Country Press SA Awards

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:01): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Can the minister tell the chamber about the Country Press SA awards held last Friday?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (15:01): I thank the honourable member for his question and his ongoing interest in regional matters. It was great to be with him in Murray Bridge for some of—I think it was—last week. His ongoing interest is always very valued.

It was wonderful to attend yet another Country Press SA awards night last Friday at the Hilton in the CBD. I first attended this event I think in 2019, if I remember correctly, when it was held at the Vine Inn Barossa, and it has been fantastic to continue attending this event each year as minister to celebrate the achievements of the dedicated staff at our country newspapers and also to recognise the excellent work produced each year in a range of categories across journalism and advertising.

For generations country newspapers have been at the heart of regional communities, providing not only the latest information on matters close to home and exploring issues affecting residents but also providing a platform to showcase local achievements, milestones and commemorations. Regional newspapers focus on the unique dynamics and concerns of their communities, allowing readers to stay informed about many things, be they politics, council decisions, community events or the local footy or netball results.

Country media plays an integral role in ensuring the voices of regional communities are heard and not overshadowed by city media, and they serve as a vital tool for community engagement and participation. They are a forum for residents to share their opinions, concerns and perspectives through letters to the editor, fostering local pride and solidarity. As someone who grew up and lives in the South-East of the state, I certainly understand the importance of local media outlets in regional communities.

Regional media is also a haven for journalistic talent, and that is evident in the high quality of work that was celebrated at the awards last Friday. This government is proud to support Country Press SA as it acknowledges the achievements of those who work so hard to inform and deliver a quality product to their communities. Our South Australian regional communities account for 30 per cent of the state's population, so it is important that we have effective communication channels for our regional communities.

I would like to congratulate the following fantastic regional newspapers and journalists who took home an award, or in some case more than one award, last Friday: the Yorke Peninsula Country Times won best community advertising promotion; best news photo, by Rachel Hagan; and best road safety reporting, by Michelle Daw. The Leader won best advertisement—image/branding; best advertisement—priced product; best photo, by Pete Thornton; and best headline. The Barossa Mag won best community profile and best special publication. The Courier won best advertising feature and best editorial writing.

The Fleurieu Sun was the winner of best front page. James Murphy from The Penola Pennant won best sports photo. Sophie Conlon from Limestone Coast Today won young journalist of the year; special congratulations to Sophie. Special mention to TheMurray Pioneer, which won best newspaper in the large category, and to Alexandra Bull from TheMurray Pioneer, who won the excellence in journalism award. Special mention also to The Murray Valley Standard, which won best newspaper in the smaller category, and to Krystal Hender from that newspaper, who won best sports story.

I was very pleased that Tony Piccolo, the new candidate for Ngadjuri and current member for Light, was also at the awards. He has been a longtime supporter of these awards, sponsoring an award for I think as long as I have been attending this particular event. A number of opposition MPs were also at the event. I would like to congratulate all those who were recognised at last week's awards, including those who were placegetters or received commendations that I have not mentioned. I look forward to another year of fantastic regional journalism, and thank all our regional papers for the work they do in building thriving regional communities across South Australia.