When NSW was suffering an extremely intense fire season in 2013 the impact was felt at a local level. Volunteer fire fighters from Wingham were deployed across the State and the community found itself under serious threat of bush fire. 

The Wingham Chronicle launched a campaign that not only raised fire and safety awareness by giving practical information to the community, it also raised money for the local RFS.

The Fire Awareness Campaign kicked off with a four page wrap on October 30, and 17 local businesses supported the feature by booking a monthly advertisement for three months.

Conducted over the three months of October, November and December the articles provided information on preparing your home for bush fire, safety in storms, grass fires, the effects on children during the bushfire season and the importance of a survival plan.

On December 13, the Chronicle's sales representative Elaine Turner proudly presented the local RFS fire unit, Wallaby Joe with a cheque for $765.

The Wingham Chronicle and its fire awareness campaign is a finalist in the Best Feature / Supplement / Native Advertising Environment category for a regional newspaper. Other finalists in the category include the larger mastheads of the Newcastle Herald and The Land.

There were more than 450 entries in the awards from as far north as Singapore and across the Pacific islands.

Winners will be announced at a special function at The Establishment, George Street, Sydney, on August 20.

Individual nomination

Elaine Turner has also been selected to attend the Fairfax ACM Sales Conference and Sales Awards. 

Elaine was nominated by her manager Jo Mansell for demonstrating throughout the year consistency and reliability in her key sales role at the Wingham Chronicle.

A gala event is planned for the awards presentation night at Doltone House in July.

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