Times takes out photo prizes

THE Bendigo Times has received two nods for news photography at the annual Victorian Country Press Association awards.

Photographers Peter Weaving and Steve Womersley were recognised for Best News Photo Award Over 6000 Circulation and Best Photo Study Award Over 6000 Circulation respectively.

Weaving’s gong came for his front-page photo Kick off! in the 30 June 2022 edition and was part of coverage on the opening of a new caneball court in Eaglehawk.

In awarding the prize judge Bob Mackie noted several high-quality aspects of the article.

“Bendigo Times photographer Peter Weaving captures the apex of the action as a player seemingly hanging in mid-air prepares to launch a ball over the net with his foot,” he said.

“Nicely handled at the layout desk with the overlaid headings complementing the photo.

“The eventual winner in the over 6000 circulation section, the most entered news section in the awards, could also have been successfully entered in the sports section but fulfils the news criteria as it promotes the opening of a new caneball court.”

Womersley’s winning work came for coverage of Groovin the Moo, was published in the 5 May 2022 edition, and included the front page, editorial coverage, and a gallery.

“The photos capture a wide variety of subjects and are shot in a range of styles and potential shapes which allowed for a very interesting layout,” Mr Mackie said.

“Well done to the photographer and the layout artist!”

Editor of the Bendigo Times, Alistair Finlay, said it was rewarding and humbling to see the photographers, production team acknowledged.

“It’s always gratifying when our industry peers recognise all of what we do,” he said. “We try to put a focus on a collaborative approach to putting together our papers.

“We’re very lucky to have photographers of the calibre of Peter and Steve. They both set a high standard for images in the Bendigo Times.

“Whether it’s working with our photographers, or crafting headlines and selecting the perfect images with our production manager Erin Bush, this award reflects the hard work of many members of the Bendigo Times team.

“I’d like to thank the VCPA for the award and my colleagues for their ongoing support and collective dedication to our mastheads – it’s impossible to do any of this without them.

“I’d also like to thank the readers of the Bendigo Times. It’s a privilege to serve this community.”

Other Times News Group papers to take home gongs at the VCPA awards include the Golden Plains Times, which is also managed by Mr Finlay and Ms Bush.

There the newspaper picked up Best News Story Award Under 2000 Circulation category for an article titled Proposed chicken farm cracks council, co-written by Mr Finlay and Edwina Williams.