FOR EXCELLENCE IN VICTORIAN JOURNALISM
THE GOLD QUILL
Michael Willson, AFL Media
âThe Kickâ
Judgesâ citation: For the first time in 25 years, the judges have chosen to recognise the journalism behind the lens. This is a photo for the ages. One that will be long remembered. One that turned the tide of public commentary on womenâs football, women in sport generally, and attitudes to women across society. This high quality image froze forever an emblematic moment and triggered a national conversation that would otherwise never have happened. Published around the world, Michael Willsonâs perfectly framed snap triggered a global social media storm, and has even been turned into a statue. This unforgettable image of Tayla Harris inspired and fuelled a significant growth of young women joining up to play footy.
THE MPC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Bruce McAvaney, Seven Network
For his outstanding contribution to Australian sports broadcasting, sports commentator Bruce McAvaney was celebrated as the recipient of the 2019 MPC Lifetime Achievement Award.
THE MPC STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD (SUPPORTED BY CROWN)
Liam Petterson, University of Melbourne, ABC Radio Ballarat, âIBM Australia to roll out neurodiversity program, hiring people with autism to fill variety of IT rolesâ
Judgesâ Citation: Liam Pettersenâs story showed excellent news instincts and initiative. While interning with ABC Radio Ballarat, Liam spotted the potential for a story in a job ad for IBM. The company was seeking up to ten candidates with autism for their neurodiversity program. Liam demonstrated strong research and reporting skills to craft a human story which attracted national attention.
THE MPC YOUNG JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD (SUPPORTED BY THE WILNIC FAMILY TRUST)
Sam Cucchiara, Nine Network, âPortfolio of work: Mallacoota, Vicki Ramadan, Jonathan Dickâ Judgesâ Citation: Sam Cucchiaraâs coverage of the Mallacoota fires showed maturity under pressure. He was able to bring peopleâs stories into coverage in a way that balanced the big picture with human detail. Cucchiaraâs work exhibited great story telling, with natural and engaging delivery. His portfolio of work included coverage of Vicki Ramadanâs murder and Jonathan Dickâs arrest.
ARTWORK
Sam Mularczyk, Network 10 The Project, âAssisting Dying Lawâ
Judgesâ citation: Mularczykâs work was broadcast on the day voluntary assisted dying became available to terminally ill patients in Victoria. The judges agreed that this deceptively simple animation linked the stages of information in a seamless manner and rendered a dark and confronting issue digestible.
Highly Commended: Richard Gilberto of The Age for 'The Perfect Stormâ
BREAKING NEWS COVERAGE
Mike Amor, Sharnelle Vella & Nick McCallum, 7NEWS Melbourne , âGeorge Pell Guiltyâ
Judgesâ citation: With the suppression order lifted, Channel Sevenâs coverage of the breaking story of George Pellâs guilty verdict was a standout in a highly contested field. The judges found on-the-spot reporting by the entire team of reporters captured all of the drama, broadcast all of the facts, and left no stone unturned.
Highly Commended: Nine News Melbourne Team for âArrest of Jonathan Dickâ
BUSINESS FEATURE
Amy Bainbridge, Loretta Florance & Lucy Kent , ABC , âBankruptcy Huntersâ
Judgesâ Citation: In Bankruptcy Hunters, Amy Bainbridge and her colleagues showed consummate skill in handling a sensitive and complex issue in consumer finance, detailing the harm that arbitrary thresholds had on hundreds of unsuspecting individuals. The piece was informative, well-structured and nuanced. In a media landscape dominated by banking and financial scandals, this fascinating feature stood out by exposing an issue that had profound ramifications for those involved.
Highly Commended: Sarah Danckert of The Age for â Departures and detractors: ASX darling Treasury Wines under fireâ
BUSINESS NEWS
Nick McKenzie, Grace Tobin & Nick Toscano , The Age/60 Minutes , âCrown Unmaskedâ Judgesâ citation: âCrown Unmaskedâ demonstrated the best of fearless, well-resourced and news- breaking journalism, uncovering issues that are crucial not only to the gaming industry but to the
security of Australiaâs borders. It exposed a cavalier attitude by Crown management to the lives and safety of some of its employees. The piece demonstrated a high level of investigative skill and excellent use of the broadcast and print mediums and will have a lasting impact on Crown.
CARTOON
Jim Pavlidis, The Age, âWho Are You Wearing?â
Judgesâ citation: The beautiful simplicity and clever use of colour in Jim Pavlidisâ cartoon âWho Are You Wearing?â masked a powerful commentary on the Australian racing industry. Published following the ABC exposĂ© about the slaughter of retired racehorses and just days before the Melbourne Cup, Pavlidisâ incisive and rapier-like wit shines through in an image that draws sharp relief between the public image of racing and its harsh realities. A truly deserving 2020 Quill winner.
Highly Commended: Matt Golding of The Age for âTip Of The Icebergâ
COVERAGE OF AN ISSUE OR EVENT
Chris Vedelago, Sumeyya Ilanbey & Cameron Houston, The Age, âToxic Cowboysâ
Judgesâ Citation: This outstanding series highlighted the journalistic trioâs dogged refusal to accept official explanations. Their work broke exclusive stories about unprecedented toxic waste dumping and obfuscation by government agencies in Victoria. It carefully explained complex issues and humanised the health concerns of firefighters. The entry was of significant public benefit and prodded important change.
Highly Commended: Clay Lucas of The Age for âWasted: Victoriaâs Recycling Crisisâ
FEATURE WRITING
Tom Cowie, The Age, âTwo guys and the Yiayia Next Doorâ
Judgesâ Citation: The judges were deeply moved by the humanity and empathy of this story, which slowly reveals itself through unadorned writing much deeper and more complex than it first appears. It asks us as readers to think about our own lives and whether we would be so generous if we found ourselves in similar circumstances. It is clear Tom developed deep trust with the subjects and his method of telling this rich and warm story was both appropriate and compelling.
Highly Commended: Cameron Stewart of The Weekend Australian magazine for âJoe Hockeyâs Gameâ
FEATURES PHOTOGRAPH
Jason South, The Age, âChristchurch Mosque Massacreâ
Judgesâ Citation: Jason Southâs photos from the aftermath of the Christchurch massacre were superb. The whole world was looking at images from the event and Jasonâs were second to none. His portrait of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern showed her strength and empathy as she became a symbol of strong leadership and compassion in a time of crisis.
THE GRANT HATTAM QUILL FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Andy Burns & Geoff Thompson, ABC
.30 , âStanding Tallâ
Judgesâ Citation: In awarding this yearâs Grant Hattam Quill for Investigative Journalism, the judges paid particular attention to fresh investigations. âStanding Tallâ is an outstanding example of a very challenging investigation in the extremely sensitive and under-reported area of Indigenous affairs. Like all great investigative journalism, the stories of these women would not have been told without the brave and dogged reporting of ABCâs Andy Burns and Geoff Thompson. As a direct result of their reporting Wayne Muir has been charged with numerous offences against four women from 1979 to 2001.
Highly Commended: Lisa Cox & Anne Davies of Guardian Australia for âAngus Taylor and Josh Frydenberg investigationâ
INNOVATION IN JOURNALISM
Margaret Burin, Nathan Hoad, Ben Spraggon & Matt Liddy, ABC, âThe Amazon Raceâ
Judgesâ Citation: The Amazon Race was a standout entry, using a genuinely innovative technique to cover a story of strong public interest that was not easily accessible. The entry by the ABC Story Lab team used game technology to help immerse the viewer in the story and created a lasting impact that pushed the company involved to change its practices.
Highly Commended: The Age Invisible Crime Team for âThe Invisible Crimeâ
THE KEITH DUNSTAN QUILL FOR COMMENTARY
Waleed Aly
Judgesâ Citation: Waleed Alyâs 2019 commentaries demonstrated exceptional skill across a variety of issues and media. Alyâs television commentary - aired on the day of the Christchurch massacre - was arresting and moving, argued with a gentle but alarming force. His piece on the sentencing of George Pell honed the role of the judge to its unemotional importance, a rare explanation of the justice system itself rather than the offence or offender. His column on the AFP media raids warned of the danger from craven bipartisan politicians and a weakened media landscape. As always, Alyâs work was intelligent, cogent and balanced, powerful examples of the impact of the personal in illustrating critical aspects of wider issues.
Highly Commended: Warwick McFadyen of The Age for âFather and Sonâ
NEWS PHOTOGRAPH
Jason South, The Age , âPellâ
Judgesâ Citation: Pell images were all worthy of Page 1, regardless of the verdict.
Battling for an edge in a huge media scrum, this picture was a testament to Jason Southâs tenacity and skills as a news photographer. Jasonâs photo captured the drama and emotion of the day superbly. The judges found it hard to select a winner, with David Caird and Alex Coppel also submitting excellent photos of Pellâs day in court.
NEWS REPORT IN WRITING
David Estcourt & Clay Lucas, The Age , 'How stupid could you be?'
Judgesâ Citation: A worthy and important story for Victoria that raised awareness of where taxpayersâ money goes in large infrastructure projects. Dogged reporting by David Estcourt and Clay Lucas provided a window into government decision-making and told a complex story with clarity.
PODCASTING
Richard Baker, Rachael Dexter, Kate Cole-Adams & Siobhan McHugh, The Age , âThe Last Voyage of the Pong Suâ
Judgesâ Citation: The Last Voyage of the Pong Su utilised exceptional investigative skills, original police wiretaps and surveillance audio and research. It was creatively drawn together in a compelling and riveting narrative. Strong use of sound effects, creative audio, and a vast range of witness accounts from locals, police and political experts demonstrated the ability of the podcast to be a powerful journalistic medium.
Highly Commended: Eric George, Greg Bearup & Nicholas Adams-Dzierzba of The Australian for âWho the Hell is Hamish?â
THE RACV TRANSPORT QUILL
Matthew Johnston, James Campbell, Tom Minear & Kieran Rooney, Herald Sun , âWest Gate Tunnel toxic soilâ
Judgesâ Citation: In a year where transport dominated the Victorian political agenda, our winner was a genuine exclusive. These Herald Sun reporters were the first to uncover the chaos caused by toxic soil on the West Gate Tunnel project â a big story that continues to impact the way this massive infrastructure project is unfolding.
Highly Commended: Ben Knight, Elias Clure, Yara Murray-Atfield & Andie Noonan of ABC for âTarneit Transportâ
RADIO JOURNALISM (LONG FORM)
Rafael Epstein, Tess Armstrong, Kristian Silva & Erin Marsicovetere, ABC Radio Melbourne, âSt Kevinâs Sexist Chantâ
Judgesâ Citation: In the era of âMe tooâ, Raf Epstein and his team broke the story about the appalling behaviour and sexist chanting by a group of boys from St Kevinâs College on a Melbourne tram. It brought into sharp focus the debate about culture and conduct in elite schools and the attitudes of some young men towards women.
RADIO JOURNALISM (SHORT FORM)
Amy Bainbridge, ABC Radio âAMâ, âTelstra investigated over selling âunaffordable contractsâ to vulnerable Australiansâ
Judgesâ Citation: Amy Bainbridgeâs investigation into exploitative sales practices by Telstra to people on welfare prompted industry-wide changes, and resulted in Telstra offering to buy back debt from thousands of vulnerable Australians. Her reporting gave voice to people affected by the telcoâs actions.
REGIONAL & RURAL JOURNALISM
Charmayne Allison & Cath Grey, Riverine Herald, â Breaking the silenceâ
Judgesâ Citation: Charmayne Allisonâs powerful and insightful series revealing the personal costs of mental health issues in regional Victoria was the result of tenacious and careful research. She developed such trust that men from the bush revealed for the first time their torment and vulnerability. Her empathetic writing was complemented by emotive yet sensitive video and photography by Cath Grey. This collection is relevant to the broad community while highlighting the particular challenges of life in regional and rural Victoria.
Highly Commended: Shannon Twomey & Chantelle Francis of The Weekly Times for âWeb Link Exposedâ
SPORTS FEATURE
Konrad Marshall, Good Weekend magazine, âBrain Stormâ
Judgesâ Citation: In a field of outstanding entries in this category, Konrad Marshallâs feature on sports concussion challenged common perceptions about a complex issue, giving readers a balanced understanding beyond the sad personal stories of aging athletes. The piece forensically examined scientific, regulatory and legal issues facing impact sports worldwide, and revealed exclusive medical findings. A compelling read.
Highly Commended: Greg Baum of The Age for âThe Art of Reverse Swingâ
SPORTS NEWS
Leo Schlink & Mark Buttler, Herald Sun, âJig Is Upâ
Judgesâ Citation: Leo Schlink and Mark Buttlerâs initial scoop and string of exclusive stories uncovered shocking details of animal cruelty and corruption in the racing industry, and brought about the collapse of Darren Weirâs racing empire. The pair led print and online coverage from the first dawn raids to police hidden camera footage which uncovered the use of electronic jiggers, revealing well- placed sources within law enforcement and the racing industry.
Highly Commended: Michael Warner of Herald Sun for âFootyâs Biggest Cover-upâ
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPH
Michael Willson, AFL Media, âThe Kickâ
Judgesâ Citation: Michael Willsonâs photo of Taylor Harris kicking showed the athlete at the peak of action and performance. It portrayed Taylorâs strength and skill perfectly. The image became a strong symbol for the AFLW competition and womenâs sport and will be published and reused for decades to come.
Highly Commended: Alex Coppel of Herald Sun for âHells Bellsâ
SUBURBAN JOURNALISM
Anthony Piovesan, Whittlesea Leader , âBehind Closed Doorsâ
Judgesâ Citation: Anthony Piovesanâs coverage was critically important to Whittlesea Council residents, but the characters involved - and their connections - made it a story of significant national interest. Anthony went the extra mile to work his sources and sort fact from fiction. His unwavering reporting of the issue and its sideshows assured ratepayers that their council would be kept accountable by their local newspaper. Ultimately he was able to tell a story that the council wanted to keep under wraps.
Highly Commended: Suzan Delibasic of Cranbourne Leader for âPetition saves Hero the staffy from Cardinia Council taking action against himâ
THE TAC TOWARDS ZERO ROAD QUILL FOR ROAD SAFETY REPORTING
Cathy Jacobs, Ben Knight, Mary Gearin & Cameron Best, ABC News, âABC News Road Safety Specialâ
Judgesâ Citation: This was outstanding, comprehensive journalism by an ABC team: thirteen minutes of television devoted to reporting about all aspects of the road toll on the eve of the state governmentâs road safety summit. The special led a prime-time news service and was exceptionally extensive, with multiple reporters covering every angle and drawing on fresh and file footage.
Highly Commended: Benjamin Preiss of The Age for âSpeed limit slashed by 20km/h in trial on tollâ
TV CAMERA WORK (CREATIVE CAMERA WORK)
Travis Nemtsas, Nine News, âBudj Bimâ
Judgesâ Citation: A visual delight, Travisâs pictures show the spectacular scenery of the Budj Bim cultural landscape. He and journalist Stephanie Anderson were able to highlight the importance of the region and the Gunditjmara communityâs work towards a UNESCO world heritage listing. Travis shot continuously throughout the day to capture how different light transformed the landscape. He used multiple cameras - including drones - to create an exceptionally high standard of landscape portraiture that provides a revelatory sense of place. Travis also edited the story himself.
Highly Commended: Josh Steele of 7NEWS for âForgotten Droughtâ
TV CAMERA WORK (SHOT OF THE YEAR)
Trigby Chvastek, Nine News, âJonathan Dickâ
Judgesâ Citation: Trigby Chvastekâs was the first camera on scene to the arrest of Victoriaâs most wanted fugitive. The shot was a confronting and visceral reminder of the violence Jonathan Dick had been accused of. Trigby made his way to the scene by foot, manoeuvred through a throng of police and members of the public, and overcome awkward angles to get this shot of the bloodied man moments after he was arrested. The shot went to a national audience before all other outlets, and stayed on news stories for weeks.
Highly Commended: John Parsons of Nine News for âMokbel stabbingâ
TV/VIDEO FEATURE (LONG FORM)
Rachael Brown, Josie Taylor, Chris Gillett & Greg Nelson, ABC 7.30 , âNicola Gobbo breaks her silenceâ
Judgesâ Citation: This was the interview every Australian journalist wanted in 2019. Elusive, suspicious, and with a price on her head ⊠Convincing Nicola Gobbo to break her silence took months of negotiation and planning. Rachel Brownâs exclusive interview was quoted and copied and followed up by every other news organisation. She didnât hold back with the hard questions, and the interview was the must-watch TV moment of 2019.
Highly Commended: Louise Milligan, Andy Burns, Sarah Curnow & Jeanavive Mcgregor of ABC for âGuilty, The Conviction of George Pellâ
TV/VIDEO FEATURE (SHORT FORM)
Mimi Becker, Nine Network A Current Affair, â Teachers Under Attackâ
Judgesâ Citation: This story by Mimi Becker exposed a frightening situation facing too many teachers in Victoria: intimidation, violence and injuries at the hands of students, and institutional failures that exasperate their distress. Mimiâs ability to get a number of teachers to talk on camera, when they worked for a government school, made their stories even more compelling.
Highly Commended: Mike Amor, Jackie Quist, Cameron McAinch & Richard Hall of 7NEWS for âDying With Dignityâ
TV/VIDEO NEWS
Jayde Vincent, Nine News, âMallacootaâ
Judgesâ Citation: The devastating bushfires that impacted Victoria on New Yearâs Eve became the story of the summer. Jayde flew into Mallacoota, the first reporter on the ground in time for the 6PM news that night. The story that went to air was one of compelling images and dramatic first-hand accounts, made possible by teamwork behind the scenes to overcome the technical challenges of filing from a town cut off from the nation.
THE VICHEALTH QUILL FOR COVERAGE OF WOMEN IN SPORT
Lucy Carter, ABC 7.30 , âLiz Cambage sidelined by mental health issuesâ
Judgesâ Citation: This sensitively constructed piece highlights Liz Cambageâs professional and personal courage on and off the court. As a highly successful athlete and role model, Lucy was able to draw deeply personal insights from Cambage, exploring her approach to sport and mental health issues that impact many Australian athletes.
THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT QUILL FOR REPORTING ON CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Ian Burrows & Jason Fang, ABC News Online, âDo immigrants try hard enough to fit in?â Judgesâ Citation: A nuanced, subtle portrayal of the Australian-Chinese community - whose loyalty is sometimes questioned. A well-written exposition on âbelongingâ with polished multimedia elements that complement the overall narrative. Interesting, engaging and a great example of journalism breaking down cultural barriers without compromising news values.
Highly Commended: Madeline Hayman-Reber of NITV for âAunty Tanya Day Inquestâ
THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT QUILL FOR REPORTING DISABILITY ISSUES
Belinda Hawkins, Mark Farnell, Ian Harley and Vanessa Wiltshire, Australian Story and ABC, âA Bitter Pillâ
Judgesâ Citation: This Belinda Hawkins-led Australian Story episode on Lisa McManus and her determination to secure justice for thalidomide survivors in Australia was an exceptional piece of journalism. The production allowed McManus to share her own experience in an intimate and compelling way. It demonstrated extraordinary depth and quality of research and storytelling. A highly compelling portrayal of the human story driving the senate inquiry into thalidomide.
Highly Commended: Bridget Rollason of ABC News for âThis is what Melbourneâs tram network really looks like if youâre in a wheelchairâ
