Yorke Peninsula Country Times was again recognised as one of the best papers in the state at the 2023 Country Press South Australia awards held in Adelaide on Friday, February 23.

Third-year cadet journalist Patrick Goldsmith scooped the Best Sports Story Award for his piece about Coobowie’s Jamie Tape and editor Rhiannon Koch won the Best Editorial Writing category.

“This award wouldn’t have been possible without the time Jamie’s parents, Peter and Kathy, made for me and allowing me the absolute privilege of sharing Jamie’s story in our Spring 2023 edition of Yorkes Magazine,” Patrick said.

“Sport has always been a large part of our communities we’re passionate about sharing, with stories like Jamie’s making up the rich history on the field, court or course, across the peninsula.”

Judge Ian Shuttleworth commended Patrick on his writing and said it takes the reader on a journey.

“It’s never an easy task interviewing someone about the loss of a loved one; however, this poignant story suggests the reporter well and truly had the trust of the late Jamie Tape’s parents,” Ian wrote.

“References to newspaper headlines from the time of Jamie’s passing and detailed accounts of visits from football coaches to the family home are among the many carefully thought through inclusions, which add feeling and context to the storytelling.”

Patrick was also runner-up in the Young Journalist of the Year Award.

Judge Shauna Black praised Rhiannon’s editorial writing.

“Rhiannon demonstrates her maturity as an editor and a writer with these fine examples,” she said.

“She uses humour and her knowledge of local issues to provide entertaining and thought-provoking editorials.”

Rhiannon said it was humbling to be recognised.

“It’s a pleasure for me to provide the voice for the publication on page two each week, and to shed light on important issues in the region, state, country or world,” she said.

“We’re in the lucky position to be able to share our opinion and yours each week, and in regional communities it’s important that remains alive.

“The newspaper hasn’t won a writing award since 2018, so to pick up two this year is a fantastic achievement.”

Journalist Michelle Daw also received recognition, placing second in the Excellence in Journalism category for her work on the Wallaroo Hospital security concerns.

Sports photographer Rod Penna came second in the best sports photo, while the sales team placed second in the Best Advertisement — Priced Product category.

The sales team was also commended with a second placing in the Best Community Advertising Promotion.

Additionally, YPCT took home a third in the Best Front Page category, and highly commended in the Best Headline Award, Best Newspaper and Best Supplement categories.

“It is true to say wins such as these at Country Press SA are a reflection of our entire team at the newspaper, but they are also a reflection of the community, who graciously provide us the opportunity to share their stories,” YPCT managing director Michael Ellis said.

“I am extremely proud of the team’s efforts over the past 12 months, and I know we will strive for more in the coming year as well.”

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 27 February 2024.