The 2024 Country Press NSW conference was held in Dubbo this year, bringing together regional media representatives for another great event. The conference, which included the prestigious Awards of Excellence and the 124th Annual General Meeting (AGM), saw a record number of entries in the annual competition, with brand new categories introduced, including one for sports coverage photos, making the competition even more exciting for small newspapers.

A distinguished panel of judges, including professional photographer Glenn Mickle, Australian advertising figure, Lianne Richards, communications lecturer, Victoria Erskine from Charles Sturt University, and Greg McFarland, recipient of the Fairfax Award for Editorial Excellence, evaluated the entries. The result was a high-calibre showcase of journalism, photography, and design, reflecting the importance of regional media.

The Bugle was thrilled to receive two awards. We were runner-up for Best News Story with a piece that the judges described as “a great human-interest story that had judges captivated from the opening line. Reporter John Stapleton captured the essence of the dramatic scene and the humility of the hero in this lovely piece.” 

The Bugle also shared the runner-up position for Best Free Newspaper with the Hunter River Times. Judges praised both publications, stating, "Both Hunter River Times and The Bugle are excellent examples of free newspapers that provide a well-rounded reading experience and a valuable service to their communities."

In particular, the judges noted, “The Bugle stands out for its engaging content and high-quality visuals, particularly with its focus on natural wonders and community events. The inclusion of competitions and interactive elements further engages readers.” We couldn't be more thankful for this recognition!

The conference schedule featured a dynamic lineup of speakers, starting with a warm welcome from Lucie Peart, President of Country Press NSW. Herb Smith from Dreamtime Tukka shared his inspiring journey of building a successful bush foods industry in the Central West, followed by Sonja Heydeman of Melbourne Business School, who gave an exciting presentation on the Digital News Academy.

Attendees also heard from Tony O’Regan of InfoApp, who discussed his innovative news app, already a success with several regional papers, including The Bugle. Other speakers included Landcare champion Pip Job, who shared her story of leadership in rural sectors, and Steve Musico, who delivered a practical workshop on building relationships in business, offering invaluable insights for both staff and newspaper owners.

The conference culminated in a Gala Awards Dinner at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club Auditorium, where the 2024 Awards of Excellence were announced. With the theme of “Dub-Vegas,” attendees enjoyed a fun-filled evening, celebrating the achievements of regional media in true country style. Guests included NSW Minister for Agriculture & Western NSW, The Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, and Federal Member for Parkes, The Hon Mark Coulton MP.

Belle, from The Bugle, receiving award from former Dubbo mayor Stephen Lawrence

As always, this conference was not just about recognition but also about encouraging connections, innovation, and growth in regional media. We left Dubbo feeling inspired and motivated to continue delivering the best possible content for our readers.