Guardian Australia has secured one of the country's most prestigious journalism honours, winning the Walkley Award for Indigenous Affairs for its powerful series 'The Descendants'.
Groundbreaking Indigenous Affairs Reporting
The award-winning series, which launched in 2024, delves deep into the lasting impacts of historical government policies on Indigenous families across Australia. Through meticulous research and compassionate storytelling, the project traces how past injustices continue to shape lives and communities generations later.
The Walkley Award judges described 'The Descendants' as "a masterclass in ethical, impactful journalism" that demonstrated exceptional sensitivity while tackling complex historical narratives. The series stood out for its innovative approach to documenting intergenerational trauma and resilience.
Recognition of Journalistic Excellence
At the ceremony held in Sydney on November 27, 2025, the Guardian Australia team received the coveted award before an audience of media professionals and industry leaders. The win marks a significant achievement for the publication's dedicated Indigenous affairs coverage and its commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
The winning entry featured work from multiple journalists and contributors who spent months conducting interviews, researching historical documents, and building trust with communities. Their collaborative effort resulted in a comprehensive examination of how policies from previous centuries continue to reverberate through contemporary Australian society.
Impact and Future Implications
Since its publication, 'The Descendants' has sparked important national conversations about reconciliation, historical acknowledgment, and the ongoing journey toward truth-telling. Educational institutions and community organisations have utilised the series as a resource for understanding Australia's complex history.
The recognition comes at a crucial time for Australian media, as news organisations increasingly focus on deepening their coverage of Indigenous issues and perspectives. Guardian Australia's achievement sets a benchmark for ethical storytelling and demonstrates the powerful role journalism can play in fostering understanding and social progress.
This Walkley Award victory reinforces the importance of sustained, respectful engagement with Indigenous communities and stories. It also highlights the growing recognition within the media industry that covering Indigenous affairs requires not just reporting on current events, but also contextualising them within broader historical frameworks.
