An article by Krista Schade described as a powerful and courageous piece of journalism has won a national award.

Australia’s largest association of independent news publishers acknowledged the very best of the best at the Country Press Australia national awards in Adelaide last month, with The Riverine Grazier story, Explosive Allegations winning the Best Story category.

The judges said the article was a reminder of the challenges a local paper can sometimes face when reporting on a significant story unfolding in their own back yard.

The article, which appeared on the front page of The Riverine Grazier on October 25, 2023 reported on the serious allegations the owners of Gundaline Station were facing from former employees about their management practices.

These were particularly in relation to staffing and biosecurity measures which were strenuously denied.

The Sturt Highway property was purchased by Chinese company, Smart Shirts through its subsidiary, Ausuntech Pty Ltd in January 2023.

Finalists in the Country Press Australia awards were drawn from the reigning winners of relevant categories from awards nights held in 2024 by state associations in South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales, with more than 240 papers eligible to enter.

The 2025 CPA national awards will be announced at the joint VCPA/CountryPress NSW conference on Friday, October 24 in Yarrawonga.