Rural
8 September, 2026
Wimmera Mallee News shines at awards
THE Wimmera Mail-Times was among the commended entries at the 60th Rural Press Club of Victoria’s annual awards last Friday, held at Melbourne Town Hall.
RPCV president Kellie Lazzaro said more than 130 people attended the milestone dinner, with the organisation again having “championed the vital work of rural and regional journalists and photographers”.
“The breadth and calibre of entries this year showcased the strength of regional journalism and the essential role newsrooms play in informing and representing regional communities,” she said.
The awards received 200 entries from across 60 newsrooms in rural and regional Victoria, with categories including news, sport, and agribusiness, as well as individual journalists and photographers recognised for work published in the 2025/26 year.
The Mail-Times was shortlisted for the prestigious ‘Media Outlet of the Year’ and received a commendation amid competition from Goulburn Murray and the Geelong Advertiser, with The Warragul & Drouin Gazette winning.
“To be shortlisted for Media Outlet of the Year is a tremendous recognition of the work our team puts in every week," editor Ben Fraser said.
“This commendation belongs to the entire Mail-Times team.
“We work incredibly hard to tell the stories that matter to people across the Wimmera.”
Senior journalist Mark Rabich received a high commendation in the ‘Best On-Farm Story’ category for a visit to Paradoo Prime owner Tim Leeming’s property to talk about water management, the autumn break and his recent years’ adjustment of lambing timing.
“It was actually a bit of a last-minute job – the original farmer I had lined up to talk to cancelled with the deadline looming,” Mark said.
“I sent out an urgent text to the Harrow café owner – she puts together the local newsletter – and she put me onto Tim.
“He was happy for me to visit at short notice and great to talk to – relaxed, articulate and knowledgeable – and made it easier to write something interesting. It all worked out much better than I expected given the circumstances.”
The category was won by Ted O’Connor of ABC News, with the story "Drought Innovation in Hamilton."
Ms Lazzaro noted the wide range of subjects covered in the entries, from hospital system failures to agricultural innovation and migrant worker exploitation. She acknowledged the judges’ efforts in making their decisions.
“The club extends its heartfelt thanks to the 35 media professionals from across Australia who generously donated their time, dedication, and industry expertise to judge this year’s awards,” she said.
The full list of winners and commendations can be found online at bit.ly/4qVDCcl.