The powerful investigative podcast The Ultimate Sacrifice, from 9News Queensland and 9Podcasts, has won the prestigious Gold Award for Best Narrative Documentary Podcast at the internationally recognised New York Festival Radio Awards.

Presented by 9News Queensland’s Melissa Downes, with Jessica Lodge executive producer, sound design and editing by Adam Buncher, technical production by Matt White, and creative direction by Sam Stove, The Ultimate Sacrifice explored the harrowing events of Australia’s first Christian terrorist attack, an ambush that led to the murder of two young police officers and an innocent civilian.

This gripping series delved into the complexities of religious extremism, the trauma of frontline responders, and the evolving investigation, culminating in revelations from a live Coronial Inquest. This made it one of the first Coronial Inquests to be documented and covered in real-time podcast format in Australia.

Following the landmark success of their internationally acclaimed podcast debut Hannah’s Story, The Ultimate Sacrifice podcast marks the second smash hit from Melissa Downes, Jessica Lodge and Adam Buncher.

In a joint statement, Downes and Lodge said: “On behalf of the team, we are incredibly proud and humbled to have had the opportunity to tell this story.

“In a media landscape that often moves quickly and forgets too soon, we poured our time and care into crafting a detailed, emotionally sensitive and comprehensive account. To see this being recognised on a global stage is an incredible honor.”

Managing Director of Nine Radio, Tom Malone said: “This international recognition for The Ultimate Sacrifice is a powerful reminder of how podcasting can bring critical stories to life. Melissa, Jessica and the team have delivered an extraordinary investigation, not only breaking new ground as one of the first podcasts to follow a Coronial Inquest in real-time, but doing so with exceptional care and integrity.

“Once again, the collaboration between 9News and 9Podcasts proves to be a force, combining world-class journalism with the storytelling power of audio to deliver impact that truly resonates.”

Following in the footsteps of Hannah’s Story, which supported Sue & Lloyd Clarke’s campaign for Hannah’s Law and is now being used in domestic violence training programs across the country, The Ultimate Sacrifice continues the team’s mission to share stories that not only inform but create lasting change. The Ultimate Sacrifice soared to the top of the Spotify charts in Australia, holding the #1 spot for over a month, and has 1.6 million downloads and counting.

For further information, please contact:
Lucy Charles
Publicist, Nine Queensland
lucy.charles@nine.com.au

Friday, 23 May, 2025