TAMBORINE Mountain News received recognition at the recent Queensland Country Press Awards with Photographer Katie O’Brien receiving an award for Best Community or Portrait Photo and Journalist Cindy Lever taking second place for Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist.
Katie received the award for her photo of Tamborine Mountain Orchestra guitarist Eden Wassell.
Photography Judge Derek Moore described it as a vibrant and dynamic portrait of a musician.
“The inspired choice to capture him leaping, rather than posing, injects incredible energy into the image. The mountain backdrop beautifully connects him to his community,” Mr Moore said.
Second and third place in this category were taken by Lyle Radford from Moreton Border News and Ipswich Tribune.
Journalist Cindy Lever’s feature article about the doctor shortage on Tamborine Mountain caught judge Caroline Graham’s eye amongst a large number of quality articles by journalists from across Queensland, achieving second place in the Best Story by an Individual Journalist category.
“Amid the challenges of rolling deadlines, the reporters in this category found the time and tenacity to go deeper, ask challenging questions and doggedly pursue answers,” Ms Graham said.
“This well-written feature explores the consequences of a dire shortage of doctors for Tamborine Mountain and its aging population.”
“Through a wide range of interviews with doctors, patients and the State Member, Cindy Lever raises important community concerns and advocates for change.”
Tamborine Mountain News’ sister publication, The Canungra Times, received second place in the Best Locally Produced Print Advertising Campaign category for advertisements produced for Bendigo Bank, Canungra.
Judge Pascal Budge said it was a professional campaign that effectively communicated its goals.
“The use of large, friendly faces helped create an inviting, personable feel that resonated with the audience and reinforced a strong sense of local connection,” he stated.
