16 September 2021
The Diocese of Broken Bay’s quarterly magazine, Broken Bay News, has taken out the top award at the 2021 Australasian Catholic Press Association Awards. This is only the second time Broken Bay News has won this prestigious award, the first time was in 2004.
The Bishop Philip Kennedy Memorial Trophy is awarded to the publication that wins either one of two awards: Best Print Publication or Best Online Publication.
Broken Bay News was awarded Best Print Publication after judges commented that it was a very engaging publication and an outstanding contribution to the Catholic media landscape in Australia and New Zealand. It also won the Most Improved Publication award.
In February 2020 a redesign was undertaken to modernise Broken Bay News, inspired by having a new Bishop, in a new year, in a new decade. Previously a glossy A4 magazine, BBN is now printed on uncoated stock, giving it a recycled feel. The magazine has also changed tack with content, with more editorial features and longer articles, and the use of large photos to fill the pages.
"I am very proud to accept this award of behalf of the team at Broken Bay News," said Melissa Loughlin, Editor of the magazine. "Special credit is to be given to our Graphic Designer Edward Baricevic, who redesigned and reimagined the magazine in early 2020. I would also like to thank the regular contributors to BBN, as well as Bishop Anthony Randazzo for his support."
The awards were held on Wednesday 15 September via ZOOM after the annual ACPA Conference was cancelled for the second year due to COVID-19 state lockdowns.
ACPA President Neil Helmore said the awards are an opportunity for the Catholic Media to celebrate the outstanding contribution organisations make to the Catholic Church in Australia.
“Catholic media in Australia continues to strive to lift up the Church and celebrate the diversity and mission through dedicated and talented journalists, photographers and designers that make up the Catholic Press,” Mr Helmore said.
“I take this opportunity to also thank all the judges and ACPA Committee members for continuing to provide this opportunity to celebrate members achievements during this difficult period,” he said.
Judges’ comments for the Bishop Philip Kennedy Award noted that Broken Bay News offers an outstanding contribution to Catholic media landscape in Australia with a publication that effectively integrates strong feature writing, newsworthy content, contemporary design and compelling typography.
“This leads to a highly engaging and effective communication vehicle that helps readers become immersed in the faith and life of a local diocesan community” the judges noted.
Other award winners included the Archdiocese of Perth eRecord for Best Online Publication, The Catholic Weekly for best Advertising feature, The Well from the Diocese of Paramatta for Best Use of Digital Media, the Diocese of Wollongong for Best Layout & Design – Website and The Majellan for Best Layout & Design – Publication.