Three cheers for The Leader at Country Press SA Awards

It was a night of wins for country newspapers and regional journalism on Friday at the Hilton Adelaide, with the annual Country Press SA Awards celebrating the best in the industry for the year 2025. 

The Leader and its sister paper, The Southern Argus, were well represented and praised across multiple categories, with The Leader achieving three wins, as well as being named third best country newspaper in South Australia. 

"It is a true old-fashioned newspaper that continues to service its communities very well," said Best Newspaper judge, Chris Coote.

"There are many, many news, community news and sport stories accompanied by local photos."

Journalist Matt Webster was awarded Best News Photograph for his image, “We Lost Everything”, which appeared on the front page of the July 2, 2025 edition.

Judge, Sean McGowan commended Matt for his composition, vital visual storytelling, use of lighting and unusual angle, labelling it "innately dramatic and the standout Best News Photograph for 2025".

Matt was also awarded third place for Best Road Safety Reporting, for his July 23, 2025 front page coverage of a crash at the intersection of Stockwell Road and Penrice Road, entitled "Not again".

Senior journalist, Mel Jaunay was  recognised, winning Best Community Profile for her January 15, 2025 article, "Oh we've loved to have a beer with Maxy!", a tribute to retiring Truro publican, Max Wilson, "told with strong narrative control and character detail", according to judge Andrew Ward.

Mel was runner-up in the Excellence in Journalism category for her reporting on domestic violence in "The devil she knows", July 2, 2025.

The Leader won Best Advertisement Image/Branding, under the direction of Darren Robinson, for its Rehn Bier Christmas campaign.

Judge, Mark Clemow described it as "fresh, relevant, and confident, making a clear statement about the client’s belief in the strength and effectiveness of their local newspaper".

In addition to the formalities of the awards, Premier Peter Malinauskas, and Leader of the Opposition, Ashton Hurn, who both attended the evening, matched pledges of a significant contribution to the long term financial sustainability of regional newspapers – support which Country Press SA has long been advocating for.

The Leader’s Darren Robinson was acknowledged for his seven year contribution as President of Country Press SA, officially handing the reins over to SA Today’s Renee Bennett.

"It was another wonderful year of success for The Leader, reflected at the awards on Friday evening," said The Leader editor, Melissa Siri. 

"These awards cement four consecutive years of top three placement for the newspaper, reflecting a solid team effort from every section of the team and a dedication to excellence for our community.

"A special mention to Matt Webster and Mel Jaunay for their award-winning entries, and to newspaper director Darren Robinson – not only for his success at the awards, but for his commitment to Country Press SA over a sustained period of rapid change in our industry."