2025 Victorian Student Journalist of the Year, sponsored by Coles Group

Charlotte Wilkes, RMIT University/ABC News, “Allegations of sexual misconduct levelled at father-son Bowen therapists in Ballarat

Judges’ Citation:

Charlotte showed courage, initiative and persistence in breaking this difficult story which dealt with accusations by five women patients of misconduct by the two men who are still practising massage therapy in Ballarat.

Not only did she interview the women making the complaints but also the accused men, who deny the allegations.  Charlotte’s story displayed critical skills of news gathering, including tenacity, fairness and sensitivity.  

Highly Commended

Taylor Penny, Monash University/Herald Sun, “Gen Z shares regret at getting filler and botox at 18 years of age

Morgan Reinwald, University of Melbourne/Midland Express, “The government’s bitumen

Shortlisted

Emily Grace, LaTrobe College/Crikey, “In Pictures: The reality on the ground at Melbourne’s anti-immigration March for Australia


Student Journalist of the Year Honour Roll

 

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