Local papers put Ballarat’s name in bold

STORYTELLERS of Ballarat stopped the presses at the annual Community Newspaper Association of Victoria Awards earlier in the month.

Local grassroots publications were finalists in eight of the nine categories on the day.

Ballarat East Community News was awarded second place in the best feature section for Ballarat East Community Pays it Forward by Sarah Greenwood-Smith, while Brown Hill Community Newsletter also placed second in best history story for The Littlehales’ Brown Hill Family History by Roy and Marlene Littlehales, and Kevin Holloway.

In the best article by a person under 18 category, Buninyong and District Community News also received a second place for September 2020 story Running Free by Amy Piltz.

Buninyong News’ editor Barry Fitzgerald said his contributors were proud to be acknowledged by CNAV.

“The team at the Buninyong News was really pleased that their work in getting the community paper on the streets and homes each month has again been recognised in the annual awards,” he said.

“While over recent years, The News has received many awards across most categories, this year was the first time it was recognised in the best photograph and in the young writers’ sections.

“Community newspapers play an important role in smaller communities such as Buninyong and district, and these awards give a real boost to local contributors such as Russell Luckock, and Amy Piltz, one of the many young writers and poets who were published in The News last year.”

Russell Luckock was awarded third place in best photograph for his Springtime in Buninyong shot in the November 2020 edition of Buninyong and District Community News, while third place in best sports reporting also went to the Buninyong News for Ray Sullivan’s June 2021 piece Meg (and mum) coach hot team.

Brown Hill Community Newsletter received equal second in best editorial comment for edition 30’s opinion piece by Ms Greenwood-Smith, and placed third in best community content, while the Ballarat East Community News was one of five finalists in best newspaper.

Ballarat East Neighbourhood House coordinates the Ballarat Community News Publications Network.

The CNAV includes 80 member publications, from large-scale operations, to small quarterly volunteer newsletters.