Showcasing skills on a national level

It’s not very often we get the opportunity to recognise our team on a personal level. Our very own senior journalist Sheree Hoddinett has been named as a finalist in the Creative Service of the Year category at the prestigious ALIBI (Australian Ladies in Business Initiative) Awards. 

Now in its fourth year, the ALIBI Awards shine a spotlight on women in business across Australia, whether in big cities, small towns or regional communities who are making a real impact. These awards are not about perfection or shiny highlight reels. They celebrate the courage, resilience and heart it takes to build a business and keep showing up. 

For Sheree, who has built her career on a passion for storytelling and connecting with people, the recognition has been both humbling and exciting, especially when she almost didn’t complete the nomination.  

“To be named a finalist is honestly a huge honour,” Sheree said. “Creativity for me has always been about more than just producing written content. It’s about listening, finding the heart of a story and creating something that resonates with people. To have that work acknowledged at this level means so much.” 

Sheree’s path to becoming an awards finalist hasn’t been one of straight lines. Over the years she has worked across multiple community newspaper titles, tackled written content production with business blogging, compiled her own blog about the fun of raising two girls, as well as diving into editing and all while building a reputation for her ability to draw out authentic stories and present them in ways that are engaging and impactful. Her work has spanned varying topics from breaking news to sport, politics and community news, but her favourite style is feature writing, each story carrying her signature blend of creativity and heart. 

For Sheree, the award nomination is not just about her work, but also about the people who have supported her along the way.  

“I’ve been really lucky to work with amazing clients, colleagues and mentors, not to mention my family, friends and my amazing partner and girls, who have all encouraged me and trusted my ideas,” she said. “Creativity doesn’t happen in a bubble, it grows when you have people around you who believe in what you’re doing.” 

The ALIBI Awards ceremony will take place in Sydney in mid-October, with finalists from across the country gathering to celebrate excellence in the industry. While Sheree is unable to head along to the big night due to other commitments, she hopes that this recognition of her efforts is just the beginning.  

“No matter the outcome, I already feel like a winner just being part of this group of finalists,” she said with a smile. “This recognition has given me a boost to keep pushing forward, trying new things and making the most of every opportunity.” 

To view the full list of finalists and learn more about the ALIBI Awards, visit www.alibiawards.com.au.