It was great to get a larger number of entries this year.

The quality of papers was of a good standard and paging is generally excellent with readers getting value for money as far as bulk is concerned.

Mostly, all photographs were named as local faces and events featured throughout the papers.

I have mentioned it before but I believe more time could be spent reporting on local government affairs that directly affect people. I understand budgets and time are tight, but going to meetings not only provides a new source but also builds good relationships that can be beneficial for other news/community news.

I would also like to see more briefs in newspapers – there are myriad sources for these without leaving the office. As a whole, society has a shorter attention span so short, punchy stories are well read.

Third

The Border Times

This is a hyper-local newspaper that still has many of the old, traditional values. The news is very specific to its region, as is the sport coverage, despite limited staffing levels.

There are very few generic stories in this paper, which should please local readers.

Second

Southern Argus

This paper has continued to serve its community well with well written local news, including a hefty amount of police news. Its sports coverage is unrivalled in a paper of such size. It features 14 pages of sport in 36 pages, with a diverse range covered and plenty of faces and names.

There’s a solid amount of local advertising, including real estate and advertising features, which has no doubt required a lot of effort.

It is not the prettiest publication, but a very good one for local news.

First

Murray Valley Standard

The Standard is an excellent looking paper, which is a testament to its editor’s production background. But the quality this year didn’t stop at just looks.

The news was relevant and well written, and the accompanying photographs complemented the stories.

There were good numbers of local names and faces in the news, community news and sports sections and the sports coverage was top shelf with a variety of sport covered, including many results and photographs. Advertising levels were good production was of a high quality.

This paper would surely be giving its local community good value for money.

The rest

South Eastern Times/Limestone Coast Today

These papers shared a lot of content, which is a reflection of the industry. Both papers have good paging, very good real estate coverage and advertising content.

The Islander

Only three papers were entered for judging. Stan Gorton is a very good journalist and his reporting is always on point. The Islander has good sports coverage and photographs, and, like the Borter Times, is a traditional newspaper.

The Recorder/Transcontinental/Whyalla News

These three share a lot of content. The layout is good in each paper, with good headline hierarchy and clear definition between the stories.

Chris Coote