UPDATE: The 70th Walkley Awards took place last night, and the Sydney Morning Herald and its sister publication, The Age, have emerged as the night’s big winners, securing more awards than any other publisher. This recognition highlights their commitment to impactful journalism that addresses pressing social issues.
The Herald’s Eryk Bagshaw, alongside crime reporter Clare Sibthorpe and Good Food’s Bianca Hrovat, snagged the prestigious award for the News Report category. Their groundbreaking series exposed the dark underbelly of Sydney’s hospitality scene, targeting prominent establishments like Merivale and Icebergs Dining Room and Bar. Their investigative work has already led to the resignation of high-profile figures and initiated crucial regulatory reforms.
In a significant win for women’s health advocacy, Kate Aubusson, Emily Kaine, and Aisha Dow from The Age won in the Specialist Beat Reporting category. Their report revealed numerous disturbing accounts from women who reported being disbelieved, misdiagnosed, or wrongly admitted to hospitals across Australia. This poignant investigation sheds light on the hidden misogyny prevalent within the nation’s medical system.
Additionally, Melissa Fyfe received accolades in the Feature Writing Short category for her compelling narrative on the ongoing threat of forced marriage in Australia. The recognition of Badiucao, Matthew Absalom-Wong, Patrick O’Neil, and Tom McKendrick for their work titled “Watch, followed, threatened. Now an impostor is claiming to be me” adds to the list of impactful stories honored at the event.
In a standout moment, The Age was awarded for the best coverage of a major news event due to its reporting on the high-profile mushroom murders orchestrated by Erin Patterson, further emphasizing the relevance and urgency of their journalistic efforts.
Executive editor of Nine’s metro mastheads, Luke McIlveen, highlighted the significance of these awards, stating, “These are wonderful recognitions for the journalists who make The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age the country’s most trusted newspapers.” He expressed particular pride in the investigative series led by Bagshaw, Hrovat, and Sibthorpe, which has significantly impacted public awareness regarding the hospitality industry.
With the Walkley Awards celebrating excellence in journalism, these wins underscore the vital role that investigative reporting plays in shaping public discourse and driving change in society. The ongoing revelations from these investigations have sparked crucial conversations about accountability and transparency in both the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
As the dust settles on the awards, the momentum continues. What will be the next steps for these impactful stories? Readers can expect more in-depth coverage and updates as the journalists continue to pursue truth and justice in their reporting.
Stay tuned for further developments as the stories unfold and the impact of these awards resonates across Australia and beyond.
