Kangaroo Island-based journalist Stan Gorton may not have won a Walkley, but he’s a winner in the eyes of the Island community.

The Islander’s sole journalist was nominated for the 2020 Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism  - one of the highest honours for members of the Australian media - for his extensive coverage of the KI bushfires.

The awards were announced online last Friday (20 November). The eventual winner of Stan’s category, ‘Coverage of a major event or issue’, was the ABC, also for its bushfire coverage.

Stan took to Facebook following the announcement.

“Thanks everyone for your wonderful support,” he posted.

“I’m happy I did the best on my little patch and only entered myself because of the support and feedback I received from my community. 

“The nomination is accolade enough!”

Stan also paid tribute to the ABC, saying, “I’ve always supported the need for a truly independent, publicly funded national broadcaster”.

The post received 114 comments, including praise from Kangaroo Island and mainland community members, former Kangaroo Island journalist Sue Rawkins, other South Australian journalists and local Member for Mawson which covers the Kangaroo Island region, Leon Bignell.

“Great work Stan,” Leon wrote.

“You did such an amazing job for Kangaroo Island during the bushfires and you have continued that work ever since. 

“Despite the paper’s owners moving you to a work from home model you haven’t missed a beat. 

“Thank you for everything you do for the place you so proudly call home.”