September 23rd, 2025The Local shortlisted for awards

The Local has been shortlisted for two awards in the 2025 Victorian Country Press Awards.
Photographer Kyle Barnes has been shortlisted for Best News Story for his photo of The Barefoot Barber.

Jobbo, formally Neil Jobson but now mostly answering to just the nickname, has been known in the region for a long time as an artisan builder but like many people, wanted a change.
And it happened like magic. Jobbo popped into a barber in Daylesford for a haircut a few years back and was offered a job by the owner. Career change done.
Kyle said he had been involved in photography for 20 years with newspapers and magazines. “Sometimes it is a bit of a strain to tell a story in a photo. My job is photo-journalism, to beat the editorial team to the punch.
“Jobbo was the perfect subject for this photo shoot and I really enjoyed working with him. You can also catch the movie using the QR code – we had a bit of fun doing that.”
Meanwhile, editor Donna Kelly has been shortlisted for Best Editorial/Opinion. One of her submitted pieces was about the importance of breast checks, the other was looming council elections.
“I like to mix work and personal columns up a bit. I also think if you can get a service announcement across, like breast checks, then that is a good thing.
“It’s funny, I feel like I write my column for just a few friends, as if I was talking to them. Hopefully that comes across. No airs and graces, just me chatting.”
The awards will be announced at the VCPA Conference in Yarrawonga on Friday, October 24.