General comments:

An extremely difficult task this year. This category attracted many high quality entries with very little separating those in the running. In judging the award I put myself in the position of the reader – what would I like to pick up and read and what would I get the most use out of as a consumer. The best entries used modern and crisp layout styles, strong photography, interesting editorials and plenty of well designed ads. Quality stock was also a feature of many of the entries.  

First: Yorke Peninsula Field Days Official Souvenir Guide (Yorke Peninsula Country Times)

This highly impressive 96-page official guide to the Yorke Peninsula Field Days is a publication that people would certainly keep as a souvenir. The publication is printed on extremely high-quality heavy gloss stock which adds to the shelf life of the product – adding value to advertisers and the event it promotes. The editorials and photography are excellent and all target the intended audience. Everything you need to know about the field days is contained in this guide. The well-designed layout makes the publication very easy to read. Advertising is strong but not overbearing as it would appeal to the reader’s interests. An extremely well produced publication. Well done to the team at Yorke Peninsula Country Times.          

Second: The Barossa Mag (The Leader)

A top quality publication that would be of strong interest to locals and tourists in and around the Barossa Valley and further afield. The 76-page Spring 2021 edition is filled with information on local events, stories on local people, well used large photos, strong advertising, recipes, local weddings, a book review and of course a wine review section. The publication uses white space extremely well and its modern layouts make the content very easy to consume. The publication is also supported by its own website, social media, EDM offering and now an e-Newsletter adding value for advertisers. Congratulations to the team at The Leader.

Third: Valley Magazine/Flinders Magazine (Plains Producer)

A massive effort by the team at Plains Producer to produce this back to back Valley and Flinders Magazine all in one. This 80-page combined magazine features modern layouts, strong editorial, creative and well used photography all backed up by strong advertising. The quality gloss stock makes the publication easy to read and adds to the shelf life of the magazine. The testimonials received by the publishers show this magazine has been well received by the communities it serves. I note a lot of passion and wine was required to produce this magazine and I can see why. Well done to the team at Plains Producer.      

Special Mention: South Australia’s Limestone Coast & South West Victoria 2021 Tourist Magazine (The Border Watch)

Printed on top quality gloss stock this 100-page publication would be a ‘bible’ for tourists visiting the area. The publication features large, detailed maps for towns in the area and interesting editorials to keep the reader informed. There are many things to see and do in the region and these are well covered in short, sharp paragraphs throughout the magazine. The magazine is well laid out and extremely well supported by advertisers. Great work by the team at The Border Watch.