There were 10 entries in this new category for the 2021 Country Press SA newspaper awards.

There was a high standard throughout with entries demonstrating close engagement with their communities and a strong commitment to events and business promotion.

The standout winner was the Murray Pioneer’s Riverland Rose and Garden Festival promotion. It set a benchmark with the feature reflecting  the status  of “Australia’s largest garden festival”. The 36 page glossy official program was beautifully designed and printed with comprehensive information about the festival. I believe the feature would have exceeded the festival organisers’ expectations. The newspaper coverage in conjunction with the flyer and program gave the occasion complete coverage. It was a generous sponsorship and a magnificent promotion of this event and has formed the basis of a long-lasting relationship. The various elements of the feature gave the community a clear idea of what they could look forward to. The paper took a strong initiative and delivered an informative and entertaining promotion demonstrating community involvement, leadership, initiative and support. The judge was clearly informed of the intention, execution and the results of the promotion. Congratulations to the team at the Murray Pioneer on an innovative and well presented promotion.

In second place is The SE Voice’s 16 page stand alone Football and Netball Grand Final feature. This was an informative and comprehensive publication leading up to the competition final for these two community sports. It will be a keepsake and valued memento of the grand final participants with lots of photos, articles and information on the teams and was well supported by advertising. A true community promotion.

In third place is the Yorke Peninsula Country Times’ Christmas in Kadina feature promoting Christmas events in Kadina. Newspaper coverage and the production of the program gave comprehensive coverage.

There were some entries promoting the importance of local shopping. In particular the excellent, innovative, sophisticated  and successful The Leader’s Shop Local Passport promotion must be acknowledged however the judge felt this did not fit the criteria applied to the other entries promoting a community event.  Encouraging people to shop locally and support local businesses could almost form its own category in future.

The judge found many entries would have benefited by providing more information such as a clear explanation of the event/promotion  and a statement of intent and outcome.

Congratulations to all entrants.