Journalism award win recognises impact of summer of disasters

Published on 21 October 2025

The winners of Queensland’s richest journalism awards have been announced, with first place going to a journalist who helped inform, reassure and rebuild communities hit hard across the state’s summer of disasters.

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) established the Bean Lockyer Ticehurst Award for Excellence in Regional Journalism to honour ABC cameraman John Bean, journalist Paul Lockyer and chopper pilot Gary Ticehurst, who tragically died in a helicopter crash while on assignment in 2011.

“The Bean Lockyer Ticehurst Award has again drawn high calibre entries covering issues of critical importance to communities - everything from natural disasters to insurance, to a forensic look at why a major dam needs to be rebuilt to a history of the iconic Mount Isa Rodeo - and from media organisations of all sizes,” LGAQ Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith said.

“Judging criteria includes newsworthiness, incisiveness, public benefit and impact on the understanding of the issues and challenges facing regional Queensland and this year’s entries again show how important is the doggedness and professionalism for which John, Paul and Gary were renowned.”

ABC Far North’s Adam Stephen has been named first prize winner for his sustained coverage of the natural disasters that smashed so much of Queensland this summer – both as they unfolded but continuing to check back in with communities to make sure none were left behind in the aftermath.

“From clearly communicating the information communities needed during the emergency when for some radio was their only lifeline, to interviewing mayors of impacted communities as the trusted and reliable voices of what was happening on the ground to dramatic rescue stories told by the people who were plucked from roofs lapping with floodwater, Adam’s work covered the full gamut of the weather emergency,” Ms Smith said.

“But just as importantly, when the media pack moved on as the waters subsided, Adam has continued to turn the focus back on those communities so none are left behind.”

Second place went to The Cape York Weekly’s Chisa Hasegawa and former editor Lyndon Keane for their determined and continued coverage of the freight costs hurting communities and businesses across their patch.

Third place went to The Australian’s team of Elodie Jakes, Mackenzie Scott and Jamie Walker for their coverage of the summer floods, particularly their focus on the “radar blackspot” communities have warned was risking lives and livelihoods – putting the issue on the agenda of the major parties during the unfolding Federal Election campaign.