Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck has congratulated all 14 winners of the 2021 Sport Australia Media Awards.
Now in their 20th year, the awards recognise excellence in sports journalism, broadcasting and production and are the only dedicated sports media awards in Australia.
“Whether it’s covering the local competition or reporting from the world’s biggest sporting events, the media play a crucial role in telling stories and inspiring all Australians to get active,” Minister Colbeck said.
“As we continue to recover from the impacts of the pandemic, I am delighted to be able to reflect and celebrate the hard work and wonderful sporting stories that have been told in the past 12 months.”
“The finalists and winners again highlighted some of the key and important issues and moments in sport of the past year.”
Mr Colbeck paid tribute to Mike Sheahan who was awarded the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Sports Journalism.
Mr Sheahan was recognised for his lengthy and influential career as a sports journalist and writer having dedicated 40 years of his career to covering AFL.
He spent 20 years as chief football writer for The Herald Suns and won dozens of major Australian football media awards across all categories – news breaking, features and columns as well as writing two books.
“Mike has had an incredible media career spanning decades and is a worthy recipient of this year’s Lifetime Achievement award,” Minister Colbeck said.
“On top of his written work, he became a regular radio and television personality including 11-years hosting his own talk show Open Mike on Fox Footy, with his contribution to the game duly recognised having been made a life member of the AFL and having the media centre at AFL House in Melbourne named after him.”
Minister Colbeck also extended his congratulations to the journalists, producers, photographers and podcasters recognised as finalists across the 12 award categories.
“The incredible performances at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics topped what was a huge year in Australian sport in 2021.
“The work done in elevating issues of national interest and telling personal stories encourages Australians of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get involved in sport.”
Mr Colbeck said the Australian Government is committed to supporting the sector as it recovers from COVID-19 and as momentum builds ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Sport has the power to drive positive social change and help all Australians lead happier, healthier lives. Thank you to everyone who entered this year’s Sport Australia Media Awards and for your continued support of Australian sport.”