Judge: Lucie Wightman, Country Press NSW Inc Life Member

Overall judge’s comments:

From a wild taxi ride, near misses, petitions, witness accounts, potholes galore, and many games of cat and mouse between road authorities in South Australia – it is clear all the entrants are advocating for change in their communities. All entries should be commended on providing advocacy and information to their readers regarding ongoing road safety and the dire need for further investment by all levels of government in regional SA. Well done to all.

First place: Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Subject:Moonta Intersection (series of news and editorial) - Joanna Tucker and Michelle Daw

Judge’s Comments: The YPCT ongoing series of news articles and editorial comment about the Moonta Intersection gave their readers a clear picture of the layers of bureaucracy involved in the effort to fix two problem intersections. The outlet reported on the issue over the course of the year, providing updates to readers and a comprehensive first article with diagrams explaining the issues present in the traffic growth areas.

They also presented community input in the form of petitions and advocacy from local members, and the paper’s editorial comment – encouraging community discussion. The result, while not being fully realised, was the reduction of the area’s speed limit – which hopefully will have some measurable effect on road safety. No doubt the paper will continue its advocacy on this issue. Great work by the YPTC’s Joanna Tucker and Michelle Daw.

Second place: The Bunyip

Subject: Curtis Road Issues (series of news and editorial) – Imogen Evans

Judge’s Comments: In their entry, The Bunyip highlighted the need for “critical” road upgrades across a population growth area and specifically to one the “state’s riskiest roads”. Imogen Evans reported on this issue over several months in 2025, providing updates and opinion on the subject. Again, these articles showed the barriers to road upgrades coming from government delays and financial pressures – highlighting the lack of priority for road safety in the area. The final report on the petition also showed that the community was concerned about the impact of road safety in the area and that the paper’s reporting had increased community discussion. Another great entry showing the ongoing barriers to road upgrades.

Third place: The Leader

Subject: Not Again / A Call to Stay Safe These Holidays – Matt Webster

Judge’s Comments: The Leader produced a strong front-page story and photograph, titled ‘Not Again’, about a two-car crash on a busy and notorious stretch of road. Again, the tale of the near misses, and poorly designed intersections were prominent in this article. It also referenced previous campaigns by the paper and community that led to changed signage in the area – stressing this did not go far enough to addressing the problems with adequate roads that often-attracted tourist drivers leading to further road safety risks. The second article by Matt Webster, was a strong reminder and ‘how to’ guide to stay safe on the roads during the holidays. It featured a strong message form a local CFS brigade captain, stressing the importance of personal responsibility in road safety efforts. Another good example of increasing discussion about road safety.