Hannah Kennell of The Age and The Mansfield Courier, has won the Coverage of Women in Sport Quill, sponsored by Big Ant Studios, with “‘There’s nowhere for them to go’: When girls are booted out of football”

Judges’ citation:

This entry demonstrated excellent journalism through extensive research, data collection and interviews with a commitment to amplify voices of women in sport that are not often considered in mainstream media—women in regional and rural areas.

The journalist expertly managed multiple voices in the story to amplify the perspectives and experiences of many people the issue impacts while maintaining a clear and compelling narrative through strong writing. The judges consider it an impressive and important skill to be able to feature so many perspectives in one piece and is a testament not only to the writing, but the work the journalist did to build relationships with people from remote areas and gain their trust to tell their story. The result is a powerful piece of journalism that draws attention to an under-reported issue impacting many women in country sport that now has a platform through the publication of this piece.

Highly Commended: 

Tom Stayner, SBS World News, “The inspiring Afghan Taekwondo athletes kicking down doors”

Jeremy Story Carter, ABC News, “She can play”

Shortlisted:

Marnie Vinall, The Age, “‘I was in so much pain’: The unspoken ‘big issue’ affecting women athletes”