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Celebrating regional newspapers

By Corowa Free Press

Oct 29, 2025

Noel Loughnan with his wife Pat, son Jared and Toni Loughnan after being awarded Life Membership of the NSW Country Press Association.

It was regional media’s night of nights on Friday when the NSW and Victorian Country Press Associations came together in Yarrawonga to recognise the cream of 158 member newspapers.

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The Free Press editor, Christine McKee was awarded NSW Journalist of the Year, and reporter Emma Prior won the Best News Story for her heartwarming story, ‘Lucky Phil’, which told how tennis player Phil Dryden was revived after collapsing on court with a heart attack.

Judge, and former Australian Country Press Association president, Andrew Manuel said her story was the standout winner from 27 entries.

“These stories prove regional newsrooms aren’t afraid to tackle tough, important issues,” Mr Manuel said.

“Emma’s story had the polish and power to grace any metro daily.

“It was heartwarming, well-structured, and engaging from start to finish.”

Mr Manuel also judged the Journalist of the Year award and said Christine’s three submissions showcased exceptional skill and versatility.

“All three pieces were well-written, with strong news hooks, even flow, and expert storytelling, making her a worthy winner of Journalist of the Year,” he said.

“Her flood planning exposé highlighted systemic failings and local economic impacts with strong accountability journalism.”

But in many ways, the night belonged to former Free Press owner and editor, 94-year-old Noel Loughnan, who was honoured with Life Membership to the NSW Country Press Association.

Mr Loughnan got his start in the newspaper industry at 15, with an apprenticeship in compositing and printing at the Yarrawonga Chronicle.

His father died the year he began his apprenticeship, and his mother four years later.

Even without the support of his parents, he served his community with dedication and distinction as newspaper editor, publisher and printer, an active member of Country Press NSW Inc, and as a lifelong community leader.

In 1962, at the age of 21 and with two partners, Mr Loughnan bought the Yarrawonga Chronicle where he was editor for 50 years.

In 1980, the Loughnan family bought the Corowa Free Press and remained the paper’s editor for the next 33 years.

As editor of both newspapers, his policy of firm leadership in community affairs ultimately led to being awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2014.

He is a Life Member of Apex, and was awarded Rotary’s highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship, three times.

One of his proudest editorial achievements came in 1990 when, as editor of the Corowa Free Press, he led and influenced a publicity campaign against a plan by the State and Federal governments to establish a toxic waste incinerator at Corowa.

Free Press editor, Christine McKee, former owner and editor of 33 years, Noel Loughnan, office administrator, Megan Dunn and reporter Emma Prior at last Friday’s combined NSW/Victoria Country Press Association news media awards.

When a rally of more than 6,000 Corowa and district residents opposed the proposal, the governments abandoned Corowa as a site.

Mr Loughnan remained an active member of both NSW and Victorian Country Press Association’s throughout his career and on Friday night, that dedication was returned to him before 170 guests.

Free Press managing director, Jared Loughnan said it was a proud moment to have Christine McKee (NSW Journalist of the Year) and Emma Prior (winner of NSW Best News Story) receive their awards in the presence of other team members at the combined NSW and Victorian Country Press Awards on Friday evening.

“Along with our many commended and highly commended mentions, these awards highlight the talent, dedication, and teamwork we have in our team,” Jared said.