A full list of results from Victorian Country Press Association’s annual awards has revealed another consistent year from The Weekly Advertiser.

Coming hot on the heels of Paul Carracher’s Best Sports Photograph award for a newspaper with a circulation of more than 6000 was also major recognition for overall newspaper excellence, an advertising feature and sport story.

The awards break-down showed The Weekly Advertiser, apart from clinching a photographic win, also won a commendation, or third place, for Overall Newspaper Excellence Award in the over-6000 category.

It finished behind large south-east Melbourne publication Pakenham Berwick Gazette, winner, and Warragul and Drouin Gazette, highly commended.

Judge Alan Pont, who has spent 30 years in the publishing industry, said The Weekly Advertiser was well supported by run-of-press advertisers and had grown as a complete community newspaper.

“The weekly editorial adds authority to the newspaper while a sports section is supported by advertisers. The paper’s website provides a comprehensive coverage of major stories.”

The Weekly Advertiser also attracted high commendation for Best Advertising Feature for a newspaper with a circulation over 6000.

The accolade, which equated to a joint second place with Mountains View Mail behind South Gippsland Sentinel-Times, was for the newspaper’s AgLife – 57th Wimmera Machinery Field Days feature.

Judge Greg Watson, part of a five-generation Australian publishing and printing dynasty, said in his comments of The Weekly Advertiser’s submission, “A magnificent high-content 44-page feature on the region’s major agricultural industry event. Strong local event-focussed editorial and high percentage content of quality advertisements.

“Congratulations on the support this effort would have obviously provided to the success of the field days.”

A sports story on Horsham basketball export Mitch Creek and with photographic support from Paul Carracher, also collected a high commendation, or joint second place, in a Best Sports Story category for circulation over 6000. 

Judge Patrick Elligett from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age said of the story, “A classic tale of the local sportsperson returning home covered in glory but told with a sense of fun that is highly contagious. An easy-to-read, smile-inducing piece well-supported by great photography.”

The Weekly Advertiser and Mildura Weekly shared second place behind Pakenham Berwick Gazette.

The Weekly Advertiser’s strong performance is the result of an enormous week-to-week effort from a dedicated team.

What is particularly pleasing is that our publication has done exceptionally well in a category that includes publications supported by large teams and considerable resources.

I’m extremely proud of everyone involved.

The entire November 27, 2019 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire October 30, 2019 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!