Ferntree Gully News is proud to have been recognised at the 2020 CNAV Community Newspaper Awards, this year live-streamed via Zoom on Saturday 14th November.
The CNAV Conference is held by the Community Newspaper Association of Victoria each year to celebrate and bring local newspapers together from across the state, providing an opportunity to learn from each other and swap notes.
It is also an opportunity to discuss the future, growth and publishing of these newspapers.
Sessions
The conference was presented by MC Sandi Miller of the Warrandyte Diary, with keynote address from Michelle Pini of Independent Australia.
In her address, Michelle spoke about the importance of protecting independent media, press freedom and the role that community newspapers can play in telling local stories.
The session was then followed by a webinar with journalist Jeanette Severs, and a virtual workshop with librarian/ historian Heather Arnold.
Awards
Best Feature Article
Gully News was presented with the Best Feature Article Award for Teresa Cannon’s ‘It’s a Cook-up for Community and Connection’, her story about Foothills Community Casseroles (October 2019 edition).
Judge Michael Smith commented, ‘This organisation (Foothills Community Care) is transforming the local community. And this story, this newspaper, is doing an equally brilliant job as it is announcing what’s going on, and announcing it in a way that is visually attractive, entertaining and engaging.
‘This story is so magnificently presented that people will reach out and contact Community Casseroles. There’s Community Casseroles doing the work, then the newspaper taking that to a much wider audience. I have no doubt that this story will save lives.
‘I am so pleased for the Ferntree Gully News and Teresa Cannon. Congratulations.’
Gully News was also a finalist in the following categories:
Best Design and Layout
August 2020 edition
Judge Shivani Tyagi commented, ‘This publication looks friendly and clear. The layout design is neat and consistent, with good use of photographs and colour. It communicates a strong community-minded focus that is appealing.
The overall impression is that it creates interest and is clear and approachable.’
Best Editorial
June 2020 edition
Judge Jeannette Severs commented, ‘Like many entries, the topic was the lockdown, but the author/publication chose an upbeat voice and writing style.’
Best Photograph
Michael Greenhill’s cover photo of Puffing Billy, from our February edition, received the nod.
Judge Brendan McCarthy commented, ‘A good news photograph should always tell a story, and it’s hard to imagine how they could have told the story of a new locomotive on the Puffing Billy line any better.
It’s a really careful, well thought-out composition, and a really memorable and eye-catching photo. You can almost hear the chug of the engines and smell the steam as it’s crossing the bridge.’
We are thrilled to be recognised, and love bringing local news to you.
Meg Hellyer
