The Corowa Free Press team had plenty to celebrate after claiming three awards and a highly commended honour at the 2026 Country Press NSW Awards of Excellence, held in Orange last Friday.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Free Press managing director Jared Loughnan said the results were a fantastic achievement for the small team.
“These awards, along with the highly commended recognition, highlight the talent, dedication and teamwork within our team,” Mr Loughnan said.
“Ian Johnson continues to develop his skills as a journalist, particularly his photography, and it is wonderful to see his work recognised.
“Winning an award for our 150th anniversary publication was especially pleasing, as its production involved several members of the team, including Megan Dunn, Robert ‘Moose’ Muir, myself and our talented creative designer Sandra Schaap.
“To pick up three of the 20 award categories was a great achievement for our team.”
The Free Press received the following awards, with judges praising the quality of its journalism, photography, design and special publications.
Winner – Best Human Interest or Rural Photo
Ian Johnson – ‘Watch Out I’m Coming Down’
Ian Johnson's photograph capturing a young billy cart competitor in action impressed judges with its timing and ability to capture a fleeting moment.
“The close-up shot of the expression on the child’s face in the billy cart is worth a thousand words,” the judges said.
“This image is a delight to look at, demonstrating the ability of the photographer to anticipate and bring to life a moment of animation that would be difficult to describe in words.”
Winner – Best Magazine or Special Publication
Corowa Free Press – 150th Anniversary Edition
Judges praised the commemorative publication for its comprehensive coverage of 150 years of community life, drawing on the newspaper's extensive archives.
“The winner provided comprehensive editorial and pictorial coverage of one and a half centuries, a decade at a time, of community life,” the judges said.
“Painstakingly researched from the newspaper’s own archives, a chronicle of people, businesses, families, events and times past.
“The publication is a true representation of its community for posterity, impressively printed on a heritage sepia-tinted stock.”
Winner – Best Front Page
Corowa Free Press, March 18, 2026.
The Free Press was also recognised for its front-page coverage of a contentious local issue involving the mayor, with judges commending both the reporting and presentation.
“Outstanding front page with a succinct report about a fence-sitting mayor on a contentious issue, why it was controversial, and an extraordinary outcome,” the judges said.
“Community feeling is reflected in the main photograph and insert photo.
“The page is well designed with all elements complementing one another. The essential information is reported, before readers are directed to the publication’s online address. Extra marks, too, for pointers.”
Highly Commended – Best News Photo
Ian Johnson – ‘Battle Goes Beyond Fires’
Johnson received further recognition in the Best News Photo category, earning a highly commended award for his image titled ‘Battle Goes Beyond Fires’.
Judges praised the photograph for its ability to reinforce an important public message.
“This picture punctuates a very important message to the public, with the subjects looking suitably impressed,” the judges said.
The three wins and highly commended recognition mark another proud achievement for the Corowa Free Press, highlighting the strength of regional journalism and the team's ongoing commitment to telling the stories of its community.
