Publication
Canberra Times
Year
2020
Category
Young Journalist of the Year Awards
Coverage of community and regional affairs
Sherryn Groch is a journalist at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald — currently hunkered down in Melbourne covering the coronavirus pandemic in depth as National Explainer Reporter. Previously, she reported on education, social affairs and crime for The Canberra Times, where she also worked as a digital producer. Her investigations into homelessness, school violence and the NDIS have sparked government inquiries and won awards (and her investigations into feral peacocks and dogs with diplomatic immunity have helped solve local mysteries).
Judges’ comments:
“This meticulous investigation demonstrated determined reporting and courageous storytelling. Groch has built significant trust with a wide range of sources, allowing her to shine a light on a toxic culture that was hurting a school community. These pieces were extensively researched and highly engaging. It’s a fine example of journalism holding the powerful to account, on behalf of those who’ve suffered in silence.”