Glasshouse Country & Maleny News and The Sentinel are celebrating a standout result at the 2026 Queensland Country Press Awards, taking home multiple honours that reflect both strong audience growth and the trust of local advertisers after more than 40 years serving the community.
GC&M News took out Best Online Digital, coinciding with the masthead surpassing 27,000 Facebook followers last week.
Judges praised the publication’s “excellent, dynamic strategies”, highlighting the innovative use of social media, behind-the-scenes printing videos, personalised journalist updates and the seamless integration between print and digital platforms.
The judges noted the publication’s approach to storytelling was “smart and novel”, particularly the way social media content complemented the traditional newspaper product while keeping readers connected to local stories. The awards also recognised the strength of the company’s advertising and commercial campaigns, with Glasshouse Country & Maleny News winning Best Printed House Advertisement for the “Let Us Be Your Billboard” campaign and Best One-Off or Regular Print Commercial Feature for Young Guns in Business.
Judges described the billboard campaign as “clever”, “compelling” and impossible to ignore, while Young Guns in Business was praised as an “outstanding example” of impactful advertising that successfully connected with younger business owners.
The team also secured placings for major community campaigns, including the Beerwah Co-op public meeting campaign and the Maleny Farm Fest promotion, with judges recognising the masthead’s “respect and influence” within the community.
The Sentinel also earned recognition with third place in Best Editorial Campaign for its coverage of the lack of on-site hospital doctors in Kilcoy, with judges praising the campaign’s “clear, tangible outcomes”.
GC&M News Deputy Editor, Sonia Isaacs also picked up second place for Best Short Form Video featuring the Twinnies.
“The interview drove strong engagement, showing how local papers can remain relevant,” judges wrote. “A fun, high-impact entry that balances humour and audience appeal.”
Editor Mitch Gaynor said the awards reinforced the value of trusted local journalism.
“These awards show our readers are engaged, our advertisers are seeing results and local journalism remains incredibly important in our communities,” he said.
