I WAS delighted to see journalists from across Northern Victoria celebrated in this year’s Rural Press Club of Victoria Rural and Regional Journalism and Photography Awards.
Quality journalism is vital to a healthy democracy, especially in regional communities.
Accurate, independent reporting helps people make informed decisions, holds governments to account, and ensures local voices are heard in statewide debates.
In regional areas, trusted local media helps connect communities to the political issues that shape our daily lives.
It is terrific to see quality journalism recognised and celebrated, and I’d like to congratulate the winners from Northern Victoria.
Those from our region included photographer Darren Howe from the Bendigo Advertiser who was crowned Photographer of the Year, and Chris Earl at the Loddon Herald who was awarded Journalist of the Year. Chris also received the Community Champion award.
The award for Coverage of a Breaking News event went to the Bendigo Advertiser news team.
Others recognised in the awards included Paula Mastrippolito of the Sunraysia Daily, Shannon Schubert of ABC Central Victoria, Dale Webster of The Regional, Andrew Mole of the Riverine Herald, Darren Chaitman of the Euroa Gazette and Alistair Finlay of the Sunraysia Daily.
The club received more than 250 entries from journalists and photographers working for newspapers, television, radio and online in Victoria and Tasmania for the 2025 awards.
Congratulations to all those recognised in the awards.
Gaelle Broad,
Northern Victoria upper house MP
The Nationals
