Bringing It Home For The Region!

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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Life Publishing Group Awarded 3 Golds and 3 Silver At State Awards

Every paper within the Life Publishing Group umbrella is sharing in the glory of another successful Queensland Country Press Awards, where this small but mighty independent newspaper group brought home six awards.

Owner and publisher Bec Douthwaite said she was immensely proud of the team and delighted to see each newspaper thriving within their communities.

“In 2024 Mackay & Whitsunday Life won Best Free Newspaper in Queensland, it’s great to see the momentum continue this year and watch our team shine at state level!”

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Life Publishing Group Brings Home 3 Gold And 3 Silver State Awards

The team at Life Publishing Group are celebrating this week following one of their most successful years at the Queensland Country Press Awards which were held in the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.

Jacob Casha, journalist with Burdekin Life Newspaper, was announced as Best Young Journalist of the year and also received a silver for Best Single Story by an Individual Journalist.

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Meanwhile, Chelsea Ravizza, who writes across all Life Publishing Group papers, including this one, received a silver in the Best Young Journalist of the Year category.

“Young journalists are the lifeblood of regional journalism,” said Life Publishing Group Editor in Chief Rachael Smith.

“We are proud to support the growth of our talented team and thrilled to see two of our journalists bring home awards.  

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“I would also like to take a moment to commend Mackay Lead Journalist Hannah McNamara who stepped up significantly this year and is one of the most hardworking, dedicated and passionate journalists I know.  

“She is a winner too, and we are very lucky to have her on the team.”

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In addition to the editorial awards, Life Publishing Group won three advertising awards.

A highlight was receiving gold for Best Print Community Advertising Promotion for the Life Publishing Group Enchanted Garden Charity Event.

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.

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“We had such an amazing result at the awards again this year. I am incredibly proud of our whole team, and deeply thankful to our designers who always go above and beyond to make our ads look incredible,” said Mackay Sales Manager Jess Clark.

“It was a special moment for me to see one of our community charity promotions win gold for the second year in a row – this particular event was our Enchanted Garden Fundraiser and it holds a special place in my heart because we raised $56,000 for seven regional charities.”

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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,” shared Rachael Smith.

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“I still vividly remember our name being called out on the night, it was one of the best moments of my life and I was deeply honoured to celebrate with our team again this year – watching Jacob being acknowledged for his talent and storytelling was a real highlight for the whole team.”

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“Over the years we have consistently brought home awards, with this years’ being one of our best hauls!

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“For me, 2026 represents a year where we continue to cement our presence within the newspaper community and are seen as high achievers among our peers – this is something I am truly proud of.

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“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.”

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