General comments:

The quality in this category has stepped up again this year with improved layout and readability a feature of many of the supplements entered. The category attracted so many high-quality entries that represent their region incredibly well. The best entries carried strong advertising, modern and crisp layouts, creative photography and use of photos and interesting editorials. The editorial approach in the best entries this year showcases a variety of styles such as reviews, events listings combined with traditional editorials. This approach encourages a wider range of readers to pick up the publications.

First: The Barossa Mag (The Leader)

An excellent publication that captures the essence of the Barossa Valley and would be read cover to cover by locals, visitors as well as city folk. The 76-page Spring 2023 edition submitted for judging is superbly laid out, filled with information on local events, stories on local people, well used large photos, strong advertising, recipes, social pages, history, gardening, home living, health, local weddings, a book review, pet advice and a beautifully laid out wine review section. The team appears to always be looking to improve the magazine with the community news and council update sections being new this year. These additions are relevant to the intended audience and offer further variety. The publication uses is creative photography well and its modern layouts make the content very easy to read. The publication is supported by strong and creative advertising and also has its own website, social media and e-Newsletter adding value for advertisers. This is the best of The Barossa Mags I’ve seen. Congratulations to the team at The Leader.

Second: Hills Wanderer (The Courier Mt Barker)

Printed on top quality gloss stock throughout and A4 in size this publication would sit perfectly on any coffee table in Australia. The 76-page Summer 2023/24 publication submitted for judging was immaculately produced. The large and creative photos support the written content extremely well. The advertising is solid but does not dominate. The layout of this magazine is exceptional. The large editorial font and style on either a white or light background, no reverse in editorials and a very clear distinction between editorials and advertising makes this magazine a delight to read. The unique editorial content focused on locals is interesting and varied. The calendar of events, weddings section, things we love section, gourmet bits and bites section, recipes page, wine reviews pages and gardening page all add to the editorial variety. Excellent work by the team at The Courier Mt Barker.

Third: SA Farmer (Border Times)

The 52-page Winter 2023 edition with a gloss cover and newsprint inside pages would capture the interest of all those interested in agriculture. The pages are extremely well laid out and easy to read. The use of large photos is excellent. I like the vast spread of agricultural sectors covered as well as the variety of editorial content including industry specific editorials, topical editorials, current ag news and the industry expert update. An excellently produced magazine that would appeal to a wide range of farmers and other readers. Advertising is relevant and strong but does not compete with the editorial content. A top publication from the team at Border Times.

Special Mention: Valley Magazine (Plains Producer)

The team at Plains Producer have again produced an excellent back-to-back Valley and Flinders Magazine all in one. This 56-page all gloss Spring 2023 magazine submitted for judging features modern layouts, strong local editorial showcasing the diversity of the district, creative and well used photography all backed up by strong advertising. The variety of editorials plus the recipes, familiar faces, social photos, what’s on pages and out and about section add to the variety. The quality gloss stock throughout makes the publication easy to read and adds to the shelf life of the magazine. Well done to the team at Plains Producer.

Special mention: Yorkes Magazine (Yorke Peninsula Country Times)

The 52-page Autumn 2023 Yorkes Magazine produced by Yorke Peninsula Country Times is a beautifully laid out publication. The editorial content represents the district, its people and their pursuits very well. The content is strengthened by the use of large photos and the variety of topics covered engages the reader. The health, travel, gardening and pets sections add variety and the wedding reports add a further element. The publication is well supported, but not overrun, by advertising. Great work by the team at Yorke Peninsula Country Times