The Diocese of Parramatta has won two awards at the 2021 Australasian Catholic Press Association (ACPA) Awards on Wednesday 15 September.
The Diocese of Parramatta’s online resource hub The Well claimed the ‘Best Use of Digital Media’ category, and one of its feature programs My Journey, Our Journey claimed ‘Best Content – Social Justice’.
The judges described The Well as “a distinctive and engaging digital resource in the Catholic community. [It] offers an innovative way to present formation material around key themes of life and faith, making it an ideal example of digital media use in service of the New Evangelisation.”
In their comments on My Journey, Our Journey, which has received international acclaim from Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano, the judges praised the “well-produced” series of short films that document the stories of refugees and migrants, including Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta.
“The series attracted international media attention and invited viewers to consider the Christian call to welcome, protect, promote and integrate migrants and refugees.”
Broken Bay News claims top prize
The Diocese of Broken Bay’s quarterly, Broken Bay News, took out the top gong at the awards – The Bishop Philip Kennedy Memorial Trophy – which 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.
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 Diocese of Wollongong for Best Layout & Design – Website and The Majellan for Best Layout & Design – Publication.
The Diocese of Parramatta’s ACPA award-winning series My Journey, Our Journey can be viewed here on The Well.
The Well, the Diocese of Parramatta’s ‘on demand’ streaming site and online resource hub launched last year, is still providing inspiring and spiritually encouraging resources for those in lockdown. Check it out at www.thewell.org.au
With thanks to the Australasian Catholic Press Association.
