9News Queensland presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jess Lodge last night added another gong to their collection at the Australian Podcast Awards in Sydney for Hannah’s Story.

The Australian podcast community recognised Hannah’s Story, which has exceeded one million downloads, in the Spotlight category, for igniting an important community conversation about coercive control and spotlighting the need to identify red flags in friendships and relationships to prevent more domestic atrocities.

The six-episode podcast gave a compelling account of one of the worst acts of domestic violence Australia has ever seen – the day Hannah Clarke and her three children were set on fire and killed in their car in a quiet Brisbane street by their father, Hannah’s estranged husband Rowan Baxter.

Listeners heard from Hannah’s loved ones, first responders on the scene, witnesses, domestic violence experts and political leaders, gaining an understanding of this deadly strain of domestic violence and learning about the red flags and signs to look out for.

Melissa Downes said: “Being recognised by the Australian podcasting community for Hannah’s Story is truly an honour. Hannah’s parents, Sue and Lloyd, always told us how important it was for people to hear, understand and learn from Hannah’s experience, and this award shows that that’s happening.

“It was a privilege to work alongside Jess and our podcast editor Adam Buncher. Together, we’re thrilled that it continues to spark life-changing conversations, while championing the work of Sue and Lloyd through Small Steps 4 Hannah.”

Jess Lodge said: “Hannah’s Story has given hundreds of thousands of people access to powerful personal accounts and expert information about coercive control. This award helps us share Hannah Clarke and her three children’s stories and is hopefully saving lives, now and into the future.”

9News Queensland News Director, Amanda Paterson, said: “First a Kennedy Award and now an Australian Podcast Award – what a wonderful accolade for Melissa, Jess and Adam. They deserve every bit of this success, so it’s wonderful to see them being celebrated by their peers.

“9News Queensland continues to be the leader in delivering stories that matter and I’m incredibly proud that they have put this local story under a national spotlight. Hannah’s Story sets the standard for future 9News podcasts.”

Listen to Hannah’s Story everywhere you get your podcasts.
Spotify | Apple Podcasts.

For further information, please contact:
Claudine Blondeau
Communications Manager, Nine Queensland
cblondeau@nine.com.au

Wednesday, November 22, 2023