9News reporter Selina Zhang awarded Young Journalist of the Year and The Age’s Michael Gleeson named Australian Sports Journalist of the Year

The breadth of Nine’s journalism was on display tonight as journalists, columnists, camera operators, illustrators and graphic artists from 9News, The Age and Good Weekend received awards at the prestigious 31st Melbourne Press Club Quill Awards.

The Quill Awards are the annual celebration of excellence in Victorian journalism, with Nine this year collecting nine awards, led by 9News reporter Selina Zhang who was named Young Journalist of the Year. 

The judges noted that her work “exemplified the core principles of quality journalism: gaining unprecedented access, telling stories that matter, and doing so with empathy and integrity.” 

The Age’s senior sports reporter Michael Gleeson was awarded the prestigious Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year with the judges highlighting his “exceptional coverage of the rise and rise of Gout Gout” as well as his “peerless columns on AFL”. 

The versatility of Nine’s journalism was also on display with 9News reporter Neary Ty being awarded a Quill in the Multicultural Affairs and Media category for her deeply personal public-interest journalism in The Age titled ‘Surviving Pol Pot – My Father’s Heartbreaking Journey’. Ty also created a moving mini-documentary for The Brief on 9Now. 

Hugh Nailon, Nine’s National TV News Director, said, “These awards are emblematic of the quality work we strive for every day. Selina Zhang is an outstanding journalist who has flourished since starting her 9News internship. She has thoroughly earned every opportunity and plaudit that has come her way, and we look forward to seeing where this promising career takes her.

“As a newsroom, we are enormously proud to be recognised in the categories of camera work and artwork/graphics – two critical ingredients of visual storytelling.”

Patrick Elligett, Editor of The Age, said, “This list of winners perfectly encapsulates the quality and versatility of The Age team across investigative journalism, commentary, writing, artwork and sport reporting.

“I’m particularly thrilled that Michael Gleeson has been recognised as the country’s top sports journalist after a long period at the top of his game, particularly with his coverage of athletics and footy.”

Nine’s Award Winners:

• Harry Gordon Australian Sports Journalist of the Year – Michael Gleeson (The Age) for his reporting on Gout Gout and AFL coverage
• Young Journalist of the Year – Selina Zhang (9News) 
• Multicultural Affairs and Media – Neary Ty (The Age) for Surviving Pol Pot – My Father’s Heartbreaking Journey
• Keith Dunstan Quill for Commentary – Waleed Aly (The Age) for Let’s Be Clear
• Sports News – Chris Vedelago, Cameron Houston and Danny Russell (The Age) for John Kanga’s resignation came after questions from The Age
• Feature Writing – Melissa Fyfe (Good Weekend magazine) for Wedlocked
• Outstanding Camera Work (under 4 minutes) – Jason Conduit and Roger Humphrey (9News) for Driver’s Rampage
• Artwork/Graphics in Any Medium – Brad Harvie (9News) for Midnight Hammer
• Cartoon – Matt Golding (The Age) for Nighthawks

Monday 23 March, 2026