Charmayne Allison of Shepparton News has won the 2020 The Father Bob Maguire Foundation Cobberwealth Award for Reporting on Social Inclusion Quill.

Her written features and accompanying podcasts addressed the topic of homelessness through evidence-based research and carefully reported cases. The judges described Allison's work as "great advocacy journalism, dealt with sensitively and highlighting the need for increased social housing in regional Victoria". 

The one-off award was established by Father Bob Maguire through his foundation, who has been providing services to the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in Inner City Melbourne for over 47 years. In supporting this one-off award, the Father Bob Maguire Foundation intended to recognise and encourage Victorian journalists to highlight the issues surrounding homelessness and social isolation with compassion and care. He was particularly keen to encourage work that reflects what Father Bob calls "the five C's that make a community: care, communication, concern, common sense and compassion".

Allison will receive a return ticket to San Francisco to visit with The Glide Foundation (COVID-19 permitting), who also create an inclusive community to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalisation. 

Judges' citation

Charmayne Allison’s series of articles and outstanding podcast covered the full spectrum of the causes and consequences of homelessness in regional Victoria, with meticulous attention to evidence based research.

This is great advocacy journalism, dealt with sensitively and highlighting the need for increased social housing in regional Victoria. A worthy winner of the Father Bob Maguire Foundation Cobberwealth Award, which recognizes and encourages reporting that contributes to social inclusion.

The winning entry

Homelessness: A 21st Century Tragedy, Shepparton News, 7 August 2020

Homelessness: A 21st century tragedy - Jayme’s story, Shepparton News, 7 August 2020

Homelessness: A 21st century tragedy - Scott’s story, Shepparton News, 7 August 2020

Highly commended

Luke Henriques-Gomes, Guardian Australia, The Jobless Older Women Languishing in Poverty

Other finalists

Anastasia Safioleas, The Big Issue, Santa’s Little Helpers

Please note: the above link/s may not comprise the entirety of an entry submitted for consideration.