Bringing It Home For The Region! Life Publishing Group Awarded 3 Golds and 3 Silver At State Awards

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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Every paper within the Life Publishing Group umbrella is sharing in the glory of a 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.

“It was an incredible night and amazing to see our entire team shine at state level!”

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

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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.

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“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.  

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“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.”

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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 which raised an impressive $56,000 for seven regional charities.

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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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“It makes life easy when you know you have a great team to back you up,” said Hinchinbrook Life Sales Manager Sherie Hensler Adams.

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“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.  

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“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.”

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There are more than 60 independent news media publishers registered with Queensland Country Press Association.

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“In 2024 we were thrilled to bring home Best Free Newspaper in Queensland for our sister publication Mackay and Whitsunday Life,” shared Rachael Smith.

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“This was a huge honour, and one we are looking forward to achieving again as we grow our other publications, especially here in Hinchinbrook.

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“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.

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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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