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Help decide the 2021 People’s Choice Award for regional stories

Voting is now open to find the best Regional Showcase story of 2021.

Oct 01, 2021, updated Oct 01, 2021

This year, more than 100 Regional Showcase stories were published from every region of South Australia, covering everything from people starting new businesses to finding unique ways to help their communities.

20 stories have been selected as finalists for the People’s Choice Award, with the winner to be determined by public vote. Voting will close on 22 October.

Your vote will help recognise the achievements of individuals, groups and businesses that have made significant contributions to regional South Australia.

A key aspect of the Regional Showcase program is the ability for InDaily to reach out to more regional journalists to uncover stories and obtain insight into the lives of those living regionally – especially as regional media continues to shrink.

Regional journalist Gabrielle Hall, from the Mid-North, said it’s a privilege when people let her into a part of their lives and trust her to share an insight into their story.

“I’m passionate about rural and regional South Australia and feel it’s just so important to share the stories, innovation, resilience and forward thinking of our rural communities,” Hall said.

“I hope people read my stories and get a feeling of  being there, gain a little view of the country and a better understanding of some of the amazing people, initiatives and businesses driving our rural regions.”

Gabrielle’s passion is shared by Sabrina Davis from Kangaroo island, who said she enjoys the connection between people on the island.

“That sense of ‘we’re all in this together’ is very special and unique to the country and catches me in the heartstrings of each story I tell,” Davis said.

She said that the resilience of Kangaroo Islanders shone through in every story.

“No matter what life had thrown their way—fires, physical or mental illness, pandemics—these wonderful, hard-working people just picked themselves back up, rolled their sleeves up and ran towards a better future,” Davis said.

A recurring theme in many of this year’s stories was how communities dealt with the pandemic and the aftermath of bushfires, but other stories showcased the businesses and entrepreneurs simply having a go in the regions

Melissa Keogh, reporting on the Adelaide Hills and Barossa, said she doesn’t want these stories to be forgotten.

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“I want readers to remember these towns and communities next time they take a drive on a Sunday up to the Adelaide Hills or spend a weekend away in the Barossa or McLaren Vale. Remember to visit them, sample local products and indulge in local experiences,” Keogh said.

Gabrielle Duykers from Naracoorte, who also works for the local Naracoorte Community News, said she takes great pleasure in reporting on the hard work and persistence of the quiet achievers who try and make their communities a better place.

“Regional stories help foster a greater understanding of the many challenges associated with living in a non-urban environment and give readers an insight into the continuous efforts of passionate locals pushing for better services and overall quality of life in their regions,” Duykers said.

“I would like to think my stories inspired readers by illustrating just how powerful small communities can be when they work together to drive change.”

The People’s Choice Award will be announced at the Regional Showcase Celebration Evening on Friday 19 November at the Adelaide Hills Convention Centre.

Other awards that will be presented on the night include:

  • Regional Resilience: presented by the Government of South Australia
  • Community Empowerment: presented by SA Power Networks
  • Industry Skills: presented by TAFE SA
  • Business Innovation: presented by NBN Co
  • Meaningful Connections: presented by Seniors Card
  • Lifelong Learning: presented by UniSA

The 2021 Agricultural Town of the Year Award will also be announced on the night.

Tickets to the awards night, which include a seated dinner with local wines, beer and soft drinks as well as live music from Dan Cameron, go on sale today.

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