The Rural Press Club of Victoria has announced 11 category finalists ahead of the Rural and Regional Journalism and Photography Awards night to be held in Melbourne on Friday, 4th September.
The awards night, at the Melbourne Town Hall Swanston Room, will recognise the best work of rural and regional Victorian journalists and photographers during 2025–26.
With more than 300 entries, 35 judges have been working hard sifting through journalism that has changed lives and policy.
The dress code for this year’s event is “country glam”, so it’s time to dust off your finest in preparation for the gala evening which includes a three-course meal and drinks package.
Hurry, tickets are strictly available until Thursday, 20th August.
Award finalists – listed in alphabetical order
Best News Story, Written
- Sophia Baker, The Standard | Warrnambool
- Chris Earl, Loddon Herald
- Anna McGuinness, ABC Central Victoria
- Ben Silvester, ACM
- Charlotte Wilkes, ABC Ballarat
Best News Story, Audio
- Charmaine Manuel – ABC Shepparton
- Danielle Pope – ABC Gippsland
- Jarrod Whittaker – ABC Gippsland
Best News Story, Video
- Charmaine Manuel – ABC Shepparton
- Anna McGuinness – ABC Central Victoria
- Bec Symons – ABC Gippsland
- Harrison Tippet – ABC Geelong
- Charlotte Wilkes – ABC Ballarat
Best Feature Story
- Rachael Lucas – ABC Gippsland
- Daniel Miles – ABC News
- Nigel McNay – The Border Mail
- Matt Neal – ABC South West Victoria
- Sue Smethurst – Outback Magazine
Best On-Farm Story
- Samantha James – North West Farmer
- Tim Lee – ABC Landline
- Ted O’Connor – ABC News
- Mark Rabich – Wimmera Mail-Times
Best Agribusiness Story
- Lily Kristanto – ABC Gippsland
- Justine Longmore – ABC Rural
- Sue Smethurst – The Weekly Times Ag Journal
Best Coverage of a Breaking News Event
- Ashlee Aldridge – ABC Goulburn Murray
- Phillippa Butt – Geelong Advertiser
- Sarah Krieg, Sandra Moon – ABC Goulburn Murray
- Ella Power-Bridger – WIN News
- Harrison Tippet – ABC Geelong
Best Sports Story
- Dan Batten – Geelong Advertiser
- Bree Harding – Shepparton News
- Lauren Henry – The Weekly Advertiser
- Laura Mayers – ABC Ballarat
- Daniel Miles – ABC South West Victoria
Best Regional Investigation
- Eden Hynninen, Josie Taylor – ABC Ballarat
- Justine Longmore – ABC Rural
- Mikaela Ortolan – ABC News
- Ben Silvester – The Courier
- Daniel Miles – ABC South West Victoria
Best News Photograph
- Lachlan Bence – The Courier | Ballarat
- Paul Carracher – The Weekly Advertiser
- Jack Colantuono – ABC Gippsland
- Michael Currie – AAP
- Kate Healy – The Courier | Ballarat
Best Local/Sport Photograph
- Paul Carracher – The Weekly Advertiser
- Michael Currie – AAP
- Kate Healy – The Courier | Ballarat
- Darren Howe – Bendigo Advertiser
- Rechelle Zammit – Shepparton News
