The ABC's coverage of the collapse of Perth builder Nicheliving, dubbed WA's 'most vulnerable child' and the state's guardianship system, was among the award-winning journalism at the state's media awards. ABC Radio Perth Mornings' presenter Nadia Mitsopoulous and producer Alicia Hanson, along with Geof Parry from Seven West Media's 7 News, were named the West Australian journalists of the year for their reporting on the downfall of Nicheliving. The Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance's (MEAA) awards recognized their tenacious and courageous reporting, which held powerful figures to account, prompted government intervention, and led to legislative change. Their investigations and compelling use of their respective mediums achieved tangible outcomes and exemplified journalism in the public interest. The ABC's extensive coverage of the Nicheliving building crisis and its impact on customers was led by Hanson and Mitsopoulous, with Parry building on that in his reporting for 7 News, including a confrontation with one of the company's directors. Coverage of the 'Niche Nightmare' from Hanson and Mitsopoulous was also recognized through their award in the audio news story category. ABC Radio Perth's content director, Gianfranco Di Giovanni, took home the A.H Kornweibel Arts Prize, along with Angus Mackintosh, for their reporting on Australian game developers for Triple J's Hack. ABC Perth investigative reporter, Cason Ho, won the award for best feature photography or photographic essay for his work, 'Weaponising the State', which revealed how the guardianship system was being used against those it was meant to protect. ABC WA's Chief Reporter, Rhiannon Shine, won the science and environmental award for her story on ancient Aboriginal rock carvings on the Burrup Peninsula, highlighting concerns about industrial emissions interference. The ABC's Mya Kordic and Esse Deves won the legal affairs report award for their coverage of an 11-year-old boy, described by a West Australian magistrate as the 'state's most vulnerable child'. Kordic's reporting on the boy's release from custody and subsequent new charges revealed significant concerns for his well-being. The Kimberley team's 'Turning the Tide' won the top social equity report, recognizing their powerful piece on a men's behavioral change program in a region with severe family and domestic violence rates. ABC's Erin Parke was recognized for her regional and community reporting, and Charmayne Allison and Xavier Martin won the award for best multimedia feature for their story on the Pintupi Nine, a family group who lived in the harsh Gibson and Great Sandy deserts of WA. Andrew Williams took home the Eaves-Prior-Day Prize for new journalist or cadet, recognized for his reporting on the authorities' awareness of electronic monitoring limitations.
