done an outstanding job shining a light on salary cap rorting within the West Coast Fever Netball Club. He has displayed tenacious investigative work in spite of clearly hitting a code of silence at the club.

Mitchell managed to get crucial information from sources to add depth and background to his stories. We also applaud his ethics in using fair, careful and considered treatment of those unwittingly involved in the breach. Well Done and congratulations Mitchell!

Social Equity Report Supported by the Equal Opportunity Commission

• Marta Pascual Juanola, WAtoday.com.au,“‘Wrong skin’ tragedy: death, drugs and violence in a divided town”

Judges’ comments: In an extremely well-represented category, Marta Pascual Juanola’s “Wrong Skin Tragedy” stood out for it’s beautiful storytelling, sensitivity and depth. The judges were all deeply affected by this well-researched piece, which gave a voice to the voiceless. A story that all West Australians should read.

Regional and Community – Three News Stories/Features outside a 70km radius of Perth Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Briana Fiore, Harvey-Waroona Reporter, South-Western Times, Bunbury Herald and The West Australian, “Bunbury Hospital Investigation”

Judges’ comments: Briana’s proactive efforts to highlight issues of importance to the local Filipino community eventually led her to reveal the dysfunction at Bunbury Hospital and the role the hospital’s issues had played in the death of a young mother. Her ability to break, and build on, this story was a direct result of the trust she had built with the local community and was a shining example of the power of regional journalism.

New Journalist or Cadet—The Eaves-Prior-Day Prize Supported by Cannings Purple

• Briana Fiore, Bunbury Herald, Harvey-Waroona Reporter and The West Australian, “Body of Work”

Judges’ comments: Briana Fiore demonstrated a dedication to the craft, breaking important stories that had a profound impact on the Harvey community. Her news sense, dogged determination and concise writing stood out and in turn meant her articles made a real difference in the regional community. As the sole reporter for the local newspaper, her efforts to pursue a story for months on end whilst publishing varying other stories is a credit to her resolve and a reflection of her hard work and how capable she is as a bright young journalist.

Culture and Arts Report—The A.H. Kornweibel Arts Prize Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Mark Naglazas, www.seesawmag.com.au, “Fremantle Movie Studio”

Judges’ comments: Mark Naglazas’s excellent three-part series provides the story behind the showbiz-style announcement of the proposed Fremantle film studio, with an authority and insight into the industry that few can bring. He explains the benefits and drawbacks of this proposal with intelligence, incisiveness, and balance.

 Columnist—The Matt Price Prize Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Gareth Parker, WAtoday.com.au, “WAtoday columns”

Judges’ comments: Gareth’s columns for WAtoday on the WA state election were pertinent at the time and proved remarkably prescient following the outcome of the state election.

Their substance was also delivered with an easy, accessibly style which made tough topics easy to understand, and a pleasure to read. He was a worthy winner.

But also worthy of mention was The West’s Kate Emery, whose take on a post-#MeToo world were insightful and inspired, and came a very close second.

Outstanding Journalism Student Award Supported by Nine

• Amber Wilkinson, Edith Cowan University, “Body of Work”

Judges’ comments: Amber Wilkinson displayed immense technical skill creating content that is both original, compelling and well researched. She skilfully uses the podcast medium to delve into important topics and creates an extremely engaging product that despite its length keeps the listener intrigued and informed. Her three submissions show diversity and attention to detail. Tackling such a popular medium can be challenging- but she showed skill and great promise as a journalist in our evolving industry.

The Arthur Lovekin Award Supported by The University of Western Australia

●      Aja Styles, “Stink from the Corpse”

Judges’ comments: Aja places the WA higher education sector under the spotlight in her “Stink from the Corpse” series. She is one of the first journalists to consistently investigate the threats posed to academic freedom, quality education and WA’s research culture by COVID, the loss of government funding and the chronic mismanagement of the high education sector.

Journalist of the Year – The Daily News Centenary Prize Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Gareth Parker

Judges comments: The judges would like to acknowledge Gary Adshead and Kamin Gock’s coverage of Aishwarya Aswath’s death & the change that followed is to be commended. Their series laid bare our struggling hospital systems and was one of the defining stories of 2021 in Perth.

To convince a family in grief to share their harrowing story –  and craft such powerful segments under tight deadlines is no easy task.

The judges would also like to acknowledge Caitlin Rintoul’s work which exposed a shocking series of sex attacks within the mining industry sparked powerful change, a united effort to confront the problem from WA’s mining giants and a parliamentary inquiry. As well as Alex Mann’s “the Base Tapes”. There was an enormous risk to uncover how a global white supremacist group was infiltrating and recruiting young Australians. Alex’s tenacity to research and track down some of the recruits is to be acknowledged. His investigation is just the beginning of exposing the radicalising and threat this group poses to the nation.

But the judges felt there was one clear winner this year – someone whose journalism is a shining example of the importance of journalists relentlessly – and fearlessly – digging, probing and challenging those in power.

Through a bombshell news story that shone a light on conflicts of interest and cronyism, Gareth Parker exposed the lax Government supervision of WA’s only casino.

But what stood Parker apart for the judges was how he used his cross-platform presence to then force debate, accountability – and to explain to West Australians why they should care.

Outstanding Contribution to Journalism—The Clarion Award Supported by 新萄京娱乐

●    Mark Bennett

Judges’ comments: The Clarion Prize is presented to a member of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance who has, in the opinion of 新萄京娱乐’s Media Section Committee, made an outstanding contribution to journalism in Western Australia. The committee considers the breadth and quality of work and other ways in which the member has contributed. Tonight’s winner is an industry veteran, who has spent more than four decades telling important stories from all over WA on television, radio and online. He has been reporter, researcher, producer and newsroom chief of staff. Colleagues describe tonight’s winner as “a journo’s journo”, “an absolute genius”, “one in a million”, “gold standard”, a “legend” and a “national treasure”. But also “modest”, “humble” and a “quiet achiever”. A master of visual storytelling, he still loves the craft and the thrill of the chase. During the Esperance bushfires, our winner arranged for a mate with a plane to land on the road behind the fire so he could get up-close flame pictures.

Our winner’s first experience in the media, many moons ago, was helping to shoot a video for a charity in South-East Asia, an experience that cemented his interest in telling the stories of people who aren’t always heard from.

His stories don’t come from politicians or press releases, but from community groups, farmers, naturalists, truck drivers, refugees and countless others who have something compelling to say and he gives them a voice. Not posted for clicks but told out of genuine interest, care and compassion for the on-air talent and the audience. His work is driven by the belief that he’s performing a service for the community.

Some of our winner’s best stories, which he sources, writes, shoots and edits himself, have come from the bush where his work helps to bridge the rural-city divide. The other way that tonight’s winner has made an incredibly valuable contribution to the practice of journalism is by his leadership and mentoring of up-and-comers, as you’ll hear first-hand in the video coming up.

The 2021 Clarion goes to Mark Bennett from the ABC’s Great Southern Bureau.

Winners at the 2019 WA Media Awards. Photo: Sharon SmithPRINT/TEXT CATEGORIES:

News Coverage Supported by The West Australian

• John Flint, The Sunday Times newspaper and thewest.com.au, “Deep Trouble”

“Deep Trouble” demonstrated a reporter’s determination to ‘own’ a story about an issue that may not have otherwise received much air beyond the initial breaking news of the accident. At a time workplace safety is increasingly under scrutiny, John Flint’s body of work showed employers can not hide from their obligations – even so far under water. The reporter clearly persevered to win the trust of traumatised and injured workers, putting a face to the diving calamity and revealing its long-lasting impacts for the community. The stories involved careful research into technical aspects of deep sea diving, and the judges considered them to be of great public benefit.

Feature Writing – The Hugh Schmitt Prize Supported by Lavan

• Kirsti Melville, ABC Online and Earshot, ABC Radio National, “The Ghosts of Wittenoom”

This was a well-crafted and assured feature, illuminating the indigenous perspective on an environmental and human tragedy. The writer canvassed a wide range of sources and it was rigorously researched. The writing is crisp but not melodramatic and uses a range of narrative techniques to good effect. It broke the news that the Banjima people are considering legal action against the WA government for failing to provide safe access to their native title land. It prompted ongoing media coverage, and renewed negotiations between government and traditional owners. The Banjima people still swim and fish in Wittenoom Gorge, despite the risk. It’s one of the few places within their native title determination that’s accessible. The Pilbara’s Aboriginal people also worked the most dangerous jobs at Wittenoom – bagging asbestos, loading the trucks and hitching rides on them, breathing in asbestos dust. They have the highest mortality rate from mesothelioma of any group, anywhere in the world.

Headline Journalism Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• The West Australian backbench, The West Australian, “Fake Ewes”, “Sell Sell Cell” and “Calf Wit”

The ability of The West’s backbench to deliver witty headlines with brevity was evident in its entries and it’s consistency was what secured a unanimous win with the judges. With few words to play with, the trio of headlines embodied tabloid journalism at its best. Succinct, pun-laden headlines that need no explanation, yet leave you wanting more.

Suburban—Three Stories/Features within a 70km radius of Perth Supported by Public Transport Authority

• Sarah Brookes, Community News – The Advocate, “Shalom House investigation”

Sarah Brookes’ investigation into the ‘tough love’ drug rehab Shalom House displayed tenacity, curiosity and the willingness to overcome fierce opposition to tell a story. Sarah’s detailed examination of the true success rates behind the facility’s bold claims and her interviews with participants and family members shed new light on a story that has received a great deal of positive coverage. Her stories were well researched and exposed the untold story behind the spin, to the benefit of her local community.

PHOTOGRAPHY CATEGORIES:

Community/Regional Photography Supported by Department of the Premier and Cabinet

• Kelsey Reid, Kalgoorlie Miner and The West Australian, “Goldfields Unites”, “Outback Beauty” and “A Golden Find”

Kelsey’s entry demonstrated her skill and versatility as a photographer. All three images showed a strong connection to her community. Two of the photos were highly newsworthy while the third, “Outback Beauty”, was a high-end fashion image, shot in a distinctive, textural Goldfields landscape. Kelsey has a talent for capturing authentic emotion in her photos – whether it be the jubilation of a gold discovery, or the poignancy of a community united in grief.

News Photograph Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Ross Swanborough, Perthnow, “Hear me”

Ross Swanborough has captured a strong news image. The photograph is powerful in its simplicity – a small aboriginal woman standing up to a large white male. Like all good news photography, the image as not set up, but photographed off the cuff as the story unfolded in front of the photographer.

Feature Photograph/Photographic Essay Supported by Media Super

• Danella Bevis, The West Australian, “Kimberley women and the power of a football”

Danella Bevis’s  images are very powerful, combining her skill as a photographer with dynamic storytelling. The photographer herself says something magical is taking place in WA’s central Kimberley, and this is especially reflected in the lighting and movement captured in both ‘Handball’ and ‘Smoking’. These images are aesthetically stunning, but more importantly reflect the players’ devotional passion for both footy and community. This series beautifully captures the hope and purpose of women in a remote indigenous community coming together for better outcomes.

TELEVISION/AUDIO-VISUAL JOURNALISM:

News Story or Feature Supported by Seven Network

• Anne-Maree Leonard, 9 News 6pm bulletin,“Exposing Salini”

Journalism that builds and keeps trust with sources to hold power to account is at the very foundation of our democracy. This story revealed tunnel workers’ lives were at risk. Anne-Maree’s reporting led to increased pressure on the company to improve safety standards and relied on brave workers to blow the whistle on their employer’s dodgy practices.

RADIO/AUDIO JOURNALISM:

News Story or Feature Supported by Media Super

• Kirsti Melville, Earshot, ABC Radio National, “The Ghosts of Wittenoom”

‘The Ghosts of Wittenoom’ delved into the devastation of asbestosis for the Aboriginal community of the Pilbara. The continual exposure of asbestos to the community is startling. Kirsti Melville’s reporting highlights the inadequacy of the care for the community’s health and the lack of action to tackle and clean up the issue to create a safe environment for the people living there. ‘The Ghosts of Wittenoom’ is as emotive piece with powerful interviews and devastating details of the health impacts for the Aboriginal community.

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM:

Multimedia Supported by The Australian

• Emma Young and Hamish Hastie, WAtoday, “Perth’s tangled web: Property, power and the people who pull the strings”

Emma Young and Hamish Hastie may have used old-fashioned journalism to assemble the nuts and bolts of their Tangled Web series, which painted a convoluted picture of the connections between those who control almost every facet of Perth’s property world, but there was nothing old fashioned about the presentation. They made use of impressive data visualisation maps to show just how connected the players are and accompany a compelling piece of journalism on a subject that affects so many West Australians.

ALL MEDIA (including online publications):

Freelance Journalist Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Kristin Shorten, thewest.com.au, “Father Joe: Saint or Sinner?”

Kristen Shorten’s series on Father Joe was top-class. She went behind  the headlines of a suspected paedophile priest to bring us the full  back-story of how his alleged crimes and death affected his large community. Kristen showed persistence and built up trust to the point where she could tell a story that gripped readers.

Camerawork Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Andrew Seabourne, 7pm News ABC WA and 7.30 ABC, “Kimberley Queen”, “Norforce Recruits” and “Fitzroy Bones”

The judges were impressed with the quality and variety of the cameraman’s work.. his carefully thought out shots, some taken over days, were crucial to telling the stories. His use of light, tracking shots and sequences made for stunning packages that captured the beauty of the region… while his lense gave viewers a genuine insight in to the talent and subjects being reported on, and it was all done with respect and careful consideration to those people and communities.

Political Report – The Beck Prize Supported by Sunday Times

• Nick Butterly, The West Australian, “Mike Drop”

Nick Butterly’s scoop was the trigger for an earlier end to Mike Nahan’s leadership than the party wanted. Butterly had exposed secret internal discussions about the timing of Nahan’s resignation and it was spot on. Desperate party figures and MPs tried to label Butterly’s story “fake news”. One MP even suggested the only part of the paper to be trusted was the price on the front cover. Less than 24 hours later that MP was apologising and Nahan was gone. Plenty of Liberals were eating humble pie. Butterly’s story was proof that the power of print can still trump the spin of politics.

Health/Medical Report Supported by Australian Medical Association—WA

• John Flint, The Sunday Times, perthnow.com.au and thewest.com.au, “Truth Flushed Out”

John Flint got his hands dirty – or should we say wet? – in his  determination to check how safe the water was at a flagship  public facility. The reporter was brushed off by authorities, stalled – but didn’t give up in his quest. John’s reports are a textbook example of good journalism being about disclosure.

Science And Environmental Report Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• John Flint, The Sunday Times, perthnow.com.au and thewest.com.au, “Truth Flushed Out”

John Flint’s ‘Truth Flushed Out’ presents as conformation of what many in the wider community believe. Public officials are deceptive and unwilling to confront uncomfortable issues. Their attempts to discredit are methodically debunked by Flint who never loses sight of the central theme. The article represents exceptional investigative journalism in the public interest.

Business, Economics or Finance Report Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Sean Smith and Neale Prior , The Sunday Times and The West Australian, “Sterling farce”

This series of articles stood out for the depth of analysis of a major financial scandal that has affected dozens of Western Australians. The reporting combined detailed financial insights with the personal stories of people affected by the collapse. It also highlighted the failings of the corporate regulator.

Sports Report – The Gilmour-Christian Prize Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Rory Campbell, 7 News, “Heroic Mother”

This was a great get by Rory Campbell; well researched and produced with evidence of admirable persistence and the ability to cultivate connections in the pursuit of a genuinely exclusive story that delivered a powerful yet poignant message.

Social Equity Report Supported by Equal Opportunity Commission

• Emily Jane Smith, ABC online, ABC Kimberley Facebook and ABC PM, “’Not another nameless statistic’: Kimberley family speaks out after teen takes her own life”

Incredible access and outstanding use of limited time and resources to tell a very sensitive and normally inaccessible story. Empathetic, respectful reporting that engages First Nations voices on a subject newsrooms find difficult to approach and almost impossible to access. Emily Jane Smith’s coverage of this issue shows a commitment to the region’s community and the issues that dominate their lives. That Ms Hall’s family allowed Smith such intimate access to Ms Hall’s funeral and granted interviews to Smith is a sign of their trust in her process and integrity. An outstanding piece of work.

Regional and Community –Three News Stories/Features outside a 70km radius of Perth Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• ABC Esperance, Landline, ABC News online and AM, “The 2015 Esperance bushfire inquest”

The Esperance community felt let down by the bureaucracy when catastrophic fires engulfed the town but the ABC crew were determined to stand by the community in their time of need. They evoked the trauma suffered, the resilience shown and the lessons learnt in the inquest into the event, providing thorough and sensitive coverage. The quality of all entries in this category is testament to the passion and commitment of reporters throughout WA to tell local stories fundamental to their communities and share them with a wider audience. We are all the better for their reporting.

New Journalist or Cadet—The Eaves-Prior-Day Prize Supported by Cannings Purple

• Jon Daly, ABC The World Today, ABC News Channel, ABC 7PM News, Country Hour and ABC local radio, “China struggles to contain African swine fever, resorts to mass live-pig burials, millions of culls”, “Destocking and desalination underway in WA as autumn breeding begins amid water crisis” and “With an almost $7 billion crop, history shines on WA’s most valuable and second largest harvest”

Jon Daly is an exceptionally talented young journalist whose body of work shows an incredible amount of news sense, research and composition skill to make rural topics palatable to a mainstream audience. His news feature on the extent and effects of the African swine fever skilfully tackles an issue not only significant to domestic agriculture but important to a global audience.

Outstanding Journalism Student Award Supported by Nine

• Samantha Goerling, Edith Cowan Universitys, “More than half young Australians say they have been the subject of cyber bullying”, “Silent Danger: Journalists and Psychological Trauma” and “Apps, Gaps and Mental Health Services”

Samantha Goerling’s work shows exceptional storytelling ability. She skilfully interweaves audio grabs into her narration to provide a compelling and balanced view of sensitive issues. Her three pieces dealt with mental health topics – cyberbullying, work-related PTSD and treatment apps – and they showed a mature understanding of the issues and the sector trying to manage them.

Culture and Arts Report—The A.H. Kornweibel Arts Prize Supported by Serafino Wines

• Erin Parke, ABC News, 7.30 and ABC, “White Bones in a Dark History”

Stories about repatriation and Indigenous culture are challenging to tell for a mainstream audience. However this piece demonstrates cultural sensitivity, dedication and creativity. Erin Parke’s powerful storytelling has brought about greater awareness of a dark part of Australian history and has also created tangible change for the Yawuru and Karajarri communities today.

Columnist—The Matt Price Prize Supported by The West Australian

• Gareth Parker, The Sunday Times, “Ore Struck: sifting through the train wreck of BHP’s royalty payments”, “This is going to hurt… a lot” and “A fat lot of good”

Gareth Parker’s body of work clearly reflects the supporting statement, “… lively and interesting opinion writing in strong, well-sourced, revealing reporting with ample context.” The columns express well-crafted, solid analysis and opinion without seeking to lecture the reader; very much in the Matt Price style.

The Arthur Lovekin Award Supported by The University of Western Australia

• Nathan Hondros, WAtoday, “Sleepers Wake: Uncovering China’s WA War of Influence”

Nathan Hondros, ‘Sleepers Wake: Uncovering China’s WA War of Influence’, WAtoday. A series of investigative articles raising concern over foreign influence at the international, federal and state level. A detailed and tenacious examination of a complex network of people and organisations, asking at times uncomfortable questions over the relationship between state, political and corporate interests, and the need for transparency in business and diplomacy.

Outstanding Contribution to Journalism-The Clarion Award 2019 Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Simon Hydzik, 7 NEWS Australia

This 2019 Clarion goes to one of a group of media professionals whose skills and achievements are not publicly acknowledged as often as they might be – those behind the camera, who put themselves on the line on a daily basis to bring us the images that make stories come to life. Simon Hydzik was just 17 when in 2001 he knocked on the doors of the Perth community TV station, then known as Access 31, wanting to do something – anything – to learn. In January this year, when supporters of a kangaroo killer attacked members of the media, Simon kept filming. His lens was smashed, and the man who smashed it remarked as he was dragged away, “He’s smiling at me.” That was quite possibly true. He’s that of kind of guy. He lives for the job and is always at his best  – and feeling his best  – when he’s in the thick of it. Whether he’s covering street protests in Hong Kong, earthquakes and tsunamis in Indonesia, or suburban crime and grime in Perth, Simon is one of the cammos every reporter wants by their side. He has contacts that would be the envy of any journalist but he also has an uncanny ability to find the centre of the action on a breaking news story, and get there before anyone else. In every way, he sets the bar high. He’s frequently there to capture arrests at the end of manhunts and police chases. He will often go out alone after hours, if something is breaking. There’s no bragging, no grandstanding, just an email saying the vision is back on station and he’s on to the next yarn.

West Australian Journalist of the Year – The Daily News Centenary Prize 2019 Supported by 新萄京娱乐

• Kristin Shorten, thewest.com.au

There was lengthy discussion and debate between the three judges when deliberating Kristin Shorten’s entry, Father Joe: Sinner or Saint. Reporting suicide is always difficult, but constructing a four part series that centres on one man’s suicide is fraught with complexity. However, this controversial story provided a compelling insight into a largely closed community as it grappled with the death of a dominant figure.

Winners of the 2018 WA Media Awards. Photo: Sachi KotechaThe winners of the 2018 WA Media Awards were announced at the WA Media Ball in Perth on October 27, 2018.

This year’s media awards attracted more than 280 entries and the judges said the standard of journalism entered for the awards was outstanding.

Gary Adshead of The West Australian was named the West Australian Journalist of the Year for his work exposing a series of misrepresentations by the former State MP for Darling Range Barry Urban about his past. The judges said this was “the sort of journalism all of us in the media should be striving to achieve”. The judges acknowledged an extremely high standard of work across all the winners of each category, but Gary’s work was “a level above the rest”.

The Clarion Prize for the Most Outstanding Contribution to Journalism went to Cathy O’Leary who began her career in 1984 on a Perth suburban newspaper. In 1985, she was offered a job at The West Australian and very early on began to specialise in health reporting. The judges said: “In an industry that might sometimes be distracted by social media stats and ‘clickbait’, she continues to remind colleagues what the important issues are. Her multi-award-winning reporting has led to major changes, at state and national levels, within the health system and public health policy, in a wide range of areas… changes that will have a positive impact on the health of generations to come.”

The Arthur Lovekin Prize for Excellence in Journalism was awarded to Tony Barrass of The Sunday Times for his story ‘McCusker’s Bid to Clear Child Killer’. The judges were impressed by Tony’s meticulous, almost forensic, research into a potentially significant miscarriage of justice. “The well-crafted narrative keeps public attention on police and judicial processes, which remain an important issue in WA,” they said.

新萄京娱乐 congratulates all of the 2018 WA Media Awards winners. Martin Turner, WA 新萄京娱乐 Media section president said: “It is pleasing to see such a strong commitment to excellence in journalism as has been shown in the entry level to this year’s WA Media Awards. It is equally pleasing to enjoy an evening with our media friends from across the industry to celebrate our work, and to demonstrate the enjoyment we get from such a noble and intellectually stimulating environment as the media affords us. Thanks in particular to our generous sponsors for supporting quality journalism and our judges for sharing their professional knowledge to determine winners,” Turner said.

Outstanding Journalism Student Award

Sponsor: Department of Premier and Cabinet

Winner:

• Stephanie Baumgartel, Edith Cowan University: Body of work

Finalists

• Elisha Hammond, Edith Cowan University: Body of work
• Liz Sheehan, Edith Cowan University: Body of work

Judges’ Comments This category shows the great work being done in universities to develop new journalists and the future is in good hands if these stories are an indication. Many of the stories had been picked up in mainstream media and Stephanie Baumgartel’s was among those, shining a light on Rottnest’s dirty underwater pollution secrets. Her work across her stories reflected the ability to find a fresh angle, research and report with flair and it will be worth watching to see what she tackles next.

New Journalist or Cadet – The Eaves-Prior-Day Prize

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner:

• James Carmody, ABC: Body of work

Finalists:

• Hannah Barry, Fairfax Media: From Kalgoorlie to Parliament House: My first year foray into journalism
• Grace Jones, The Great Southern Weekender: Lisa Blair returns to Oz

Judges’ Comments The judges had a great range of work from new journos across the state and there’s a lot of talent among this cohort, that’s for sure. James Carmody stood out among them for his versatility. He reported across radio, television and online news where he’s also proficient with a camera. James showed a great range of research in his Cyclone Kevin reporting, was among the media throng reporting on the Margaret River murders and stood his ground at the scene of a mass drug overdose in the face of a hostile hostel owner. He’s shown himself to be developing into a very good all-rounder.

News Photograph

Sponsor: The Sunday Times

Winner:

• Danella Bevis, The West Australian: ‘Rescued’

Finalists:

• Liam Ducey, Echo News: Local government bloodbath
• Meggie Morris, ABC: Whale stranding

Judges’ Comments: ‘Rescued’ – An image with great news value, showing good technical skills … and made from a distance in very challenging questionable light. Not only does the bear and the boy tell a great story – but the faces of the three men looking on add to the drama … fabulous.

Community/Regional Photography

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner:

• Jon Gellweiler, South Western Times: Body of work

Finalists:

• Liam Ducey, Echo News: Local government bloodbath
• Tex Reeks, Mandurah Mail: Shot in the dark: Mandurah after hours

Judges’ Comments: Jon Gellweiler’s Body of Work is a step above the pack in terms of technical skills. His work shows a good range of subject matter, and the images tell great stories.

Feature Photographic Essay

Sponsor: Media Super

Winner:

• David Dare Parker, Freelance: ‘Exodus: Rohingya refugee crisis’

Finalists:

• Colin Murty, The Australian: ‘Songlines’
• Hugh Sando, ABC: Dr David Goodall

Judges’ Comments: David Dare Parker’s ‘Rohingya refugees’ is a standout above all others. David’s work amongst the Rohingya fleeing Myanmar is very much world class. A telling visual portrayal of the suffering of the Rohingya … and the aftermath of apparent attempted genocide.

Broadcast Camerawork – All Media Sponsor Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner Gareth White, Channel 9 Perth: Missing woman found Finalists

• Alexandru Ionita, Network Ten: Wellington Square Brawl
• Simon Hydzik, Seven West Media: Police ROG Unit and wild parties

Highly Commended Simon Hydzik, Seven West Media: Police ROG Unit and wild parties Judges’ Comments When news unfolds in front of you, there is an ethical decision in terms of how much to become a participant rather than the storyteller. The judges praised Gareth White for navigating this challenge with professionalism, while under pressure to get the story. While it was clear that the first concern was for the welfare of the missing woman, he secured an exclusive, attention-grabbing interview as they drove her to waiting emergency services.

Best Three News Stories or Features – Community/Regional – All Media

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Winner: Sam Tomlin, ABC Kimberley: Body of work

Finalists

• Peter de Kruijff, The Kimberley Echo: Reports from the Kimberley
• Carla Hildebrandt, Fairfax Media: Captain Crook exposed
• Chris Thomson, The Great Southern Weekender: Albany shopping hours debate

Judges’ Comments Sam Tomlin produced consistently well-written and researched stories on key local issues in the turbulent Goldfields. The contribution of indigenous rangers to keeping the peace during the Elijah trial was nicely observed. Measured coverage was credited with helping during a tense time in Kalgoorlie. A gold miner dudding workers and vice versa would be water-cooler moments around town. Observation and the working of contacts are the bread and butter of reporting, keeping the journalist at the cutting edge of the local news beat.

Freelance Journalist – All Media

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Tom de Souza, Freelance: Body of work

Finalists

• Carmelo Amalfi, Freo StreetWise: Body of work
• Brendan Foster, Freelance: Body of work

Judges’ Comments Tom de Souza’s compelling personal tale of a descent into drug addiction, and of the hard road to recovery, takes us to the heart of a problem wrecking lives and relationships across the State. Adding value to the story in a foreign setting – Indonesia – demonstrated ingenuity and resourcefulness across genre and context. Tom’s other story on the Yiriman Project in Western Australia’s Kimberley shed light on another intractable problem; indigenous alienation and suicide. Tom put a positive spin on an often elusive issue, enlisting the community’s assistance to tell the tale.

Culture and Arts Report – The A.H. Kornweibel Prize – All Media

Sponsor: Serafino Wines

Winner: Katie McDonald, Business News: Strategic plan to build on creative connections

Finalists

• Victoria Laurie, The Australian: What’s up with the arts in this state?
• Damian Smith, ABC Radio Perth: Jump Climb goes under, owing Fringe artists thousands

Judges’ Comments This is a very well-researched suite of stories covering a diverse and complex sector in a detailed manner. The stories explore both the challenges and opportunities for arts and culture in WA through multiple interviews, context and background. Importantly, they collectively point to the future of the sector in terms of funding issues and engagement with other industries such as tourism. Though complex, the stories are engaging, well-structured and have significant news value. Health/Medical Report – All Media Sponsor AMA WA Winner Claire Moodie and Team, ABC: Mesh victims fight back Finalists

• John Flint, The Sunday Times: Flushing nonsense
• Victoria Laurie, The Australian: Life and soul

Judges’ Comments Judging of the Health/Medical category was exhausting. So many heart-breaking stories. All the judges commented on the high standard of entries and the difficulty of choosing from so many very moving, well told and tragic stories. “Never again doing this category” said one of them. Claire Moodie’s story for ABC 7.30 stood out. Claire skillfully and sensitively told the story of one of Australia’s biggest health scandals – that women across the country have been living in severe pain since being fitted with pelvic mesh implants to treat prolapse and incontinence. These women’s suffering has been ignored for too long. The story came to life with the excellent use of numerous case studies that described the problem in an engaging and honest way. This was enhanced by superb production. The story was also balanced and alternative views were respected and given appropriate airtime. The follow-up online story showed the extraordinary and expensive measures some women have taken to deal with the problem. Moving, heartbreaking and well told.

Science and Environmental Report – All Media

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Kathryn Diss, ABC News: How the Gorgon gas plant could wipe out a year of solar emissions savings

Finalists

• John Flint, The Sunday Times: A toxic stain
• Erin Parke, ABC News: Animal smuggling

Judges’ Comments John Flint and Erin Parke each produced outstanding pieces of work and are commended by the judges. Kathryn Diss spent several months researching the Gorgon gas plant’s failure to meet its key environmental condition of capturing and storing carbon dioxide underground. Kathryn broke down a complex issue by using a consumer angle to tell the story. The finished product featured on ABC TV News and on the ABC website and was well executed, using on-screen graphs in the TV report and easily understood charts in the online version. Her research also questioned Australia’s ability (or inability) to meet its global climate change agreement and a lack of political will to introduce unpopular policies to meet the target.

Social Equity Report – All Media

Sponsor: Equal Opportunity Commission

Winner: Gabrielle Jeffery, Community News : ‘Til death do us part

Finalists

• Kirsti Melville, ABC Radio National: A Wicked problem
• Damian Smith, ABC Radio Perth: Myer accused of racial profiling
• Joe Spagnolo, The Sunday Times: The fight for marriage equality: Dean Smith’s Bill

Judges’ Comments Social equity involves the protection and proper treatment of the most vulnerable in our society. This was a story about a woman who was so close to death that she was unconscious when a celebrant performed a marriage ceremony that outraged the woman’s family, turned them against the groom/fiancé and ultimately saw the celebrant censured. This story is remarkable in the way that it brings all perspectives into the story with great sensitivity. This is community news reporting at its best. It goes to an issue of the exploitation and protection of the vulnerable. This story came to Jeffery after a tip-off from witnesses. She had to provide them with assurances that their identities would not be disclosed. She used the court processes to dig out the transcript. There was research all the way through, getting to an understanding of the Marriage Act and following up on the status of the celebrant. Every possible angle was included, giving all parties concerned the opportunity to tell their side. In addition, the story was picked up by other media nationally and internationally.

Business, Economics or Finance Report – All Media

Sponsor: The Australian

Winner: Matthew Mckenzie, Business News: Technology drives reform need in energy

Finalists

• Kathryn Diss, ABC News: How a single oil and gas plant could wipe out a year of solar emissions savings
• Paul Garvey, The Australian: Pilbara turf war: No room for minnows

Judges’ Comments Mckenzie’s three-part submission devoted valuable column inches to a very important topic for the business community – affordable and sustainable energy. His stories provided a rare long-form insight into electricity market contestability and the improved viability of battery power storage. Mckenzie was thorough and covered all bases, including relevant graphics and explaining the facts and figures pertaining to the changing face of WA’s energy market, and clearly spelt out the need for more reform.

Political Report – The Beck Prize – All Media

Sponsor: The Sunday Times

Winner: Gary Adshead, The West Australian: Urban disaster

Finalists

• Nathan Hondros, Fairfax Media: Darling Range by-election coverage
• Victoria Laurie and Paige Taylor, The Weekend Australian: John Cameron, the man who set off a domino effect

Judges’ Comments Reporters expect politicians to tell a few porkies. But who would ever believe that one of our elected representatives might make up the better part of an entire career? Armed with a small piece of information, The West Australian’s Gary Adshead began making inquiries about a police service medal worn at an ANZAC Day ceremony by Labor MP Barry Urban. A senior staffer in the Premier’s office called Gary to tell him he had been given a “bum steer”, but Gary persisted. Gary chased down British police authorities, former officers who served in Bosnia, the Bosnian war crimes investigations office in The Hague and universities in the UK as he checked out every element of Urban’s life. Adshead threw up story after story and Urban was eventually forced to quit parliament amid the historic threat of expulsion. It was only then that the incredible extent of Urban’s dishonesty became clear. Among Urban’s bogus claims were that he had a degree from the University of Leeds, that he had a certificate from the University of Portsmouth, and that he investigated war crimes in the Balkans. Urban’s exit from politics forced a by-election, which Labor lost. Judges were impressed by Gary’s tenacious pursuit of the story and its impact on WA politics was significant.

Sports Report – The Gilmour-Christian Prize – All Media

Sponsor: Gage Roads Brewing Co.

Winner: Nick Taylor, Seven West Media: How Rugby Australia signed the Western Force death warrant

Finalists

• Tony Barrass, The Sunday Times: Finding Keith Murdoch
• Paige Taylor, The Australian: Shane Yarran

Judges’ Comments Taylor’s three entries constitute a truly national news-breaking effort with solid evidence of a disturbing and questionable series of deals that could be traced straight back to the top at Rugby Australia. The stories showed not only that Taylor’s knowledge and connections in national rugby circles are impeccable; they also displayed his ability to cultivate a level of trust from his sources that blew open the inappropriate nature of all the deals Rugby Australia involved itself in while cutting the Western Force from the NRL. This kind if story takes time and effort to co-ordinate, and is a testament to Taylor’s experience and doggedness.

Columnist – The Matt Price Award – All Media

Sponsor: The West Australian

Winner: Emma Young, Fairfax Media/WAtoday: Matters of life and death (and recycling)

Finalists

• Bethany Hiatt, Seven West Media: Princess brides
• Shane Wright, The West Australian: The economic beats

Judges’ Comments The Matt Price Award was hotly contested and featured passionate pieces from some of the State’s most talented writers, triggering lively debate among the judges. In the end, Emma Young’s entries, particularly “Why my grandma should be left to die”, were both personal and universal, tapping into the issues that affect millions of Australians every day. Young told her grandmother’s story with humour and respect, while conveying the frustration and hopelessness that so many families feel when it comes to aged care and end-of-life issues and decisions. Young used some powerful imagery and emotive language to argue that our society’s “save the life at all costs” mentality was causing more damage than it should. It was a thought-provoking piece that had the readers and the public interest firmly at its heart.

Multimedia

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Emma Young, Soren Frederiksen, Craig Butt, Trisnadi Kurniawan and Mark Stehle, Fairfax Media: Peak hour

Finalists

• Charlotte Hamlyn, Liam Phillips and Hugh Sando, ABC: The final move
• Liam Phillips, Rebecca Turner and Nathanael Scott, ABC: The Perth crime database

Judges’ Comments This piece fully harnesses the storytelling capacities of multimedia through the engaging, accessible use of data visualisations. The interactive data is made informative and useful with the aid of well-written analysis and broader context. Traffic is always a hot topic that resonates with Perth audiences and importantly this story explores the wider impact of mounting congestion. This is an outstanding example of both collaborative journalism and multimedia-driven sense-making.

News Story or Feature – Radio/Audio Journalism

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Kirsti Melville, ABC Radio National: Foster care

Finalists

• Oliver Peterson and Gareth Parker, Macquarie Media/6PR: John gave me a push… I fell off the chair
• Damian Smith, ABC Radio Perth: Perth’s struggle: the transition to high-density

Judges’ Comments Strong long-form reporting on an important subject, this two-part report examines the important contributions to the community of foster carers and foster families and the challenges faced by child protection workers in the Kimberley. The reports are engaging due to Kirsti’s excellent interaction with the subjects of her interviews backed by solid research and thoughtful editing.

News Story or Feature – Television/Audio-Visual Journalism

Sponsor: Media Super

Winner: Charlotte Hamlyn, ABC News: David Goodall

Finalists

• Nicolas Perpitch and Robert Koenig-Luck, ABC: Saving Roebourne
• Kelly Williams, Nine Network: Craster story

Highly Commended Nicolas Perpitch and Robert Koenig-Luck, ABC: Saving Roebourne Judges’ Comments The judges said that voluntary euthanasia is a sensitive topic that requires ethical and delicate reporting. Charlotte Hamlyn’s coverage of David Goodall’s bid to end his life was just that. Trust between her and Dr Goodall was developed over many years, and Charlotte was allowed to be a part of his final, private moments, and tell Dr Goodall’s story with dignity. Charlotte accurately captured and painted an intimate picture of a fragile, elderly man who just wanted to die, at a time when Australia is still trying to come to terms with such a divisive subject.

Best Three Stories or Feature – Suburban – Print/Text

Presented by WA Public Transport Authority

Winner: David Cohen, Post Newspapers: Cops, Court, and a car crash

Finalists

• Sarah Brookes, Community News Group: Body of work
• Liam Ducey, Echo News: Mayhem, mad dogs and meth

Judges’ Comments Cohen’s entry displayed a great range of suburban news coverage. Each story was relevantly anchored in current events. The Margaret Court scoop was tremendous, obviously in large part because of the timing. It was an impressive effort to find out about it, confirm it and get it into print without any other media getting wind of it. Not easy on a weekly deadline. Cohen’s crooked cops shone the light on some shameful behaviour that would otherwise not have attracted headlines. Cohen rounded out his entry with a lovely, bread-and-butter story from the streets of his community.

Three Headlines – Print/Text

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Martin Turner, Community News Group: “Arrest is history”, “Best distill to come” and “West Coast’s Darling buds in May”

Finalists

• Bruce Christie, The Sunday Times: “Australians all let us re-Joyce”, “He’s a defender, she’s a keeper” and “Sum of a gun”
• David Cusworth, Seven West Media: “She tends seashells on the sea floor”, “Kate shows off regions for royalty” and “Oh when the Aints, so archly sing”

Judges’ Comments Martin’s skill in conveying the core message of a story in so few words shone through in all his entries. Of particular merit was the headline accompanying the story of Mervyn Eades’ life, which said all it needed to in three words – allowing the front-page space which the powerful picture of Eades deserved. Martin did not rely on puns to make his point – instead he used a skilled turn of phrase, and then borrowed from the bard to catch the reader’s eye. To be able to utilise this quality amid the universal quantity that a modern-day sub-editor has to cope with made the entry even more worthy of the win.

Feature Writing – Print/Text

Sponsor: Lavan

Winner: Billy Rule, The Sunday Times: Trying to save Ben Gerring

Finalists

• Tom de Souza, Freelance: Choose life: My descent into teenage ice addiction
• Tim Clarke, Seven West Media: The Aaron Pajich murder trial
• Victoria Laurie, The Australian: The curse that stalks Roebourne

Highly Commended Tim Clarke, Seven West Media: The Aaron Pajich murder trial Judges’ Comments Feature writing at its best. Billy Rule’s emotive feature reduced even the most jaded and cynical readers to tears. It was a 3600-word masterclass of the genre. Flawlessly written and researched, moving and captivating, Billy’s writing puts the reader in the water that day and brings alive the fear, horror and courage of those involved. Billy wrote about a tragedy but he didn’t descend into melodrama: he let the facts, and people, speak for themselves. Tim Clarke’s chilling series is court reporting, at its finest. Beyond the cut and thrust of the courtroom, he chased down facts and people, piecing together a string of comprehensive, gripping reads with exclusive elements. In writing, researching and reporting this series, Clarke does justice to a crime story which horrified Perth.

News Report – Print/Text

Sponsor: The West Australian

Winner: Charlotte Hamlyn, ABC News: David Goodall

Finalists

• Carla Hildebrandt, Fairfax Media: Captain Crook exposed
• Paige Taylor and Andrew Burrell, The Australian: Massacre in Margaret River

Judges’ Comments Charlotte’s telling of the story of the end of David Goodall’s remarkable life was remarkable itself in several respects. Charlotte had obviously gained the trust of Dr Goodall so completely that he wanted her to tell his story – that was a feat in itself. But to then capture his final journey so sensitively while retaining the news value and power of the message was a brilliant and important piece of journalism. In a year where tragic death so often dominated the news, Charlotte managed to make the story of Dr Goodall’s death uplifting as well as empathetic. The judges unanimously agreed that Charlotte was a worthy winner.

Arthur Lovekin Prize for Excellence in Journalism

Presented by the University of Western Australia

Winner: Tony Barrass, The Sunday Times: McCusker’s bid to clear child killer

Finalists

• John Flint, The Sunday Times: Deep-sea diving drama, Fast-track disaster off WA , Elite divers go to law
• Victoria Laurie, The Australian: Money holes in the dirt swallow up kids’ future, From tougher times rise fields of dreams, The curse that stalks Roebourne

Judges’ Comments Tony Barrass’s story focused on the murder of schoolgirl Sharon Mason 35 years ago, and the subsequent trial of convicted killer Arthur Greer. The judges were impressed by Tony’s meticulous, almost forensic, research into a potentially significant miscarriage of justice. The well-crafted narrative keeps public attention on police and judicial processes, which remain an important issue in WA.

WA Journalist of the Year

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Gary Adshead, The West Australian

Finalists

• Tom de Souza, Freelancer
• Charlotte Hamlyn, ABC News
• Billy Rule, The Sunday Times

Judges’ Comments Gary Adshead’s work in exposing a series of lies by the former State MP for Darling Range Barry Urban about his past is the sort of journalism all of us in the media should be striving to achieve. The judges acknowledge an extremely high standard of work across all the winners of each category, but Gary’s work was a level above the rest. By revealing that Mr Urban had worn a fake police medal and then pursuing other questions about his past, Gary’s journalism led to a series of extraordinary events which saw Urban quit Parliament. The newly installed State Government was forced back to the polls and lost the seat of Darling Range to the Liberals. Mr Urban now faces criminal charges. In choosing Gary as the WA Journalist of the Year, the judges praised his persistence and methodical work that dismantled Mr Urban’s claims about his past exploits and qualifications. Holding elected members to account is a cornerstone of journalism, one of the reasons our profession is so important to the communities we serve. By selecting Gary as the Journalist of the Year, the judges send a strong message not only to the rich and powerful but also to the community that as an industry one of our highest ideals is to hold those in positions of power to account. In a world now dominated by an online environment peppered with fake news, it is good to remind ourselves what is truly important in our profession and the sort of time, effort and expertise it takes to deliver such work. There is no finer example than Gary Adshead’s work.

Outstanding Contribution to Journalism – The Clarion Prize 2018

Sponsor: Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance

Winner: Cathy O’Leary

Judges’ Comments The Clarion Prize is presented to a member of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance who has, in the opinion of the 新萄京娱乐’s Media Section Committee, made the greatest contribution to the profession in WA during the year. The committee considers the quality of work and other ways in which the member has contributed to journalism and the union. Cathy O’Leary has made exceptional contributions to journalism and the state’s health over a period of three decades. She is a campaigning, compassionate and knowledgeable journalist, unrivalled in her specialist area. Her contribution in improving health literacy, healthy behaviours and health outcomes is recognised as remarkable. As a 新萄京娱乐 member, Cathy is a shining example of adherence to the union’s Code of Ethics. She has served on the WA Newspapers house committee and been a generous mentor to colleagues, who have benefited from her experience, judgement, guidance and high-minded values. Well respected for her ethical, accurate and balanced reporting, Cathy has managed to consistently break important news stories while maintaining the trust of the WA community – no mean feat at a time when trust in the media around the world is being eroded by accusations of “fake news”. Considerate, empathetic and highly popular with her readers, Cathy often receives phone calls for advice from members of the public – even including once being called by a pregnant woman in advanced labour asking if it was time to go to hospital! In recognition of the need to instil these qualities in future journalists, Cathy was asked to write the curriculum for – and then teach – Australia’s first Health Journalism unit at Edith Cowan University. Students of this course have gone on to win national awards for health reporting. ECU is still the only university in Australia to teach Health Journalism. Cathy began her career in 1984 on a Perth suburban newspaper. In 1985, she was offered a job at The West Australian and very early on began to specialise in health reporting. Cathy started out on typewriters, sharing one landline telephone with four reporters, and then moved on to the age of computers and online reporting. Successfully navigating our much-changed media landscape, she has maintained her high standards. In an industry that might sometimes be distracted by social media stats and “clickbait”, Cathy continues to remind colleagues what the important issues are. Her multi-award-winning reporting has led to major changes, at state and national levels, within the health system and public health policy, in a wide range of areas, from waiting lists and finances, to cancer care, palliative care, mental health, Aboriginal health, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, obesity and immunisation – changes that will have a positive impact on the health of generations to come. In the past year, her reporting has contributed to two landmark advances in health:

* A $39.5 million Federal Budget initiative ensuring all pregnant women will be offered a free whooping cough vaccine. The decision comes after campaigns by families who lost babies to whooping cough, with our winner receiving the Best Health/Medical Report award in 2015 for her articles on the tragic death of Riley Hughes from pertussis.

* New Zealand is moving to join Australia in the mandatory addition of folic acid to packaged bread, to prevent babies being born with neural tube defects. Australian public health officials say our winner’s initial reporting on the case for fortification of bread-making flour with folate was critical to ensuring the implementation of this measure in Australia in 2009. As a result of this, neural tube defects have already fallen by 14 per cent in Australia and by a staggering 74 per cent in indigenous women.

Both of these advances have highlighted the quality and far-reaching influence of Cathy’s journalism.

The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (新萄京娱乐), the union and industry advocate for Australia’s journalists, is delighted to announce the winners of the 2017 West Australian Media Awards – the pre-eminent state-based awards celebrating journalistic excellence in print, broadcast and digital media platforms. The winners were announced at the awards’ gala function at the Empire Function Centre in West Perth. The annual awards – proudly supported by 新萄京娱乐 – promote quality journalism and reward media professionals whose commitment and excellent media coverage best informs and entertains West Australians. This years’ WA Media Awards attracted 247 entries across the 24 award categories. The panel of 39 judges said they were impressed by the high quality of submissions this year. Rebecca Johns and Jessica Miocevich of Nine Network Australia won the Daily News Centenary Prize – West Australian Journalist of the Year 2017 award. The judges said: “The judges felt the two entries – camerawork by Jessica Miocevich and news story by Rebecca Johns – deserved to share the award as they were intrinsically linked. Most definitely, the story of the riots, sparked by the death of Aboriginal teen Elijah Doughty, could not have been told to the same extent without the confronting images that accompanied it. The camerawoman put herself in the action in a heated and volatile situation and managed to maintain her composure and her focus, to capture one of the year’s most iconic sequence of pictures. At the same time, the story was sensitively handled by the journalist who… was able to link Aboriginal people to violence but also to grief.” Rebecca and Jessica also won in both Best News Story or Feature – Television/Audio-Visual and Best Broadcast Camerawork respectively, for their story on the Kalgoorlie Riot. 新萄京娱乐 congratulates all the award winners on their fine achievement. For more information: Anna Magnus 0423 363 725

Winners of the 2017 West Australian Media Awards 

Outstanding Journalism Student Award Sponsored by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet Winner:

• Molly Schmidt, Body of work, Curtin University

Finalists:

• Brendan Crew, Edith Cowan University, Body of Work
• Nicholas Martyr , Edith Cowan University, Body of Work

Judges comments: “Molly Schmidt’s three pieces showed a clear talent for beautifully crafted writing well beyond her years. Her Shanghai orphans story is a top notch feature with surprising insights into the scale of prejudice towards cleft palate in China. The fact the condition is the top reason for the high number of babies being abandoned around the nation would be a revelation to most westerners, while the photography is an excellent addition and really helps drive the point home, adding to the poignancy of the story. Molly’s Lyme disease story is thought provoking, shows a strong capacity for research and just, just, straddles the line between positions in the debate. Her Perth Soccer Club story is delivered in a direct manner and is a good example of modern reporting that demonstrates her nose for news. She’s writing at a sophisticated level.” Best New Journalist or Cadet Sponsored by Community Newspaper Group Winner:

• Emily Baker, Body of work, Seven West Media  
• Thomas De Souza, Body of work, Freelance

Finalists:

• Katie McDonald, Business News, Body of Work

Judges comments: “The judges acknowledge the stark differences in these two nominations but consider both worthy of sharing the award. Tom de Souza’s writing style is compelling. His story construction belies his relative inexperience in the craft and his use of photography and inclusion of video material add extra dimensions to already‐persuasive storytelling. Emily Baker displays an ability to craft news stories for television in a style that will resonate with most viewers, as evidenced by reports on the brawl victim and the Roe 8 protestors while her exclusive insulin overdose story was well‐researched and of public importance. The judges feel Emily’s high standard of presentation underpins her submission.” Best News Photograph Sponsored by The Sunday Times Winner:

• Mary Mills, Kalgoorlie Riot, Kalgoorlie Miner Newspaper

Finalists:

• Ian Munro, The West Australian, Miss Dhu
• Danella Bevis, The West Australian, The Day After

Judges comments: “Mary’s hard news image from the four hour Kalgoorlie riot’s – sparked by the death of Aboriginal teenager 14 year old Ethan Doughty – was a stand out in the news photo category. Mary was in the right spot to capture the confrontation between a bloodied police officer and a protestor. An important image from one of the biggest WA stories of the year.” Best News Photograph- Community/Regional Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Mary Mills, Kalgoorlie Riot, Kalgoorlie Miner Newspaper

Finalists:

• Jon Gellweiler, South Western Times, Jon Gellweiler, Body of Work
• Andrew Ritchie, Community Newspapers, Body of Work
• Marta Pascual  Juanola,  Mandurah Mail Fairfax Media, Body of Work

Judges comments: “The judges felt that Mary Mills’ photograph of the Kalgoorlie riots was the best image in this category. It is evident that the photographer was close to the action, capturing the tense and dangerous nature of the riot. The expressions on the subject’s faces are compelling, so too the smear of what appears to be blood on the cheek of an officer. In what was a very fluid situation, the photographer kept her head, producing a very clear, powerful image without getting involved in the riot itself. This illustrates the role of photography in an important news story for the Goldfields region, the state of Western Australia and the nation. The judges also commented that this photograph reminded them of Jonathan Bachman’s photograph of the woman who confronted police at a Black Lives Matter protest in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 2016. The powerful impact of this well-produced image impressed the judges.” Best Feature Photographic Essay Sponsored by Media Super Winner:

• Michael Wilson, Beeliar Wetlands Clash, The West Australian

Finalists:

• Danella Bevis, The West Australian, Gift of Life
• Mary Mills, Kalgoorlie Miner Newspaper, Kalgoorlie Riot

Judges comments: “A very strong set of images that capture the volatile emotion as protesters clash with police at the WA Governments controversial Roe 8 extension across Beeliar Wetlands. The photographer’s conscious decision to remove the colour and present the photographs as black and white allows the viewer to look into the images and not be distracted by the fluorescent yellow police jackets which would have dominated the images. The photographer has embedded himself in the thick of the action giving the audience a real insight of what the situation was like as it was happening on the ground. It’s a credit to Michael that he’s remained alert and subjective and managed to shoot well executed sharp images while being aware of his surroundings during constant surging and jostling by both the police and protestors. The set has been well edited and presents as a well-balanced photo essay.” Best Broadcast Camerawork Sponsored by Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Jessica Miocevich, Kalgoorlie Riots, Channel 9 Perth

Finalists:

• Gayle Adams , Seven Network, Goldfields Ghost Towns
• Ray Raab and Simon Hydzik, Seven West Media, Kalgoorlie Riots

Judges comments: “This was another closely contested category … The judges said Jessica Miocevich’s gripping on-the-spot camera work captured the rioting that erupted on the streets of Kalgoorlie following the death of Elijah Doughty. Putting aside her own safety, Jessica captured unforgettable pictures as rioters threw rocks and bottles at the court building; stomped on a police car and smashed its windows; and attacked and injured police. Amid the screaming and chaos, police retaliated with batons, riot shields and pepper spray as they tried to subdue the angry crowd. Jessica’s camerawork is an outstanding example of on-the-spot news camerawork shot in dangerous and difficult conditions as events unfolded around her with no warning.” Regional and Community – Best Three News Stories or Features Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Nathan Morris, Social Affairs Coverage, Australian Wide ABC TV, ABC Online

Finalists:

• Jasmine Bamford, ABC, Reports from the North West
• Kate Hedley, Fairfax Media, Clive William Black fallout

Judges comments: “Nathan Morris has produced an extremely powerful and haunting piece from Leonora that humanises the story of Australia’s indigenous suicide crisis. Local undertaker Matt Taylor’s decision to tell the story of his son’s suicide in raw detail is clearly the result of a deeply trusting relationship between journalist and subject. The footage of a grieving Taylor measuring and digging his son’s grave is unforgettable. The interview with a man who speaks of his own suicidal thoughts is similarly troubling.  And while this piece helped foster greater awareness around this tragic issue in the Goldfields-Esperance region, it surely deserves to be seen by a much wider audience. It is rare that journalism conveys fact, emotion and the desperate mood of a town. This did it all.” Suburban – Best Three Stories or Feature Sponsored by WA Public Transport Authority   Winner:

• Sarah Brookes, Body of work, Echo Newspaper
• Bret Christian, Murder, massacre and Neil’s tooth, POST Newspapers

Finalists:

• Stephen Pollock, Fremantle Herald, Fremantle Council v Australia day
• Josh Zimmerman, Community Newspaper Group, Body of Work

Judges comments: “The Suburban category attracted a large field of high-quality entries. The judges were impressed with the breadth of coverage of suburban news reporting and the high degree of relevance the reporting of all entrants, and particularly the finalists, would have had on their local communities. It also became clear that there were two standout entrants in this category who could not be separated because they both excelled at addressing the Suburban category, albeit from different angles. Sarah Brookes submitted an excellent body of work of grassroots suburban reporting. Her dogged pursuit of answers to health incidents affecting a local school displayed local community reporting at its best, and would have generated widespread public interest in her newspaper’s catchment area. Bret Christian’s experience and position as a newspaper publisher allows him to regularly set the suburban news agenda. Particularly, it is his continued pursuit of the inside story of the Claremont Serial Killer police investigation that elevated his submitted body of work to the highest level. He produced a story borne out of understanding events at a suburban level can was elevated to State-wide (and even national) significance. Brookes and Christian are therefore worthy joint winners of the Suburban news category.” Best Freelance Journalist Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Dorothy Henderson, Body of work, Freelance

Finalist:

• Thomas de Souza, Freelance, Body of Work

Judges comments: “This set of stories by Dorothy Henderson presents the widest variety of rural life with empathy and an understanding of the land. Through the stories of individuals, the author gives the reader a nuanced insight into the experiences of people, and not through  ‘man on the land’ stereotypes. Henderson clearly likes and respects her interviewees, whether they are commenting comically on an earthquake shock and the solace of sharing the experience on social media, or a mother describing the value of growing market vegetables with her two young sons. Or an inspiring account of land care schemes that leave wildlife in the landscape and crops in the paddock.” Best Culture and Arts Report Sponsored by Serafino Wines Winner:

• Katie McDonald, WA’s arts sector performs in tough funding environment, Business News

Finalists:

• Paige Taylor and Hedley Thomas, The Australian, Bill Leak’s provocative cartoon
• Rebecca Turner, ABC News, Perceptions Can Be Everything: Conflicts of Interest & the Screenwest board

Judges comments: “Katie McDonald’s entry focuses on the challenges facing the Western Australia arts sector in a tough funding environment and against a backdrop of low federal funding allocations. The articles show a resourceful WA arts sector energetically striving to surmount funding challenges through innovation and collaboration at state, national and even international levels. McDonald demonstrates a solid grasp of the arts scene; her work is carefully researched and grounded in facts, figures and well-founded opinions. She captures the lively aspirations of a creative but often under-funded sector. Such journalistic work is vital for nurturing a healthy and informed arts sector and for fostering an enlightened funding bureaucracy.” Best Health/Medical Report Sponsored by the Australian Medical Association WA Winner:

• Victoria Laurie, Final Act- the life and death of Clive Deverall, The Australian

Finalists:

• Cathy O’Leary, Seven West Media, The Right to Die
• Regina Titelius, Seven West Media, Time for Vaccine Action

Judges comments: “Final Act” is a mature, well-written piece of journalism and the excellence of Victoria Laurie’s writing stood above the field of entries. Foresight and planning was the cornerstone of the piece; it was obvious Ms Laurie had recognised the importance of Clive Deverall to the euthanasia debate long before his tragic death at his own hand. She interviewed him about his campaign to legalise euthanasia in Western Australia before he died and those close to him afterwards. Impressively, the piece demonstrated a deft handling of an issue that is both complex and contentious without any evidence of the journalist’s personal inclination one way or the other. The importance of the piece was underscored when Mr Deverall’s widow Noreen Fynn, one of Ms Laurie’s interview subjects, was a guest of the WA Parliament in August when it established an inquiry examining the introduction of euthanasia laws in WA.” Best Science and Environmental Report Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• John Flint, Green regime an asbestos waste bomb, The Sunday Times/Seven West Media

Finalists:

• Tess Ingram, The Australian Financial Review, The Square Kilometre Array: going to infinity and beyond
• Emma Young, WAtoday /Fairfax Media , Just one wetland: a cautionary tale

Judges comments: “John Flint took a story that could have easily stayed forgotten in a government media release and broke it wide open. He doggedly investigated the implications of the Western Australian government’s strategy to divert waste from landfill by crushing and recycling demolition rubble from older buildings, even though it is riddled with asbestos, and what he found was alarming. Stockpiles of dangerous waste had been created by contractors who couldn’t afford landfill levy fees which had been hiked 500 per cent to encourage recycling. Mr Flint’s series is a peerless example of delving beneath the spin to pursue every possible angle. Supported by comprehensive research, the work is a showpiece revealing the unintended consequences of poorly conceived government policy.” Best Social Equity Report Sponsored by Equal Opportunity Commission Winner:

• Kirsti Melville, Rottnest Island: Black Prison, White Playground, ABC Radio National

Finalists:

• Heather McNeill, WAtoday/Fairfax Media, Tackling the taboos of social justice
• Cathy O’Leary, Seven West Media, The Right to Die

Judges comments: “In Rottnest Island: Black Prison, White Playground, Kirsti Melville takes radio listeners on a modern day exploration of the island’s darkest history. Her exquisite audio presentation encapsulates the Rotto we know today while explaining intrinsic detail of the suffering experienced by Aboriginal prisoners at the hands of early European settlers. Beautiful use of language (both English and Noongar), strong historical research and an ability to interweave little-known facts throughout a two-part longform radio series makes Melville’s entry a standout in the category. Her work evokes empathy rather than sympathy while exposing the minimal knowledge – or is that wilful ignorance? – of today’s fun-loving greater population. Judges also had high regard for work produced in this category by The West Australian’s medical editor Cathy O’Leary and emerging reporters Heather McNeill, Liam Croy and Erin Parke.” Business, Economics or Finance Report Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Peter Williams, Diploma Collapse, The West Australian

Finalists:

• Paul Garvey, The Australian, Digging deep: Edgar Basto’s journey
• Joe Spagnolo, WAN: The Sunday Times, GST

Judges comments: “Peter Williams’ series of reports on the troubles of builder-developer Diploma group, from the time subcontractor non-payment claims emerged through to its financial collapse, won unanimous support from all judges as the clear winner. The entry epitomised what quality journalism is all about – hearing about an issue and continuing to dig until the truth is finally exposed. The entry goes beyond standard business reporting to shine a light on the human-interest aspect of the story –  exposing the financial pain suffered by many small business people stung by Diploma’s troubles. The judges were particularly impressed with Williams’ sheer persistence in pursuing the story and the punchy and informative way it was told. The judges acknowledge this story would have been particularly difficult to expose because the journalist was writing about a subject matter who refused to engage. The judges also praised Williams’ final entry – a piece questioning why the watchdog didn’t act sooner given all the alarm bells that were being sounded. Trends suggest audiences are crying out for more in-depth analysis of news and events and Williams nailed that in this piece. “ Best Political Report Sponsored by The Sunday Times Winners:

• Joe Spagnolo, The Preference Deal, The Sunday Times

Finalists:

• Claire Moodie, ABC, Return of One Nation
• Shane Wright and Andrew Probyn, The West Australian, The Bell Bombshell

Judges comments: “Joe Spagnolo used multiple sources to break the news of One Nation’s preference deal with the WA Liberal Party – a story that came to be dominant issue during the state election this year. The issue went onto become a national concern and was attributed as underpinning the Liberal party’s loss. “ Multimedia Sponsored by Telstra Winner:

• Seven West Media Team and Simon White, State Election Live: Keeping them honest, Seven West Media WA

Finalists:

• ABC Regional Team Entry, ABC Regional, , Right Wrongs
• Lauren Day, ABC , Doctor who killed abusive husband speaks out

Judges comments: “The West Australian’s online 2017 State election day coverage shows perfectly how multi-media journalism should work at its best and how it has evolved to provide an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. Slickly produced, the live election day coverage incorporated a mini documentary, seat tracker, live election day blog, a custom-built promise tracker and access to expert commentary on the day. It provided a substantial audience with lively, informative coverage in an easily digested format” Best Three Headlines Sponsored by Walkley Foundation Winner:

• Martin Turner,  “New York Plate of Mind”, “Mind Your Mannas” and “Reading, Writing and a Rhythma-Trick”, Community Newspaper Group

Finalists:

• Paul Barry, The West Australian/The Sunday Times, “Lifelyon”, “Panel beaters” and  “Moses shows the way to the promised land”
• David Cusworth,  Seven West Media, “Jeddah night a fan solo”,” Art about nothing in our back yada yada yada” and “Swing the thing in a roundabout way”

Judges comments: “The headline: It’s an art, designed to grab the readers’ attention and pull them to an article. The sub-editor is the anonymous hero of a publication, his work often more crucial than the opening paragraph, the layout or the picture. There were three strong entries in this category but Martin Turner came up with three smart and snappy headlines. Mind your mannas took just three words to warn fishers of catching undersize crabs, New York plate of mind took the readers to baseball’s big time, while Reading, Writing and a Rhythma-trick was a particularly clever way to highlight how music was used to introduce young adults to a novel. Great work.” Best Sports Report Sponsored by Lion Winner:

• Steve Butler, Green v Mundine, Seven West Media

Finalists:

• Nick Taylor, The West Australian 7WM, The battle to save Western Force
• John Townsend,  The West Australian, WACA Test match

Judges comments: “The series of reports by Steve Butler was compelling and demonstrates clearly a level of trust and respect earned by the journalist from both Danny Green and Anthony Mundine. The “behind the scenes” access to the camps of both fighters and the exclusive revelations about Green’s health were matched by an entertaining and absorbing writing style, especially in the report on the fight that was filed against tight deadlines. In each case the reports showed great storytelling and captured the emotion of an event that held the interest of a broad section of the WA public.” Best Columnist – The Matt Price Award Sponsored by The West Australian Winner:

• Shane Wright, The Bananapocalypse, The West Australian

Finalists:

• Cathy O’Leary, The West Australian/Seven West Media, The price of health
• John Townsend , The West Australian, Tuesday WAFL

Judges comments: “Shane Wright explained complex economic policy in everyday language and thorough research to show Australia risks falling behind in food security if more money is not spent on agricultural-based science.” Radio/Audio Journalism – Best News Story or Feature Sponsored by Southern Cross Austereo Winner:

• Kristi Melville, Rottnest Island: Black Prison, White Playground

Finalists:

• Joseph Dunstan, ABC Regional, Interview with Brendon Grylls after election loss
• Ryan Emery, SBS, A meeting of two faiths

Judges comments: “Kirsti Melville crafted a powerful and compelling story with Rottnest Island: Black Prison, White Playground. The way the narrative weaves between the horrific events on Rottnest and the subsequent use of the island as a tourist destination and a “pleasure resort” was astounding and makes for captivating listening. Also, a special mention for the technical production. The use of location sounds and music perfectly enhanced the storytelling and helped to hold the tension, and attention throughout. Descriptions of the treatment of Aboriginal people were respectful and gripping. But revealing what happened on Rottnest is only part of the story. The story of ‘tentland’ – the island’s camping ground positioned on top of Australia’s largest Aboriginal burial ground -was such a powerful metaphor for the “masterclass in forgetting” which this feature exposes. This story made me angry, sad and enlightened and I think I am a better Australian for listening to it.” Television/Audio-Visual Journalism – Best News Story or Feature Sponsored by Media Super Winner:

• Rebecca Johns, Kalgoorlie Riots, Nine Network Australia

Finalists:

• Lauren Day, ABC,  Doctor who killed abusive husband speaks out
• Monique Dirksz,  Seven West Media, Kalgoorlie Riots

Judges comments: “The news and feature story category was keenly contested with several high-quality entries. The judges said Rebecca Johns’s winning entry vividly told the story of the violence and terror in the Kalgoorlie riots sparked by the death of indigenous teenager Elijah Doughty. Rebecca, like other reporters and crews, was always at risk of being caught up in the violence. Her stories had impact and insight, and contained a dramatic piece to camera filmed as the rioters smashed the gate to the court compound and stormed inside. Her entry also included a thoughtful follow-up story on the courageous young woman—a cousin of the dead teenager—who used her body as a shield to protect police from the rioters and who was applauded for her dignity and bravery.” Best Print/Text Feature Writing Sponsored by Lavan Winner:

• Victoria Laurie, Your Father Is My Father, The Australian

Finalists:

• David Allan-Petale, Fairfax Media, Lost Summer: Defending the America’s Cup
• Andrew Burrell, The Australian, Sorry Business

Judges comments: “In a strong field where the entries embodied many of the qualities of an ideal feature story, Victoria’s report about Aboriginal woman June Oscar’s discovery of her ‘white’ family measured up most strongly against the specific criteria of the Hugh Schmitt prize. This is quality writing. It is well crafted and well researched, packing an emotional punch that lingers beyond the page. Victoria captures her subjects’ feelings as they discover their blood connection and describes their open-hearted approach to each other and forgiving attitude to the circumstances that led to their lives being intertwined to great effect. Western Australia is filled with great stories such as this and the judges encourage journalists to continue to employ the best skills of our craft to tell stories such as this.” Best Print/Text News Report Sponsored by The West Australian Winner:

• Paige Taylor and Andrew Burrell, Elijah Doughty, The Australian

Finalists:

• Gary Adshead and Dylan Caporn, The West Australian, Children’s Hospital Lead
• David Cohen, Post Newspapers, Chen murder tiles

Judges comments: “Paige Taylor’s work on the Elijah Doughty story was an example of a reporter prepared to go the extra mile on a breaking news event. While much of the first day’s media focus was on the violence in Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie, as family and friends reacted to Elijah’s death, Taylor went behind the story to investigate the festering sore of race relations in the Goldfields city. Up against The Australian’s early deadlines for WA reports, she covered a lot of ground, interviewing many people with intimate knowledge of the boy, his family and members of the wider community. What appeared was an even-handed, but still emotionally powerful report, that managed to explain Elijah’s difficult life while exploring the anger and retribution petty juvenile crimes were causing. Up against a very strong group of exclusive news-breaking entries, Taylor showed great skill in reporting a very public event in the best traditions of the profession. The judges request a special mention for Childrens’ Hospital Lead by Gary Adshead and Dylan Caporn: This entry was a major scoop on a story that has dominated State politics ever since. The judges had difficulty separating it from the winner.” Outstanding Contribution to Journalism-The Clarion Award 2017 Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Bret Christian, POST Newspapers

Judges comments: “Tonight’s winner has provided consistent and multi-faceted leadership to at least two generations of journalists in Western Australia. He has run his own successful newspaper for forty years, employed dozens of reporters, and advanced the careers of many now-senior journalists. But he has remained a reporter at heart and in practice, by working assiduously as an investigative journalist and author. He has helped right gross injustices and held government to account. He has also stood up for the importance of belonging to the 新萄京娱乐, our journalists union, stressing the importance of reporting standards and ethics, acting regularly as an awards judge, and offering counsel in union matters. Tonight’s winner was 28 years old when he and his then wife Bettye produced the first edition of what has become an institution in Perth – the 12-page newsletter they started in the front room of a Subiaco terrace house. The Subiaco Post  now has a distribution of 52,000 and employs six reporters, two photographers, three subeditors and a total staff of 30. Why has the Post endured? Could it actually be that the news is always exclusive and directly relevant to its readers?! The Post’s reporters do not just go to the council meetings in the seven local government areas it covers, they are sent to every committee meeting as well. At the Post’s 40th birthday party in September, Foreign Affairs minister Julie Bishop said they deserve a medal for this. The Post’s reporters haunt police stations, planning tribunals and the most obscure trials in the magistrate’s court. Some recent gems include the naked muffin baker, the police officer who “bashed himself up” to get compensation and the priest who dug his own grave. There is no doubt tonight’s winner loves a quirky yarn – he got his start in 1967 at the now-defunct Daily News where he was the UFO roundsman, until he exposed two frauds who used the tail light of a car to mock up a spaceship photograph. But his long commitment to serious journalism is without peer in Western Australia. He is highly respected and his remarkable reporting on the big stories on his patch are an inspiration. His investigations of the Claremont serial killings – Australia’s most expensive homicide investigation – resulted in astonishing scoops that shed light on crimes that had changed Perth. His sources proved better than anyone’s. He will champion unpopular causes; he threw himself into the successful battles to overturn John Button and Daryl Beamish’s murder convictions, putting his time and money into tests and research for both cases. His 2013 book Presumed Guilty was a still-pertinent expose about what has gone wrong in police investigations, and in WA’s jury system. It is a substantial contribution to our understanding of Australian justice. Tonight’s winner generously and patiently passes on what he knows. And his reporters are sought after by employers – former Post reporters currently work at the ABC, News Corp, Seven West Media, Fairfax, AAP, BBC, Time and Wired magazine. When tonight’s winner addressed his troops at the Post’s 40th birthday party, he told them: “Looking back on those frenetic early days, a saying with worrying implications comes to mind: ‘Only the mad survive’.” We are glad. The winner of the 2017 Clarion is Bret Christian” West Australian Journalist of the Year – Daily News Centenary Prize 2017 Sponsored by the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner:

• Rebecca Johns and Jessica Miocevich, Nine Network Australia

Judges comments: “Kalgoorlie riots.. Camerawork and news story. The Kalgoorlie riots dominated the news agenda for part of last year and the story went international.. The judges felt the two entries – camerawork by Jessica Miocevich and news story by Rebecca Johns – deserved to share the award as they were intrinsically linked.. most definitely the story of the riots – sparked by the death of Aboriginal teen Elijah Doughty –  could not have been told to the same extent without the confronting images that accompanied it.. the camerawoman put herself in the action in a heated and volatile situation and managed to maintain her composure and her focus, to capture one of the year’s most iconic sequence of pictures.. pictures that travelled the world to tell the story of a town at breaking point.. At the same time, the story was sensitively handled by the journalist who put aside her own fear… And was able to link Aboriginal people to violence but also to grief. John’s selection of facts and emphasis was ethical and thoughtful. She progressed the narrative and by choosing to tell the story of a courageous young woman who protected police during the riot she moved her reporting away from a divisive “us and them” story which could have contributed to negative stereotypes, to a story that was both accurate and fair. The judges also felt a special commendation should be made to Victoria Laurie for her two winning entries, a powerful and sensitive piece on Euthanasia looking at the life and death of Clive Deverall – the former executive director of the WA Cancer Council and president of Palliative Care WA – who took his own life on the day of the WA election as one final political statement… And her beautifully written feature on an Aboriginal woman connecting with her white half-siblings. “

The full awards winners from 2016.

Outstanding Journalism Student Award

Sponsored by the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance Winner: • Thomas de Souza, Stories from the Scenic Route, University of Notre Dame Finalists: • Stephanie Garnaut, Body of Work, Edith Cowan University • Cameron McAloon, Body of Work, Edith Cowan University Judges’ comments: “Notre Dame student Thomas de Souza’s ability to source original stories with national and international implications sets him apart as one of West Australia’s most promising young journalists. de Souza showed maturity in his perspective and storytelling beyond that associated with student reporting, particularly his profile of a subculture choosing to live in their vehicles and his written exploration of the reliance upon drugs at Indonesia’s Gili Trawangan. These stories were picked up and published by prominent interstate newspapers in a nod to the originality of his work. Judges agreed de Souza displays a passion for his story topic and delves beyond surface judgments to understand issues affecting people from all walks of life.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best New Journalist or Cadet

Sponsored by Community Newspaper Group Winner: • Nathan Hondros, Body of Work, Mandurah Mail Finalists: • Claire Dearle, Body Of Work , Ten Eyewitness News • Jacob Nazroo, Body of Work, POST Newspapers Judges’ comments: “This category had a very strong field of entries. Nathan’s stood out as brave articles that reflected his maturity and life skills. They were original stories that utilised his network of contacts and not only had relevance to his local community but also had wider social implications as shown by the fact they were taken up by state and national media. He asked tough questions of people in power and the stories reflect a good range of sometimes hard-to-get interviews. They are a very strong start for a new journalist.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best News Photograph

Sponsored by The Sunday Times Winner: • Marta Pascual Juanola, Falcon Beach Fatal Shark Attack, Mandurah Mail Finalists: • Colin Murty, Yarloop Devastation, Perth Now and The Australian • Michael O’Brien, Freeway Inferno, The West Australian Judges’ comments: “It was a year of powerful flame images from the flames of Yarloop to burning trucks on Mitchell Freeway. But the winner this year went to a drama on a beach new Mandurah that might have lost to smartphone shots if Marta had not reacted as good news photographers do when code 262 – shark attack – came down the police feed. In shots that would have looked like staged movie stills if we did not know this story was so tragically real. We saw all the human and emergency services drama in trying to save a life. Marta’s work was live, on the spot news photography at its best.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best News Photograph- Community/Regional

Sponsored by Media Super Winner: • Jon Gellweiler, Body of Work, Ampersand Southwest Magazine Finalists: • Jon Hewson Body of Work, Mandurah Coastal Times • Andrew Ritchie, Body of Work, Guardian Express Judges’ comments: “Jon Gelweiller showed great skills with a diverse range of topics. The pictures were distinctly Bunbury and the South West but the imagery transcended the locality. Jon was under clear pressure to produce when he called his reporter away from the pub to play torch-waver for the stunning shot of a basketball import who had become a local identity. He showed what can be done with water, sunlight and the Bunbury skyline when he turned what could have been a pedestrian paddler pic into a sports classic. Jon says he seeks to find a different angle and he certainly succeeded with his winning shots.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Feature Photographic Essay

Sponsored by Media Super Winner: • Colin Murty, Eradication of pests on Dirk Hartog Island, The Australian Finalists: • Philip Gostelow,The Utopia Project, The Weekend Australian Magazine • Martine Perret, Ngala Wongga, ABC Goldfields Radio Judges’ comments: “The judges were all taken in by Colin Murty’s photographs of Sue Robinson and Bax working on the eradication program on Dirk Hartog. Colin set out to convey the desolation, space and beauty. And he did this with stunning use of landscape, light and spacing of his human and canine talent. The images speak for themselves.” Links to view winning submission (one, two, three and four).

Best Broadcast Camerawork

Sponsored by Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Cameron Wallis, Devil Inside – Power of Meth, Seven News 6pm Finalists: • James Hayward, Waroona – Yarloop Fires, Nine News Perth, Today Sydney, Nine Network • Simon Hydzik, Body of Work, Seven News Perth Judges’ comments: “Cam Wallis’s video expose of addicts’ battles with methamphetamine is an outstanding example of precision storytelling, from panoramic drone vision to concise closeups that clearly mark each chapter. His focus on the simple power of people’s faces is both confronting and compelling. Cam’s use of light and shade, haunting family images and a stunning piece to camera in Part Three cap off the masterclass.” Links to view winning submission one.

Regional and Community – Best Three News Stories or Features

Sponsored by Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Nathan Morris, Preservation of Aboriginal languages of the Goldfields, Esperance, ABC Local Radio, ABC News Online, ABC News 24 Finalists: • Jasmine Bamford, Kalgoorlie multimedia Entry , ABC Goldfields-Esperance Breakfast program • Andrew Brosnan, Body of Work. Kalgoorlie Miner Judges’ comments: “Finalists’ entries were all of a high standard. Several others were commendable. Nathan Morris’s pieces were wonderfully vivid. True to their particular people and places, imaginatively shot, beautifully edited, they were also fruit of time well spent before the camera “rolled”. Their subjects were obviously at ease, allowed to tell their own stories, effectively assisted to do so. No word or image was wasted. “Academic” and “grass roots” speakers were interwoven uncommonly well. Serious issues were explored, but no story became tediously “worthy”, and the first was great fun. Subtitles were used well, sparingly. Nathan himself made no unnecessary intrusions, but any attentive viewer knows he worked hard and well. His first story’s text-based version was fine in its own right, illustrated by Nathan’s photos. If there were separate categories for “feature” and “investigative”, Andrew Brosnan would have been a worthy winner of the latter.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Suburban – Best Three Stories or Feature

Sponsored by WA Public Transport Authority Winner: • Sarah Brookes, Body of Work, Echo Newspaper Finalists: • David Cohen and Bret Christian, Gang crashes dinner party, POST Newspapers • Bryce Luff, Terror on our Roads, Cockburn Gazette Judges’ comments: “This work is revelatory, well-written and highly relevant to its audience. Brookes showed that in the Perth hills, the NBN was not about cables but towers, lots of them, and she understood the storytelling power of an excellent graphic. Brookes’ story on the damage caused to the environment by feral pigs was thoroughly researched. Her report on the new Midland hospital shed new light on what services would not be offered, and the health implications of this for individuals.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Freelance Journalist

Sponsored by Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Kerry Faulkner, Special report WA’s accident towing industry among worst in Australia Judges’ comments: “Kerry Faulkner’s entry exposed unsavoury practices in Western Australia’s accident towing industry, describing it as “one of the worst in Australia”. Kerry obtained access to a confidential insurance industry internal report showing serious price gouging, a tow truck driver boarding an ambulance to pressure a woman who was being treated for her signature, aggressive behavior by ‘towies’ towards police and paramedics at accident scenes, creating accident scene traffic hazards, and misleading stressed car owners into thinking the towies are contracted for the job. The article pointed out that some towies were operating “well outside acceptable business practices” and highlighted the need for legislation to govern the industry to protect consumers. The article was well researched and key stakeholders comments were presented.” Links to view winning submission one.

Best Culture and Arts Report

Sponsored by Bird in Hand Winner: • Victoria Laurie, Through the Lens; Mavis Walley, The Weekend Australian Finalists: • LaurenDay, The art of prosthetic eye painting, ABC 7.30 • Erin Parke, Miss Daisy, 7.30 ABC TV Judges’ comments: “Victoria Laurie has again entrenched her reputation as the leading culture and arts reporter in the state. Her remarkable stories about the chance discovery of photographs by Mavis Walley – a proud, illiterate mother of 11 who used her beloved box brownie camera to capture a rarely seen part of Western Australian history – are more fine examples of Laurie’s exceptional reporting and writing skills. Laurie’s stories brought to life the images captured by Walley in the small Wheatbelt town of Goomalling during the mid-20th century, capturing the pride, joy and resilience of Walley’s fellow Aboriginal people in a defiant rebuttal to those who presume these lives were pure hardship. Laurie conveyed not only the artistic beauty of the compositions, but also the historical and cultural significance of the photographs and the impact of their re-emergence on the descendants of the men and women in the images.” Links to view winning submission (one and two).

Best Health/Medical Report

Sponsored by The Gordon Reid Family Foundation Winner: • Emma Young, A child’s ‘best interests’, WAtoday Finalists: • Cathy O’Leary, Robbie’s Fight, The Weekend West • Rebecca Turner, Politics before public health? The children’s water park at Elizabeth Quay, ABC News Perth Judges’ comments: “A very strong category again this year but Emma Young’s piece was not only the best but one of biggest stories of the year. She used modern digital reporting at its best to accompany sensitive and well balanced written pieces. Her research and tenacity developed a series of stories that probed the broader issues at play and provoked debate on a sensitive topic. A heartbreaking story which raised both moral and ethical queries in the medical and wider community. Cathy O’Leary’s report also bought an important issue to light and was highly recommended.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Science and Environmental Report

Sponsored by Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Emma Young, Lancelin residents win development battle, get dunes rezoned for conservation, WAtoday Finalists: • Liam Croy, Cockburn Sound fish kill, The West Australian • Ben O’Shea, Gravity Waves Discovery, The Weekend West Judges’ comments: “A good news story requires well researched and balanced reporting without bias. It must also pique public interest while finally getting a result, either negative or positive, for the protagonists. Emma Young’s series met all these criteria. A series of bungles by the State, environmental bodies and a shire eventually forced the Government to knock back a rezoning plan to protect an endangered plant species protected by Federal law. This report highlighted lackadaisical and inadequate investigation, research and planning by a number of statuary bodies resulting in a different outcome for both the local and wider communities.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Social Equity Report

Sponsored by Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Paige Taylor and Victoria Laurie, The reality of everyday life for our most vulnerable kids, The Weekend Australian Finalists: • Courtney Bembridge, Indigenous language barriers putting innocent people behind bars, ABC News – Online • Victoria Laurie and Paige Taylor, Gene Gibson, The Weekend Australian Judges comments: “The entries in this category were very strong overall, however the stories by Paige Taylor and Victoria Laurie stood out in a class of their own. The reality of everyday life for our most vulnerable kids is described through two incidents that prompted widespread outrage – an 11 year old boy charged with murder, and a 10 year old girl who took her own life. The issues these articles explore are uncomfortable and complex. Yet by detailed research, good contacts and trusted relationships with communities and services, Taylor and Laurie are able to take us inside a world that most Australians would not willingly enter. These stories humanize the headlines of alleged murder and suicide by children and open up confronting national conversations about how as a society we care for our most vulnerable children and families. They do this with a sensitivity that does not disenfranchise the people that have trusted them to tell these confronting stories.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Business, Economics or Finance Report

Sponsored by Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Courtney Bembridge, Subcontractors lose millions on airport build, ABC News – Online Finalists: • Nick Evans, Sparkle goes from Kimberley Diamonds, The West Australian • Nick Sas, Mobile phone billing scam hits Telstra clients, The West Australian Judges’ comments: “First-class reporting on a complex issue that covered personal, legal, and policy issues. Viewers shook their heads over a terrible blowout that affected a dozen small contractors. These people were shoddily treated and were given a much-needed voice thanks to Courtney and the ABC. She uncovered a widespread problem, and the state government recently announced a way to address the issue.” Commended: “Mobile phone bill scam, by Nick Sas, The West Australian. Scam, scandal, outrage: whatever you call it, it affected Telstra customers nationwide. Nick’s reports contained a strong human element. Well done on keeping the bastards honest, and persuading someone who was affected to go on the record. This two-part piece has directly benefited consumers, and is what good journalism should be about – and it was also incisively written.” Commended: “Sparkle goes from Kimberley Diamonds, by Nick Evans, The West Australian. More excellent work from Nick Evans. The Mining Rehabilitation Scheme – what a cock up by the state government. Workers entitlements left high and dry – $5million of staff money lost, and sub-contractors go broke, while the parent company walks away. We deserve more from authorities than this, and we are lucky to have business reporters of the calibre of Nick to keep watch on the corporate world.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three)

Best Political Report

Sponsored by The Sunday Times Winners: • Andrew Probyn, Mediscare, The West Australian • Rebecca Turner and Jessica Strutt, The big money and politics behind the Kwinana buffer protests, ABC News Perth Finalists: • Anthony De Ceglie, Aboard Gravy Train, The Sunday Times/PerthNow • Joe Spagnolo, Stephen Smith: From Beginning to End, The Sunday Times Judges’ comments: “Mediscare, by Andrew Probyn, The West Australian. All the ingredients of a winner, and a very important national scoop that dominated the political agenda for months. Andrew Probyn broke the story in February. All parties should have known it would be an election issue as the back office work employs thousands of Community Public Sector Union workers. Probyn’s analysis clearly spelt out Turnbull’s dilemma. But Turnbull didn’t act until June 19, a fornight until election day, giving Labor the Mediscare weapon. With the GP payments freeze and pathology cuts, one more seat and Mediscare could have won the election. Excellent get and insight into Australian thinking by Probyn.” “Kwinana buffer zone, by Rebecca Turner and Jessica Strutt, ABC News. Excellent combination of reportage of a protest by ordinary land owners, and pulling back the veil of corporate donations and influence. The small landholders have had their retirement plans shattered while big end of town property investors are in conflict with government policy. Satterley retaliates by withholding funds from Liberal HQ – looks like HBO drama but it’s real life. Followers of these reports wondered:‘Who is the state government serving?’ Jess Strutt asking the hard questions and pressing for answers on a disturbing and murky topic.” Commended: “Smith tilt, by Joe Spagnolo, The Sunday Times. Joe was always first with this story while other media ignored the months-long rumblings of the Labor backbench, or didn’t have attribution. Good contacts and perseverance paid off with the exclusive Smith interview. Spagnolo deserves credit for sticking with his instincts and pursuing Smith to speak.” Commended: “All Aboard Gravy Train, by Anthony De Ceglie, The Sunday Times. Excellent work: holding politicians to account. This rail travel was a rort that failed the pub test – and the users should have known it did not meet community expectations, especially when ministers such as Helen Morton were cutting programs to the needy in her department. Without scrutiny from The Sunday Times it would still be there for any pollie’s winter break.” Links to view winning submissions by Andrew Probyn (one, two and three). Links to view winning submissions by Rebecca Turner and Jessica Strutt (one, two and three).

Online

Sponsored by Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Yarloop and Waroona Fire Coverage Team Entry, Simon White, Emma Young , Tim Carrier, Heather McNeil and David Baker, WAtoday.com.au and Fairfax Media national network Finalists: • Ryan Emery, Life on Christmas Island, sbs.com.au/news • The Hidden High Team Entry. Simon White, Franziska Rimrod, Giovanni Torre, Mary Louise Brammer and James Mooney, The hidden high: flying high under the radar on synthetic meth, WAtoday.com.au Judges’ comments: “The team made innovative use of the digital platform to provide extensive coverage that offered an important community service in a time of crisis and confusion. The well-curated collection of elements included good use of audio, a great collection of pictures and a compelling live blog and trunk story that was updated more than 80 times. The inclusion of stories, not only about the devastation but of innovative ways that members of the broader WA community were seeking to support the victims extended the relevance of the coverage to a wider audience. In doing so, it is likely to have facilitated the provision of aid and support.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Three Headlines

Sponsored by Walkley Foundation Winner: • Martin Saxon, “To Boo or Not Taboo”, “A Day of Whine and Roses” and “Its Fancy Of The Overflow”, The Sunday Times STM magazine Finalist: • David Cusworth, “Tale dogs the WAG”, “Ham minimisation a barbecue stopper” and “Dry planes snifter calls Qantas home”, The Sunday Times Judges comments: “Martin Saxon’s headlines do everything they should and more. Attention grabbing, true to the stories they represent and just the right amount of clever, Martin’s headlines demand attention. Working within the available space and using it to maximum effect, Martin’s eye-catching offerings jump off the page to engage and entice. The topical and witty ‘To boo or not taboo’ demands further reading, sets the tone for the yarn, and finds the appropriate balance between pithy and powerful. ‘It’s Fancy of the Overflow’ and ‘A Day of Whine and Roses’ both deliver a wealth of intriguing connotations in an admirable scarcity of words. A headline writer demonstrably at the top of the game, Martin’s work makes the top of the page a compelling and entertaining entreaty to read on. No word or opportunity is wasted in these offerings that show a fine example of the craft.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Sports Report

Sponsored by Lion Winner: • John Townsend, Eagles dodge drugs bullet, The West Australian Finalists: • Courtney Bembridge, Safety concerns at WA racetrack, ABC News – Online • Nick Rynne, WAFL star’s family heartbreak, The Weekend West Judges’ comments: “John Townsend used traditional reporting skills to break his story about the West Coast Eagles’ inadvertent use of banned substances. The story, which was revealed at a public forum at which Townsend was the only reporter because of his inside knowledge of the matters to be discussed, had national significance and set the agenda for Perth’s sporting media at a time when the Essendon drugs furore was still at the forefront of the public’s consciousness. His in-depth reporting revealed how the Eagles had avoided a repeat of the Bombers scandal and was a fine example of a legitimate sports reporting scoop.” Links to view winning submission (one and two).

Best Columnist – The Matt Price Award

Sponsored by The West Australian Winner: • Liam Bartlett, Weekly Columns, The Sunday Times Finalists: • Andrew Probyn, Probyn Columns, The West Australian • Shane Wright, The Innovation Battle, The West Australian Judges’ comments: “Liam Bartlett is the consummate columnist, with the ability to hone in relentlessly on his subject, then broaden the parameters of the argument in a way that serves to skewer his subject all the more. Such is the effect of his piece on Lord Mayoral perks. His column on GST distribution takes a now familiar West Australian saw and reframes it around gambling revenue enjoyed by other states. Liam’s firm point of view on swimming ‘hero’ Grant Hackett was vindicated with events that transpired the day the piece went to print. With a neat, often amusing turn of phrase (“The state capital now has a Lord Mayor who thinks ethics is an English county”) and sound research skills, these columns are a must for readers of The Sunday Times and often set the WA media agenda for the week ahead.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three)

Radio/Audio Journalism – Best News Story or Feature

Sponsored by Edith Cowan University Winner: • Lauren Day, Man facing deportation despite living in WA since infancy, ABC PM Finalists: • Joseph Dunstan, Carnarvon Aboriginal Flag Debate, ABC Radio North West WA • Ryan Emery, Giving voice to regional migrants, SBS World News Judges’ comments: “Lauren Day uncovered the story of Ian Wightman, a 51 year old man who was awaiting deportation from Christmas Island as a non-citizen, despite only ever knowing life in Australia. Her feature skilfully and clearly demonstrated the results of controversial changes to the Migration Act, which have led to the detention, and deportation, of people who have identified as Australian their whole lives. It played to the strengths of radio as a medium, telling a story from inside the Christmas Island Detention Centre, by phone.” Commended: Joseph Dunstan’s Carnarvon Aboriginal Flag Debate – “Judges agreed that the story had a clear public interest in giving voice to one of the hundreds of people who identified as Australian but were caught up in this sweeping change to Australia’s immigration system. The piece was well-researched, balanced and engaging from start to finish.” Links to view winning submission (one).

Television/Audio-Visual Journalism – Best News Story or Feature

Sponsored by Media Super Winner: • Jessica Page, Parents Versus Doctors, Seven News 6pm Finalists: • Liam Bartlett, Who Killed Josh Warneke?, Nine News Western Australia • Lauren Day, A look behind the St John Ambulance suicides, ABC 7.30 Judges’ comments: “Jessica Page’s exclusive report sparked discussion across the country. Jessica’s determination saw her successfully apply for leave to report Family Court proceedings, usually restricted to media. The court granted a publication order at 5pm, giving Jessica an hour to get it to air. The public interest in the legal battle between doctors and parents saw the story receive nation attention across all networks. Her report on 4th July would be the first in an ongoing battle, with the Kiszkos ultimately winning the right to stop chemo and radiation therapy for their terminally ill son.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

Best Print/Text Feature Writing

Sponsored by Lavan Legal Winner: • Andrew Burrell, The Utopia Project, The Weekend Australian Magazine Finalists: • Annabel Hennessy, Ripped Tide: Body Builders Investigation, The Sunday Times • Victoria Laurie, Trail Blazer, The Weekend Australian Magazine Judges’ comments: “Andrew Burrell’s fascinating feature took us inside the mysterious Ideal Human Environment experiment on the outskirts of Kununurra in WA’s remote Kimberley. Is it a cult? Is it a breakthrough in human happiness? Burrell broke new ground by going inside this highly unorthodox social experiment and pulling back the curtain on an untold, unusual but very human story right in our backyard. Burrell’s first person observations were buttressed by rigorous reporting, particularly James Salerno’s groups run-ins with the taxman. In all, it was a first class feature that intrigued, surprised and provoked.” Links to view winning submission (one).

Best Print/Text News Report

Sponsored by The West Australian Winner: • Andrew Probyn, Medicare Privatisation, The West Australian Finalists: • Bret Christian, Series subject: Killer revelations, Post Newspapers, Perth • Joe Spagnolo, Freight Link, The Sunday Times Judges’ comments: “Andrew Probyn’s articles that came to be known as ‘Mediscare’ concerned a secret and highly risky Federal Government plan to privatise Medicare. If successful, the private sector would deliver Medicare, pharmaceutical and aged-care benefits under an extraordinary health services transformation affecting every Australian. Only a few bureaucrats knew of the plan and it was to be a key feature of the Treasurer’s first Budget in May. It would involve a $50 billion-plus outsourcing and it would be the first time the private sector would deliver a government-subsidised national service. As Probyn wrote: “Reforms don’t get much bigger – or more politically dangerous than this.” The story dominated parliamentary debate in the first fortnight of sittings, attracted Senate hearings and haunted the Government during the election campaign, forcing the plan’s abandonment a fortnight before polling day. Probyn’s stories were incisive, his analysis accurate, and they impacted heavily on the election campaign.” Links to view winning submission (one, two and three).

The Arthur Lovekin Award

Presented by the University of Western Australia Winner: • David Cohen – The Post Judges’ comments: “The Post is well-known for good investigative journalism at a local level. The Panel felt that this series of articles addressing changes to Strata law was an excellent example of a story of key topical interest that might otherwise have gone largely unreported. David Cohen’s articles highlighted the consequences of proposed legislation that will alter the balance of power between developers and individual property owners. The author was able to report the story in the broader context of the erosion of individual rights, and he showed tenacity in following the story. He used an array of sources to expand the original story in a cogent manner. Although the scope of local paper reporting obviously differs from that afforded by national publications in terms of reach, the Panel felt that this kind of journalism is nonetheless valuable and impactful particularly in the community at which this article was targeted.”

Outstanding Contribution to Journalism-The Clarion Award 2016

Sponsored by Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance Winner: • Nick Evans, The West Australian

West Australian Journalist of the Year – Daily News Centenary Prize 2016

Sponsored by Curtin University Winner: Andrew Probyn – The West Australian Judges comments: “Andrew Probyn for his series of stories about the federal government’s plans to privatise the Medicare payments system. Probyn’s stories were a stand out in a competitive field – detailed, clearly written and providing astute analysis, they had a major impact on federal politics. Probyn wrote: “Reforms don’t get much bigger, or more politically dangerous, than this …..Turnbull will have to decide whether a massive privatisation of national health payments is worth the political pain. Does he roll the dice or will this be another bright idea left for another time? The ‘Mediscare’ story, as it became known, dominated much of the debate throughout the election campaign with the issue dogging the federal government and Malcolm Turnbull abandoning the plan two weeks out from the poll.”