BREAKING: The Newcastle Herald has just achieved remarkable success at the 2025 ACM Excellence Awards, taking home multiple prestigious honors, including Young Journalist of the Year, News Story of the Year, and News Photo of the Year. The awards ceremony took place in Sydney on December 9, 2025, highlighting the exceptional talent of its journalists.
Anna Falkenmire, a crime reporter at the Herald, was awarded Young Journalist of the Year for her impactful crime and court reporting. Judges praised her ability to “give a voice to victims of crime and their families,” showcasing her compassionate storytelling approach.
In a stunning visual achievement, Peter Lorimer secured the News Photo of the Year for his poignant capture during the memorial service for Ekampreet Singh Sahni, a victim of a tragic shooting. The judges remarked, “Peter’s viewfinder brought us heartbreakingly close to their grief but without intruding.”
Meanwhile, Gabriel Fowler clinched the News Story of the Year for her fearless investigation into illegal boarding houses, exposing unethical practices within the industry. The judges stated that her series “revealed the ugly reality of illegal boarding houses,” prompting government action.
Additionally, Sage Swinton received high commendation in the Feature Story of the Year category for her emotionally charged piece on a local hairdresser’s battle with cancer. Judges noted the story’s “humanity and controversy carefully woven together.”
Jade Lazarevic, a real estate reporter, was also highly commended for her report on the $30 million Whale Beach mansion owned by former Miss Universe Jen Hawkins and her husband, Jake Wall.
In a statement, Herald editor Lisa Allan celebrated the team’s achievements, saying, “These honours reflect the depth of talent across the entire newsroom.” She emphasized the critical role of their journalism in driving meaningful change in the community, thanking subscribers and advertising partners for their support.
Rod Quinn, ACM’s editorial director, commended the winners, highlighting the importance of journalism in democracy. “What our journalists do is not optional in a democracy,” he stated. “It is more important now than ever.”
The ACM Excellence Awards, now in their fifth year, recognize outstanding contributions in news and sports coverage across Australia’s largest independent publisher of regional news. The accolades underscore the Newcastle Herald’s commitment to quality journalism and community service.
Stay tuned for more updates on their ongoing contributions and future projects that continue to impact the community positively. This recognition not only honors individual achievements but also highlights the collective effort to uphold journalism’s vital role in society.
