1st Place

KRYSTAL HENDER

Murray Valley Standard

An insightful and well written story about former AFL footballer Daniel Menzel and his journey from passionate junior player to becoming an elite professional athlete, and then his return to the grassroots game. It captures his trials and tribulations and gives the reader a depth of understanding to Menzel as a person, and would go a long way to making him more relatable to the local community. The lead paragraph captures your attention and provides just the right amount of context to entice the reader to carry on reading. There is also a vulnerability in Menzel’s quotes which points to a cleverly conducted interview. A polished piece of journalism and a worthy winner.

2nd Place

WILSON McSHANE

Yorke Peninsula Country Times

A feelgood story which leaves the reader smiling and impressed by the efforts of 6-year-old Harry Rendell, who is in training to complete a 5-kilometre run for charity in Melbourne. Not only is it a rare feat for someone so young but the inspiration behind Harry’s determination is admirable and nicely explained, with appropriate use of background information and colourful quotes. It’s a refreshing storyline that adds a lighter shade to the modern day world of news where negative themes and narratives often dominate. No doubt the story helped Harry and his family with their fundraising efforts for the Stroke Foundation but equally, it sets up the prospect of an interesting follow-up piece upon his return from the interstate running event.

3rd Place

TREVOR JACKSON

The Border Watch

Making a hole-in-one is a dream come true for any golfer however, to do it twice across consecutive days on the same course, on the same hole, using the same club and ball, is a truly remarkable achievement. While it would have been nice to see comment from a golf club representative or the sport’s governing body in the article to add further perspective and gravity to Jess Parsons’ accomplishment, this is the type of tale that a sports-minded reader feels inspired to talk about or reference in social conversations with others. Jess’ quotes have been well chosen, and they give a good insight into her thinking. An entertaining read!

Ian Shuttleworth

Executive General Manager Media and Communications

105 West Lakes Boulevard West Lakes SA 5021

PO Box 10 West Lakes SA 5021