Joint Media Release – Australia’s best health journalism recognised

Medicines Australia Chief Executive Dr Brendan Shaw today congratulated Sonya Pemberton, of Pemberton Films, on winning the 2011 National Press Club Health Journalist of the Year Award.

Ms Pemberton was named as one of the four category winners for the story “Immortal”, made by Melbourne production company December Media with Pemberton Films. Her prize as overall winner is an international study tour with a focus on the health industry.

The Awards were presented at the Address by Health Minister Nicola Roxon at the National Press Club today.

“I congratulate Sonya and all the category winners,” Dr Shaw said.

“Australia is well served by an especially high standard in health journalism and Medicines Australia is very pleased to continue its support for these prestigious awards.”

National Press Club President Laurie Wilson also thanked Medicines Australia as Awards Principal sponsor, NAB Health, Telstra Health and VISA as supporting sponsors.

The full list of winners is:

BEST NEWS FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

Health, Health Sciences or Innovation

Winner – Dr Maryanne Demasi, ABC TV Catalyst – ‘Corneal Stem Cells – Window to the Eye’

Highly Commended – Jill Margo, AFR – ‘Why are we taking so much Vitamin D’

BEST DOCUMENTARY OR DOCUMENTARY SERIES

Health, Health Science or Innovation
Winner – Sonya Pemberton , December Media & Pemberton Films – ‘Immortal”

Highly Commended – Ellen Fanning, 60 Minutes – ‘Getting the Point’

BEST FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

Health Policy, Health Economics and Health Business

Winner – Les Pearson, Riverland Weekly – ‘Yuendumu’ series

Winner – Paul Smith, Australian Doctor – ‘AMI impotency clinics’ series

BEST NEWS FEATURE / ARTICLE OR PRESENTATION

For reporting on Health, Health Science or Innovation directed to medical professionals

Winner – Peter Waterman, Australian Pharmacist – ‘Even Accidental Counsellors Have to be Brave’ 

HEALTH JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the most outstanding entry among the winners of the previous four categories

Sonya Pemberton – December Media & Pemberton Films – ‘Immortal”

–ENDS–

Contact Person:

Maurice Reilly
Ph: +61 2 61212152 (direct)
Mob: +61 0415 738 473
Email: ceo@npc.org.au