Melbourne-based journalists have been recognized for their impactful work at the 31st annual Quill Awards, presented Friday night. Among the honorees were sports writer Jonathan Horn and photographer Chris Hopkins, both working with Guardian Australia, celebrated for their distinct contributions to the field. The awards, hosted by the Melbourne Press Club, highlight excellence in Victorian journalism across a wide range of categories, with Guardian Australia receiving a total of eight nominations.
Horn received the 2026 award for best sports feature for his series, “Mourning Three Beloved Footballers.” The series delved into the profound impact of loss within the Australian Football League (AFL) community, examining the connection between life, mortality, and the sport’s enduring appeal. Judges praised the work as a “powerful deep dive” into a difficult subject, noting its sensitive and insightful approach to grief and remembrance within the context of a beloved national pastime. This recognition underscores the growing appreciation for sports journalism that extends beyond game coverage to explore the human stories that shape the athletic world.
Equally compelling was the work of photographer Chris Hopkins, whose images documenting the life of Kathy Rieger as she cared for her son Steven earned him the award for best features photograph. Hopkins’ series, “Kathy’s Last Wish,” captured the raw intimacy, love, and resilience of a mother facing a terminal illness while dedicating herself to her son’s well-being. The judges lauded the series for its ability to convey the “intimacy, the love, beauty, pathos and patience” inherent in such a deeply personal and challenging situation. The powerful imagery serves as a poignant reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Beyond Sports: Recognizing Investigative and Indigenous Affairs Reporting
The Quill Awards as well honored journalists for their work in investigative reporting and coverage of Indigenous affairs. Robyn Riley of the Herald Sun took home the Gold Quill, the night’s top prize, for her reporting on an IVF mix-up that resulted in a woman unknowingly giving birth to another’s child. Adele Ferguson of ABC News was named the 50th Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year for her investigative work exposing failures within Australia’s childcare system. These awards highlight the critical role journalism plays in holding institutions accountable and shedding light on issues of public importance.
Guardian Australia also received recognition for its coverage of Indigenous issues. Courts and justice reporter Nino Bucci, along with deputy picture editor Blake Sharp-Wiggins, were highly commended for their story, “The killing of Kumanjayi Walker.” The story examined the circumstances surrounding the death of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu, a remote community in the Northern Territory, and raised questions about justice and accountability in Indigenous affairs. This acknowledgement underscores the importance of continued reporting on issues affecting First Nations communities.
A Night of Recognition for Veteran and Emerging Journalists
The Melbourne Press Club’s Quill Awards also celebrated long-standing contributions to the field. Former ABC journalist Heather Ewart received the press club’s lifetime achievement award, recognizing her distinguished career as a political reporter, overseas correspondent, and presenter of the “Backroads” program. Selina Zhang, of 9News, was named young journalist of the year, signaling the future of Australian journalism is in capable hands. These awards acknowledge the dedication and expertise of journalists at all stages of their careers.
Other notable nominations for Guardian Australia included Ben Smee’s “Broken Trust” series, a two-year investigation into the handling of domestic violence cases in Queensland, and Petra Stock’s reporting on a controversial domestic violence study involving animal experimentation. Ranjana Srivastava, a Guardian columnist, was nominated for her commentary on palliative care, demonstrating the breadth of quality journalism produced by the organization. Ellen Smith, an assistant picture editor and photographer at Guardian Australia, received a highly commended award for her portrait of Martu man Neil Bidu in Parnpajinya, Western Australia.
Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to Quality Journalism
The 2026 Quill Awards demonstrate a continued commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in Australian journalism. As the media landscape evolves, the importance of rigorous reporting, impactful storytelling, and ethical journalism remains paramount. The awards serve as a reminder of the vital role journalists play in informing the public, holding power accountable, and fostering a more just and equitable society. The Melbourne Press Club will continue to accept nominations for the 2027 awards in the coming months, providing a platform for journalists to showcase their work and contribute to the ongoing conversation about the future of news.
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