The Addy was recognised during the 2017 photography and journalism awards night at Showtime Events Centre on Friday.

The judges noted the Bendigo Advertiser was a fierce advocate for its community, and challenged its readers.

“The paper always stands behind its decisions that some find controversial. The depth and the quality of its journalism and the creativity of its design is a feature of both the printed paper and online.

“It has clearly worked hard to create not just a presence but a relationship with the Bendigo community.’’

Australian Community Media Victorian group managing editor, Andrew Eales, said the Addy continued to be a thought leader in the Bendigo community and a leader in telling stories in ways which directly served readers.

“This award is deserved recognition for the incredible work of the editorial team,’’ he said.

The judges also noted the Addy’s extensive real time coverage of the central Victorian floods.

Individual journalists and photographers were also commended for their outstanding coverage of regional journalism.

Adam Holmes was commended by the judges in the journalist of the year category for a significant portfolio of work, including a series on the difficulties women face trying to access abortion in Bendigo.

Photographer Glenn Daniels was highly commended for an image of Marilyn in Bendigo, and commended in the photographer of the year category.

Mark Kearney was highly commended for his sport report: The club that said I do to marriage equality. Kearney was also highly commended for his digital piece Mass of Memory: music heals battle scars.

Bendigo Advertiser editor Nicole Ferrie said the newsroom remained focused on covering issues that were important to our community.

“We make a difference so often, as does every community news organisation across the state. 

“That’s the important role we have as the Bendigo Advertiser.’’

Australian Community Media’s #homesafe series was recognised with the best campaign award.