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Burdekin Life’s young journalism duo took home gold and silver at the Queensland Country Press Association Excellence Awards on the Sunshine Coast.Life Publishing Group Brings Home 3 Gold And 3 Silver State Awards Burdekin Life’s young journalism duo has come away from the Sunshine Coast with gold and silver honours after a strong performance at the Queensland Country Press Association Excellence Awards on Friday, 22 May. Jacob Casha was announced as Best Young Journalist of the year and also received a silver for Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist, while Chelsea Ravizza, who writes across all Life Publishing Group papers, received a silver in the Best Young Journalist of the Year category. Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith said the awards are a strong result for the young journalists and the organisation. “Young journalists are the lifeblood of regional journalism,” said Ms Smith. “Our journalists learn the ropes fast, attending community events, forming connections and networks, writing and reporting on every aspect of news from sports to events – it is a big job that sets the tone for a dynamic career. “To think that two members of our team took out the two top spots in this category is incredibly humbling – and an example of the calibre of writing all our journalists are striving towards. “This was capped off by Jacob receiving a silver award for Best Single Story — it’s fantastic to see him recognised in his first year alongside seasoned journalists who have spent years refining their craft.” The editorial achievements rounded off one of Life Publishing Group’s most successful years at the QCPA event, where it also won a further three advertising awards on the night. A highlight was receiving gold for Best Print Community Advertising Promotion for the Life Publishing Group Enchanted Garden Charity Event which raised an impressive $56,000 for seven regional charities. A second gold was awarded for Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement of the year and was followed by silver for Best Locally Produced Advertising Campaign of the year. “It makes life easy when you know you have a great team to back you up,” said Hinchinbrook Life Sales Manager Sherie Hensler Adams. “At Life Publishing Group, our incredible creative team designs each ad from scratch, working closely with our clients to bring out the best in their business. “We truly care about every client, and you can see this clearly in the love that goes into the design of all the ads and all the pages in every paper.” There are more than 60 independent news media publishers registered with Queensland Country Press Association. “In 2024 we were thrilled to bring home Best Free Newspaper in Queensland for our sister publication Mackay and Whitsunday Life,” shared Rachael Smith. “This was a huge honour, and one we are looking forward to achieving again as we grow our other publications, especially here in Hinchinbrook. “2026 represents a year where we have solidified our presence within the newspaper community and are seen as high achievers among our peers – this is something I am truly proud of. “Everyone in the team has contributed to the success behind all these awards and they are a result of us all striving for excellence in everything we do.” Caption: Hannah McNamara Journalist from Mackay Life Newspaper, Sherie Hensler-Adams Sales Manager from Hinchinbrook Life, Bec Douthwaite Owner and Publisher, Jacob Casha journalist from Burdekin Life Newspaper, Victoria Velton Journalist from Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper, Rachael Smith Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief and Trish Jandt Sales Manager for Whitsunday Life.
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