A moving, deeply researched and compelling story about the femicide crisis among First Nations women has won the prestigious Gold Quill at the Melbourne Press Club’s 28th Quill awards.
Gold Quill judges praised the ABC Four Corners and ABC News reportage from Bridget Brennan, Brooke Fryer, Suzanne Dredge and Stephanie Zillman for its depth of research and sensitive storytelling.
Judges highlighted how the reporting led to a national conversation and changes in the way domestic violence prevention and treatment is handled.
The program, entitled “How many more?’’ also won the Quill for Excellence in Indigenous Affairs Reporting, sponsored by the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporations.
At the centre of the story was extensive research which put names and faces to hundreds of women who have either gone missing, been murdered or killed in suspicious circumstances since 2000.
The Quill Awards is the annual celebration of excellence in Victorian journalism. This year featured a record number of entries across 31 categories, reflecting the breadth, depth and excellence of the state’s journalism during 2022.
See all 28th Quill Awards winners
See photos from the 28th Quill Awards Dinner
Perkin and Gordon winners announced
Hedley Thomas of The Australian was named the 2022 Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year for coverage of the criminal justice system.
Through his investigation into the 2013 murder of Shandee Blackburn, Hedley uncovered failures in DNA testing. His work forced the Queensland government to set up a commission of inquiry, which has resulted in a major overhaul of the lab, and the re-opening of cold cases.
2022 also saw the culmination of Hedley Thomas' years-long investigation into the 1982 murder of Lynette Dawson, with her former husband Chris convicted of Lyn's murder. All of this has been reporting in the fine Perkin tradition.
Find out more and hear Hedley's speech
Konrad Marshall was named the 2022 Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year for a diverse portfolio showcasing exemplary story-telling skills across multiple platforms.
Konrad travelled widely to gain exclusive interviews and revelations about Australia’s sporting elite - Ben Simmons and Peter Bol, AFL umpires, indigenous rodeo riders - and engaged with former AFL star cum transgender advocate Danielle Laidley to construct her life story.
His impressive suite of original, well-structured stories combined front-line reporting with keen third-eye analysis, memorable lines, subtle humour and a sensitivity to his subjects and locales.
Find out more and hear Konrad's speech
Student Journalist of the Year
RMIT student Thomas Monaghan won the 2022 MPC Student Journalist of the Year Award for 'The rise of the creator'.
Judges commended Thomas' fresh, highly original news feature looking into the lives of gay males in the adult entertainment world.
Find out more