Gunnedah’s local print newspaper was acknowledged through three awards at the 2024 Country Press NSW presentation in Dubbo last Friday night.
The Gunnedah Times received ‘Best Paid Newspaper’ and ‘Best Advertising Feature’ while editor Sam Woods was runner up ‘Journalist of the Year’. Mr Woods’ ability to write difficult stories on local tragedies stood out to the judges for its “fact-based” and “compassionate” coverage.
The judges read his series on the inquest into Andrew Stark’s death and his tribute story to Eli Kelly after he passed away in April while working at Gold Fields’ St Ives mine in Western Australia.
The masthead’s staff were presented the award by Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
Mr Woods was also acknowledged in the feedback as the editor of the ‘Best Paid Newspaper’ award.
“I congratulate the editor on the creative use of photography throughout the paper which is so important in engaging a local community and in a historic record in seeing itself reflected on the page,” the judge said.
“A great example of an authentic quality country newspaper.”
The editions nominated for this section were the September 21, 2023 edition and the March 14, 2024 editions.
The September edition may be remembered by readers with the moving lead story about master editor Ron McLean, while the front page picture showed the young women who participated in the 2023 Deb of the Year. The latter publication featured local women attending the Emma Pask performance at the picturesque Gunnible earlier in the year.
Inside were court reports, grass fires, police reports, opinion pieces, community news and diverse sport coverage.
The Gunnedah Times managed to win first place despite it being a “difficult section to judge”.
The judges commended the Times on its broad representation of the community, also mentioning the layout, design, colour, pull-out quotes and editorial features “to really engage the readers”.
“It’s got a great balance of advertising and wide-ranging editorial coverage from the light and entertaining to the straight news stories, which is always good to see in a country newspaper and shows true engagement with, and support from, local businesses. The coverage of sport and features is terrific and there really is something for everyone in this edition,” the judges said.
Mr Woods said the masthead has come a long way since its inception in November 2020.
“Best paid newspaper of the year is a fantastic honour but to achieve the feat in the space of a few short years, is incredible,” he said.
“It is testament to all staff past and present, who have and are continuing to make the Gunnedah Times one of the premier news publications in the region and indeed the state.
“To our readers, advertisers and subscribers, our paper boys and girls, the mum and dad contributors, the personalities and characters whose stories we’ve told, thank you for your ongoing support. We are nothing but for the people we represent.
“We are thrilled how well this little newspaper has been received by the Gunnedah community and look forward to many more years to come.”
Former Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey presented the award on behalf of the Country Press NSW.
The Gunnedah Times also won the ‘Best Advertising Feature’ for the AgQuip 2023 publication, presented by Sarah Mitchell, MLC.
The judges noted the feature “stands out” because of its “comprehensive and well-rounded approach”.
The feature’s creators were congratulated for its usefulness in being a source for information and guidance, making it more than just a publication to house advertisements.
It also mentioned the use of a QR code linked to the events so the paper could work side-by-side with modern technology.
“This combination of content, practicality and innovation makes it a winner,” the judge said.
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty presenting Sam Woods’ runner up award for ‘Journalist of the Year’ to Gunnedah Times’ staff member Jen Mitchell at the Country Press NSW awards’ night in Dubbo on Friday.
To order photos from this page click here