The Courier has been celebrated as a leading regional newspaper in NSW after winning top honours at the joint Country Press NSW/Victorian Country Press Association conference.
Newspapers spanning the two states were represented at the annual celebration of publishing.
This year’s event also marked the 125th anniversary of Country Press NSW, the peak group representing regional print publishers in the state.
The Best Paid Newspaper category, won by The Courier, was described as very competitive by the judge.
However, the judge noted that The Courier “stands tall as a true powerhouse”.
The award marks the third time in four years The Courier has been awarded best newspaper after winning in 2022 and 2023. Last year, the honour was presented to its sister publication the Gunnedah Times.
“Each edition is bursting with photographs, captions and stories that capture community life. The sports coverage is consistently extensive and engaging, while the overall news reporting is comprehensive and compelling,” the judge noted in their remarks about The Courier.
“The sheer volume and quality of local photos enhance its impact, making it a stand-out among its peers.”
In addition to winning Best Paid Newspaper, The Courier was also highly commended for its 2024 Narrabri Chamber Business Awards feature and was a finalist for print advertisements.
The Courier’s senior journalist Ali Smith was acknowledged in the Journalist of the Year award.
“Ali Smith’s passionate coverage of Wee Waa’s hospital fight reflected the power of community-driven journalism,” the judge said.
She previously won the coveted Journalist of the Year award in 2023.
The Courier’s editor Dylan Smith, who attended the industry celebration, paid tribute to the newspaper’s staff when addressing the awards gathering on stage.
Mr Smith was presented with the top newspaper award by Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty.
“To be recognised by the wider newspaper industry for our excellence in publishing for the third time in four years is gratifying,” he said.
“This achievement is thanks to our dedicated team.”
Mr Smith said The Courier is grateful to advertisers who recognise the benefits of using the newspaper to promote their business.
“Publishing a newspaper is only possible through support by advertisers and readers,” he said.
Prior to the awards night, Country Press NSW held its annual general meeting with outgoing president Lucie Peart, of the Gilgandra Weekly, thanked for her many years at the organisation’s helm.
She was awarded life membership for her extensive efforts.
Edward Higgins, publisher of newspapers in the Central West and Southern NSW, was elected as president.
Mr Smith was elected to the Country Press NSW council, representing The Courier and its sister publications the Wee Waa News, North West Magazine and Gunnedah Times.
Representatives of NSW newspapers and Country Press NSW at the joint Victorian Country Press Association/Country Press NSW conference held in Yarrawonga.
