General comments:

The quality in this category is astounding and SA publishers do it better overall than anyone. Maybe it’s the wine? The best entries include topical and varied editorials, creative photography and modern layouts including large photos which make you want to pick up and read the publications. Another feature of the best entries, and what separated the winner in the end, was the creativity in ad design which highlighted the publisher’s ongoing pursuit to make the publication better each year. The category was so tough to judge with very minor points separating the top seven entries.

First: The Barossa Mag (The Leader)

This publication keeps getting better and is a true asset to the Barossa region. The 76-page Spring 2024 edition submitted for judging is superbly laid out, filled with information on local events, stories on local people, well used large photos, recipes, community news, a council update, social pages, gardening, home living, health and wellbeing, 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 and this year the modern and creative ad design is a real standout. The smashed avo ad on page two is a must see. The publication uses its creative photography well, and its modern layouts make the content very easy to read. So good I’d love to see it all on gloss! The publication has its own website, social media and e-Newsletter adding value for advertisers. 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 be read from cover to cover by the many locals and visitors who pick it up. The 76-page Winter 2024 publication submitted for judging was superbly produced. The layout and use of photos are what attracts the eye. The advertising tends to run in blocks throughout the publication, so not to dominate the editorial pages. 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, fashion page, 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 Summer 2024 edition with a gloss cover and newsprint inside pages would capture the interest of all those interested in agriculture. It’s the strong photography, modern and easy to follow layout and quality editorial content that makes this publication so strong. 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, a summer growing guide 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. I see the publication now has its own website which adds to its value to the sectors it serves. 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 2024 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 front page photo is striking and entices the reader to pick up a copy and read it. 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: Welcome to River Time 2025 (The Murray Pioneer)

This full gloss publication uses large photos and modern layouts to showcase the Riverland region extremely well. The editorial coverage is varied and comprehensive and many creatively produced advertisements sit well in the style of the magazine. It the modern layouts here that make me want to read the editorials. The maps in the centre of the publication are a great addition to what is a must-have magazine when visiting the region. Excellent work from the team at The Murray Pioneer.