Helensburgh NSW 2508
Illawarra News Awards 2013
Last updated 7 July 2026
This is an archived notice kept for historical reference. Details may be out of date — see linked guide pages for current information.
Archived report — June 2026
This article covers the inaugural Illawarra News Awards, held in June 2013 at the University of Wollongong. Preserved as a historical record of local journalism and community advocacy in the Illawarra.
Ian Piggott attended the inaugural Illawarra News Awards 2013 at the University of Wollongong. The SMART building was packed to capacity — and then some — when proceedings kicked off around 6pm.
Quick facts
On the night
The opening presentation by top students on media ownership and monopolisation was exposing and blunt, but highly entertaining and informative. Many in the crowd were nodding in agreement with the points raised.
President Bob Wheway did a great job on the microphone and carrying the event along. Walkley Award winner Debra Jopson then gave a keynote on the plight of Indigenous Australia’s lack of voice and representation in the Australian media.
Ian met many kind and friendly people and wished he could have met more. It was a great turnout — thank you to everyone who said kind words and gave their time.
Award winners
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| People’s Choice Award | Barbara Cattunar |
| Community Advocate Award | Adam Bonner |
| Journalism & Media Advocacy | Graeme Gibson |
| Outstanding Elected Councillor | Cr Peter Moran |
| Panel’s Commendation — Community Democracy & Leadership in Local Government | Cr Greg Petty |
Congratulations to all winners on well-deserved recognition.
On a personal note, Ian thanked Robert Carr for a nomination in the Journalism & Media Advocacy category. It was an honour to be included alongside such amazing people.
Photos
Related pages
Sources: Illawarra News (2013 finalists announcement); original report by Ian Piggott, June 2013.