Judge: Wendy Creighton

There has been a marked improvement in the quality of many of the entries when compared with those submitted to the 2024 competition.

I offer my congratulations to those whose front pages have improved and to those who have sustained the high quality of their front pages.

In judging the best front page, my first consideration is the level of attention it would draw from a casual glance. While there are dedicated readers who will seek out every edition regardless of the ‘look’ of the front page, there are potential readers whose attention we want to capture to give us the opportunity to turn them into regulars.

So, my first judgement of a front page is purely emotive.

The assessments that follow are about the quality of the journalism, the photograph and the overall layout.

What is most evident is that rural and regional communities in South Australia are well served by their local newspapers.

The front pages submitted for consideration this year made my decisions difficult … which is an outcome to be celebrated.

3rd Place – THE SOUTHERN ARGUS (Thursday, September 11, 2025 edition)

A standout front page when it comes to colour and design and the photograph beautifully illustrated the joy of the coming of the spring season.

The headline and sub head are excellent pointers to the news outlined in the article.

2nd Place – FLEURIEU SUN (Thursday, March 6, 2025 edition)

A dramatic, well executed, and at first glance, intriguing, photograph captures the interest of the viewer, as does the red crossline through most of the single word in the heading. I found myself wanting to read the article to understand the treatment of the headline … and on reading it, understood the concept of the headline. The front page design is slickly professional and is backed by a high quality photograph and article.

1st Place – THE COURIER (Wednesday, October 22, 2025 edition)

The excellence of this front page is only truly understood by reading the text accompanying the photo – in essence, The Courier’s General Manager, Norm Marston, had passed away in the week prior to this edition. He started working in the family business when he was 24 and could still be found in his office at the newspaper every morning until his death more than 70 years later

The significance and sadness of the loss is highlighted by the black background of the masthead and the headline. His life in the industry is elegantly illustrated by setting of the photograph - the printing press in the background, the open newspaper in his hands and the expression on his face.

Other features of the layout (story pointers and advertisements) are effective but discreet so they don’t detract from the main focus of the front page.

The poignancy of the loss and the celebration of a life well lived are captured beautifully in this winning front page.