Charmayne Allison of Shepparton News has won the 2020 The Father Bob Maguire Foundation Cobberwealth Award for Reporting on Social Inclusion Quill.
The one-off award was established by Father Bob Maguire through his foundation, who has been providing services to the most vulnerable and marginalised groups in Inner City Melbourne for over 47 years. In supporting this one-off award, the Father Bob Maguire Foundation intended to recognise and encourage Victorian journalists to highlight the issues surrounding homelessness and social isolation with compassion and care. He was particularly keen to encourage work that reflects what Father Bob calls "the five C's that make a community: care, communication, concern, common sense and compassion".
Allison will receive a return ticket to San Francisco to visit with The Glide Foundation (COVID-19 permitting), who also create an inclusive community to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalisation.
Judges' citation
This was a series of articles and an outstanding podcast that covered the full spectrum of the causes and consequences of homelessness. There was meticulous attention to evidence based research. This is a great advocacy piece dealt with sensitively and it highlighted the need for increased social housing in regional Victoria.
The winning entry
Homelessness: A 21st Century Tragedy, Shepparton News, 7 August 2020
Homelessness: A 21st century tragedy - Jayme’s story, Shepparton News, 7 August 2020
Homelessness: A 21st century tragedy - Scott’s story, Shepparton News, 7 August 2020
Highly commended
Luke Henriques-Gomes, Guardian Australia, The Jobless Older Women Languishing in Poverty
Other finalists
Anastasia Safioleas, The Big Issue, Santa’s Little Helpers
Please note: the above link/s may not comprise the entirety of an entry submitted for consideration.