Judge’s comments – Shauna Black

Country newspapers shine when their editor and staff tackle the meaty issues that involve their community, and nothing is meatier than local government.

Tackling the difficult and divisive issues raised at councils lifts a newspaper from being a chronicle of record and community newsletter – as important as these roles are too.

Despite the power of social media to inflame, the local newspaper remains the best way to find out what’s going on at the council. No one in your community is unaffected by what happens at council meetings and I urge all newspapers to pay attention to local government.

In this year’s entries, several new writers have appeared and deserve encouragement but might also benefit from the advice of a senior journalist about how to structure their editorials and understand their purpose, which is beyond a simple personal opinion piece.

Pleasingly, all of this year’s entries are eligible for judging, having observed the rules of what constitutes an editorial and its place in your newspaper.

It will be no surprise that editorials which tackled local government appear highly in the rankings this year. They are compelling and even as a non-resident of the various jurisdictions, I was keen to follow up on some of the issues raised.

THIRD PLACE: Hugh Schuitemaker - Murray Pioneer

Hugh chose three editorials focusing on the wine industry – so important to his community – and its various travails as growers and makers navigate tariff chaos, and negotiations with “big wine”. Hugh is close to this industry and displays maturity in tackling the issues.

SECOND PLACE: Paul Mitchell - Border Times

Paul’s straightforward style suits editorial writing. He is unafraid to voice the masthead’s opinion and has spent considerable time attending the council meeting on which he reports. His editorials are a joy to read.

The peculiarities of two small regional council are thoughtfully dissected in Paul’s editorials – highlighting the fiscal and community responsibilities of local government in the provision of everything from swimming pools to dental services!

Quick to question, Paul also praises the efforts of council to engage with their community through informal gatherings, and he has obviously spent many hours at these colourful meetings.

FIRST PLACE:  Mt Barker Courier

In true newspaper tradition, the Courier has not nominated a writer, preferring its editorials to speak on the masthead’s behalf.

Perennial issues of the South-Eastern Freeway, and lack of education infrastructure in Mt Barker are given an updated and fresh twist, keeping these important local issues bubbling along, with the consequent pressure on local representatives to act.

Adelaide Hills Council is unfortunately victim to the insidious council in-fighting so often witnessed at local government level but often not called out. Why can’t mayors and CEOs get along and get on with business?

The Courier’s persistent pursuit of documentation and evidence, and its drive for accountability, make compelling reading.