Over the weekend I attended the 2016 conference for the Community Newspapers of Victoria (CNAV).

The Community Newspaper Association of Victoria (CNAV) is the peak body representing not-for-profit community newspapers across Victoria. The Blackwood Times has maintaind membership since it began publishing as Blackwood News in 2007.

CNAV works actively with its members to enhance the capacity and standing of community newspapers, to enable them to fully realise their vital role in communities.

This year, we were honoured to be finalists in not 1 but 2 categories.

finalist in CNAV 2016 awards

Best community content – Finalist

This category recognises the breadth and depth of community news publishing. The judges will be looking for a publication which understands and reflects its community.

The Blackwood Times

The Blackwood Times is a great newsletter that reflects the wonderful character and spirit of the town it represents. A fascinating and fun publication to read.

This is the award I covert as it is really what The Blackwood TImes is all about. Our diverse community contributions capture the unique nature of our village & surrounds. Each & every article, letter, photo & advertisement make up the whole & as editor, my role is simply to curate & collate what is given to me. So this award goes, not to the Times, but to the community. Congratulations.

Check out AprilMay16 issue to see what the fuss is about. The featured story by Margaret McCarthy uncovers the world of the mine shaft explorers.

finalist in CNAV 2016 awards

Best history story – Finalist

Community newspapers are renowned for their coverage of local histories. The history story is a narrative style story documenting an aspect of the region’s history. It might be about a person, a building, an aspect of the region’s character, or a particular occasion in the history of the town.

The Blackwood Times

‘Cyclone Pat runs out of puff’

I was tossing up between a few articles for this position but I kept coming back to a story and obituary on Pat Liffman of Barry’s Reef. She was a community activist  who involved herself in ‘just about every aspect of Blackwood Society’.

Firstly, Pat is an interesting subject who led an interesting life and this article made me want to know more about her.

Secondly, Pat is an example of a ‘new comer’ moving into an area and deciding to get involved and make a positive contribution to the town and I like people like that.

See the full artocle in JunJul16 issue. Thank you Shane Skanlan for contributing this inspiring story which captured Pat’s whily spirit perfectly.