2007 OPSO Media Awards             Back to Media Awards page

Queensland AwardsNational AwardsPeople's Choice Awards

Click here to open/download a PDF file listing all of the winners and finalists in the 2007 OPSO Media Awards and 2007 OPSO People’s Choice Media Awards (737Kb).


HAMMING IT UP: Ronan Lee, the Queensland State Member for Indooroopilly, and OPSO Media Awards MC Richard Fidler

The Judges

The OPSO Media Awards are judged by a combination of members of OPSO who understand older people and who work continually with their issues, journalists and journalists who are also journalism educators. The Awards go to those who, with excellence, best illustrate positive ageing.

Phillip Castle worked in print journalism, including two years in Vietnam. He was head of Federal Police Public Affairs before becoming a
lecturer in journalism at QUT, where he has taught for the last 10 years.

Ray Goodey is editor of the Albert and Logan News and has worked in the media since 1962 in New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Australia. He has worked as a journalist, sub-editor, chief sub-editor and editor.

Alan Hales has had an international career in journalism, marketing and advertising. He is now Senior Advisor and Vice-President of OPSO.

Susan Hetherington is a print journalist with 20 years’ experience working in newspapers in Australia. She has been a journalism educator for the past eight years. Her research area is children and the news, and she is also a radio columnist on children and entertainment issues.

Trina McLellan – journalist, subeditor and editor and educator. She has worked on major newspapers in Victoria and Queensland. Her area of research is trauma and journalism.

Roger Patching is Associate Professor of Journalism at Bond University. He spent 11 of his 17 years in daily journalism working for the
ABC. He has been teaching journalism for a quarter of a century and is coauthor of the first book on broadcast journalism in Australia, Now the News in Detail.

Patsy McCarthy is currently an Adjunct Professor in Media and Communication at the University of Technology, having completed a 30-year career teaching, with special emphasis on the professions of journalism, advertising and public relations. Educator, actor and
business consultant, her book Speaking Persuasively was published in the UK and US as well as in Australia.

Ernestine Lavalle has been a tutor at QUT in TV and Ethics for the past five years. She has been a journalist for 18 years, and has worked in regional print, and regional and metropolitan TV. She worked in UK for six years with Reuters as an international producer, where she developed and implemented some new programs, particularly in entertainment.

OPSO representatives

  • Dr Mary Daly
  • Maida Lilley
  • Harry Garlick
  • llma Ferguson
  • Tony Townsend
  • Dr Marjorie Green

Judging Coordinator: Val French AM

Judges' comments

The stories submitted have been the best yet!

The judges’ consensus was that the submissions this year were the best received in any year, and it would appear from the quality of reports that many in the media are producing great stories and articles on older people. While it is wonderful and heartening to see so many fine articles, it therefore made it more difficult to judge and make a final decision on the ‘best’. For those who submitted, please keep them coming as the standard and scope is greatly appreciated, even if you didn’t win. Of course, for those who did, well done, you have won in a tough field.
 

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A desperate battle

Queensland Awards

Queensland – Daily newspapers

Winner: John Andersen – Townsville Bulletin – “A desperate battle”

Judges’ comments: This is a high-impact, breathtaking story of a life-or-death battle during Cyclone Larry. John Andersen uses language as an artist uses colour; his imagery is powerful and vibrant, the structure of each sentence builds the momentum of the story. This is an
excellent piece of writing and reporting.

2nd Bernie Pramberg – The Courier-Mail – “At 99, First Lady defies age barrier”

3rd John Andersen – Townsville Bulletin – “Elderly facing eviction”


Man of a thousand campfires

Queensland – Regional and bi-weekly newspapers

Winner: Ashley Walmsley – North Queensland Register – “Man of a thousand campfires”

Judges’ comments: This was a heart-warming story about a wonderful, persistent and passionate story-teller who has kept the bush stories alive for so long. It was also well told by its author using great photos and has now been preserved for future generations, for history
and the recording of lives and events now mostly gone. Story-telling is the heart of journalism and the subject, author and publication all rightly deserve recognition.

2nd Sharon Kells – Gold Coast Sun – “Sex in your seventies”

3rd Jessica Train – Bayside & Northern Suburbs Star – “Going to work for long hours”


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Queensland – Radio news, interviews and current affairs

Winner: Steve Austin – ABC Radio Brisbane – ‘Aged care”

Judges’ comments: Good diversity chosen for this interview shown in different family situations. Three women comment on their perspectives on nursing homes and retirement villages. From the well-planned choice to the frail age in crisis, to the Muslin family caring situation, these women openly share their thoughts. Steve Austin navigates his way
through these three perspectives with great professionalism.

2nd Megan Pailthorpe – ABC Radio Townsville – “Finding family”


Ronan Lee, Megan Palithorpe
and Scott Beveridge

Queensland – Television news and public affairs

Winner 1: Megan Pailthorpe – Stateline – ABC Townsville – “Seniors week teachers”

Judges’ comments: This is an inspired, well-rounded, well-filmed and well-edited story about two older TAFE teachers who could have easily long retired, and which captured the true spirit of older teachers and the obvious positive response from their pupils in a TAFE context. It was an uplifting and encouraging portrayal. It showed their investment in younger people is mutually invaluable and wonderfully rewarding. It was one of those TV stories which leave everyone feeling heartened.

Winner 2: Scott Beveridge – Channel 10 Queensland – “Queensland grandparents babysitting”

Judges’ comments: Scott and Channel 10 are acknowledged for their obvious sympathy and understanding of the issues confronting older citizens. The entry is applauded for its portrayal and reality.

3rd Kylie Hodge – Seven Local News – “Lollipop legend”


Lighthorse Crossing

Queensland – Print media photography

Winner: Brian Hurst – The Redland Times – “Lighthorse crossing”

Judges’ comments: A moment in time – this photograph perfectly captures a gracious gesture with humour and respect. It grabs the attention the attention of the viewer just as immediately as it obviously did the photographer.

2nd Scott Radford-Chisolm – Townsville Bulletin – “The skater”

3rd Scott Radford-Chisolm – Townsville Bulletin – “Woo hoo – me and my girls”


The Village Pump

Queensland – Seniorspecific newsletters

Winner: Roy Crombie – Noosa Waters – The Village Pump

Judges’ comments: A retirement village is like a mini town: a good newsletter plays the role of a
town’s newspaper, telling residents what’s going on with vitality and communication professionalism. This newsletter has good readability that uses colour, content, enthusiasm and a good balance of white space to captivate its readers.

2nd Judi Donnelly – Acacia Ridge 50 & Better

3rd Robert Lasca – Round-a-Bout for Seniors – Ayr, Qld.


Holding the torch


Memorial

Queensland – Intergenerational journalism – print, electronic or photo

Winner 1: Charles Sonnex – Bayside Bulletin – “Memorial"

Judges’ comments: A sensitive, intergenerational photograph that illustrates two generations sharing the memory of history, loss and human victory.

Winner 2: Evan Morgan – Townsville Bulletin – “Holding the torch”

Judges’ comments: The photograph captures the Olympic spirit via intergenerational togetherness, with colour, movement and expression.


Wearing your children's shoes

National Awards

National – Metropolitan daily, weekend newspaper & newspaper magazine articles

Winner: Marissa Williams – The West Australian – “Wearing your children’s shoes”

Judges’ comments: This was a moving story about the now extremely rewarding relationship
between grandparents and their grandchildren. It was an insightful, realistic, helpful and positive story about the typical challenges and rewards of grandparents and their grandchildren. Professional journalism at its best.

2nd Janet Hawley – Good Weekend – “Wendy’s secret garden”

3rd Fiona Smith – The Australian Financial Review – “Retirement doesn’t come naturally” & “Retirement – new career break”


Hawke, windsurfer,
finess wheelchair

National – Regional and suburban newspapers – weekly, bi-weekly and daily

Winner: Nadine Fisher – Daily News – APN – “Hawke, windsurfer, fitness, wheelchair”

Judges’ comments: Ms Fisher has been a consistently good writer of stories about older people and it was difficult to distinguish between her many positive pieces submitted. She deserves recognition and praise for her skills in bringing out the real issues and people who are often overlooked in other media. The judges wanted to encourage her work, passion and perception in presenting wonderful stories and insights not occasionally but consistently. It speaks volumes for her professionalism and her paper.

Winner 2: John Andersen – Townsville Bulletin – “A desperate battle”

Judges’ comments: This is a high-impact, breath-taking story of a life or death battle during Cyclone Larry. John Andersen uses language as an artist uses colour; his imagery is powerful and vibrant, the structure of each sentence builds the momentum of the story. This is an excellent piece of writing and reporting.

2nd Place and Special Mention to Philippa Prior – Kalgoorlie Miner – “Looking after the people”

3rd Ashley Walmsley – North Qld Register – “Man of a thousand campfires”


Navigating the ageing minefield

National – National magazine feature articles

Winner: Andres Lomp – About the House – “Navigating the ageing minefield”

Judges’ comments: This was a significant contribution to the examination and media coverage of older people’s issues, and because 5 Media Awards Edition 2007 OPSO it was so detailed and helpful, it deserved recognition not just because of where it was published. However, it was the judges’ view that because it was published in the Federal Parliament’s House of Representatives journal it would be widely read by politicians and their staff – it therefore also should be rewarded, recognised and widely published.

2nd Kate Johnston – Your Life – “Noni Hazelhurst – what really matters”

3rd Pamela Oddy and Di Websdale Morrisey – Your Life – “Jobs of the future”


Kylie Hodge and Scott Beveridge

National – Television news

Winner: Kylie Hodge – Seven Local News – “Lollipop legend”

Judges’ comments: This story of a 78-year-old man is a wonderful example of reporting that reflects positively on the role older people play in our community. It showed him giving his time firstly as a lollipop man, bringing a smile to faces of students on their way to school, and also working with them inside the classroom. This is a warm, positive story illustrating how older people are still valuable and contributing members of our society

1st Scott Beveridge – Channel Ten News – “Grandparents babysitting” (See State Results for comment)

3rd Alan Raskall – Network Ten – “Internet”

3rd Jennifer Nichols – Seven News – “Golden wedding”


Greg Hoy

National – Television public affairs & interviews under 10 minutes

Winner: Greg Hoy – ABC Melbourne – “Duigan Brothers”

Judges’ comments: These two brothers built the first Australian aircraft to successfully lift off the ground in 1910 – even before the famous Wright Brothers. Today, only one child of one of the Duigan brothers remains alive. John Duigan, aged 80, is a farmer in the Bass Strait. Greg Hoy’s story showed him embarking on a major airborne expedition of his own to celebrate his birthday and pay homage to his forebears. This is a great story showing age is no barrier to having a dream and striving to reach it.

2nd Shane McLeod – ABC 7.30 Report Sydney – “Japanese doctors claim to know the secret of longevity”

3rd Simon Royal – ABC TV Adelaide – “Matinee idols”


Andrew Denton

National – Television public affairs, documentaries & interviews

Winner: Andrew Denton – ABC TV NSW – Enough Rope – “Mount Isa”

Judges’ comments: Andrew Denton’s piece which delved into the heart of “the Isa” was an honest, humorous and often laugh-out-loud look at some of the characters of this iconic Queensland town. People like Kath Swift and her ‘the Kath’ hairdo embody the term ‘rough diamond’. Age has not wearied them, it’s given them more interesting stories to tell. A great, enduring piece which should be re-used whenever these types of stories are used as an example of how to do it well.

2nd Ben Cheshire – ABC TV Sydney – “Down to earth”

3rd Ges D’Souza – ABC TV Australian Story – “Comes a time"


The moment

National – Photography – metropolitan newspapers and magazines

Winner: Leila Amanpour – The Sydney Morning Herald – “The moment”

Judges’ comments: The photography captures the essence of an emotional moment when, after a lifetime of waiting, an older man was able to fulfil his dream of an education. A superb photograph that completely tells its own story (photo on front page).

2nd Place and Special Mention to Edwina Pickles – The Sydney Morning Herald – “If you feel buoyant, you play a buoyant way”

3rd Barry Baker – The West Australian – “High flyer”

3rd Renee Nowytarger – The Australian – “Police and three indigenous lads”


Vintage veteran OAM

National – Photography – regional & suburban newspapers

Winner: Nat Thompson – Messenger Press – “Vintage veteran OAM”

Judges’ comments: A photograph of Gavin Stanford-Morgan, who received his OAM for his commitment to the preservation of vintage and veteran cars. The photographer captures a mixture of pride and contentment on the face of a man who knows his is a job well done.

2nd Andrew Ritchie – Community Newspapers – “Swing into festivities”

3rd Dominique Menegaldo – Community Newspapers – “Making the difference”


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National – National radio, city and regional news, public affairs and interviews

Winner: Annie Thomson – ABC Radio National – “Street stories”

Judges’ comments: This was a high-impact story. The interview was sensitive and probing. The chosen grandparents were inspirational. The judges particularly enjoyed the background atmosphere of children at play that enhanced the reality of grandparents who cannot give them back.

2nd Deb Welch – Radio Adelaide – “Five tables for five”

3rd Steve Austin – ABC Radio Brisbane – “Aged Care”


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National –Advertising

Winner: Annabelle Hayes – Hibiscus Gardens – “Buderim happiness is Hibiscus”

Judges’ comments: This Hibiscus Gardens advertisement captures the spirit of retirement. It was one of a series created by the media manager. The whole series is so appealing and inviting to retirees and a credit to the organisation for its empathy

2nd Andrology Australia – “Open to see something shocking”

3rd Graphic by Design – “Viceroy and Living Choice Retirement Villages”


Doris finds elixir of life at 93

National – Senior-specific newspaper articles

Winner: Linda Muller – Senior Lifestyle – “Doris finds elixir of life at 93”

Judges’ comments: The essence of positive ageing is spelt out loud and clear in this portrait about Doris who, at 93, has the formula for not growing old. A light-hearted piece which captures the essence of the character with a clever use of quotes that allows Doris to shine through the print. Excellent piece of writing.

2nd Don Simmons – Senior Newspaper – “Not your average nan”

3rd Leigh Pritchard – Coastal Views – “Never too old”


Grand Designs

National – Intergenerational journalism – print, electronic or photo

Winner 1: Natasha Johnson and team – ABC TV Melbourne – “Mangrove Man”

Judges’ comments: This endearing and well-edited extended program epitomised all of the aspects of intergenerational relationships, as well as promoting conservation and understanding of sea life. It demonstrated how an older person can effectively relate their acquired knowledge and skills to interested school-age children to the benefit of all. It is clear these children will remember this relationship for the rest of their lives.

Winner 2: Katrina Germein – Sydney’s Child – “Grand Designs”

Judges’ comments: This is a story that many relate to: a story of a grandmother who wants to do it her way. The expectations of the daughter that her mother will fit into her program of dropping off the kids and baby sitting on-demand, and the determination of her mother to keep the freedom of choice as to when and how she will help, the daughter’s resentment and, finally, the understanding that there are many ways of being a beloved grandmother – all this makes for a sensitive and timely article.

3rd Allan Raskall – Network 10 Victoria – “Play”

People's Choice Awards

People’s Choice – Magazine or news article

Winner: John Van Tiggelen – “2 of Us” in The Age's Good Weekend liftout

Winner nominator: Timothy Nolan


People’s Choice – Advertising

Winner: Brisbane Seniors Newspaper (June ed.) “Forever Young”

Winner nominator: Dulcie Forno


People’s Choice – Photography

Winner: Leila Amanpour – “The Moment” in The Sydney Morning Herald

Winner nominator: Anne Ring


People’s Choice – Television

Winner: Andrew Denton – “Mt Isa” on ABC TV's More Rope

Winner nominator: George Apps

People’s Choice – Schools

Winners:
Jamieson Kane – Scotch College
Joshua Nicholls
– Pulteney Grammar
Emily Webb-Smith – Geraldton Grammar
Reagen Joice – Rockhampton Grammar School
Matilda Braun – Trinity College