Bendigo Advertiser deputy editor Nicole Ferrie has won an Eliminating Violence Against Women Award for her work raising awareness of domestic violence in the community.
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Ferrie won the best news report in print award for her series Real Action Needed.
Age journalist Ben Schneiders was also a finalist for his series Domestic Violence Leave Surges.
Sunday Age journalist Nicole Brady won the Gold EVA Award for best media across categories.
Minister for Health, Community Services and Disability Services and Reform Mary Wooldridge presented the awards during a ceremony at Arts Centre Melbourne Friday night.
Professionals from more than 130 Victorian and national organisations, including media, judiciary, Victoria Police, the state and federal governments, community services and businesses, as well as women who have experienced violence attended.
The judges' remarks said Ferrie "covers an enormous ground in a series of three articles which are succinct and non repetitive".
"The series consistently links back to the need and real possibility for social change, calling government and community to account for their responsibility in ending violence," the comments say.
"The pieces give critical and practical information to the community including listing types of violence, avenues for support, and behaviours of perpetrators – in particular the excuses made for violence.
Each piece successfully frames a local issue into a broader state and global context, and includes statistics and reputable spokespersons."
The awards' judging panels include representatives from the media industry and the broader community, and experts from the violence against women, family violence and sexual assault sectors.
Keynote speaker Professor Larissa Behrendt, director of research at Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, recognised the importance of the EVAs at the ceremony.
“This year’s EVAs provided a great opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions by media. These contributions are essential in raising the community awareness needed to confront violence against women,” Professor Behrendt said.
Minister Wooldridge praised all EVA Award winners.
"I congratulate all the winners for the great work they have done to improve community awareness, and to challenge all of us to take greater responsibility for reducing violence against women," she said.
Domestic Violence Victoria chief executive officer Fiona McCormack praised the winners and thanked all finalists and attendees for the overwhelming support the EVAs had received.
“This is an incredibly important event and we are thrilled to have had the support of the media, the Victorian Government, and all of our guests.
"This event will continue to grow and we hope to see ongoing and increased discussion on the causes and devastating impact of violence against women throughout 2013 and beyond,” Ms McCormack said.
Read Ferrie's award-winning articles:
