Monash’s journalism alumni continued to prove their industry leadership, winning highly coveted Quills at the 30^th Melbourne Press Club awards at Crown Palladium on Friday March 21, 2025.

MFJ graduates Angelica Snowden, Danny Tran and Chris Gillett scored Quills for their outstanding journalism, while Walkley scholarship finalist Ava Cashmore was highly commended in the Victorian Student Journalist of the Year award.

MFJ Affiliate, Dr Waleed Aly won the Keith Dunstan Quill for Commentary in a highly competitive category, which included The Age legendary crime reporter John Silvester.

And Monash graduates claimed five high commendations in a strong field of Victorian journalists.

Master of Journalism graduate Angelica Snowden teamed with The Australian colleagues John Stensholt and Liam Mendes to win the Business News/Feature Quill.

Angelica said she was shocked the story, ‘He likes the game’: second woman alleges ‘advice for sex’ compact with billionaire Richard White”, won ahead of a high-calibre field, featuring The Age and ABC journalists.

Angelica paid tribute to Monash’s journalism program and her senior colleague John Stensholt for his exemplary reporting and teamwork as they produced “the biggest story of 2024”.

“John (taught me) how to be diligent, but also how to be a good person and a good reporter at the same time … treat people how you want to be treated,” Angelica said.

ABC News journalist Danny Tran said he was surprised to win the Sports News Quill for his Olympic coach investigation, beating renowned football journalists Gerard Whateley, Tom Morris and Michael Warner.

Gymnastics coach Jeb Silsbury was forced to withdraw from the Paris Olympic team after allegations of inappropriate behaviour - through Danny’s investigation - were brought to attention of sport authorities.

“It's a story I worked on for almost a year and it was so hard building contacts and working with these people,” Danny reflected.

“I'm so grateful for everyone who stepped forward to talk to me and trust to me. It could not be impossible without them.”

ABC producer and MFJ alumnus Chris Gillett and long-time colleague Adele Ferguson won the TV/Video Feature Quill for their Four Corners’ investigation, Pain Factory.

9 News crime reporter Gillian Lantouris was highly commended in two Quill categories – Scoop of the Year and TV/Video News – for her exclusive interview with Samantha Murphy’s widower.

ABC journalist Jeremy Story Carter also scored two high commendations in the wonen’s sport (She can play) and sports feature (Wahgunyah, undefeated) categories.

In the Multicultural Affairs and Media category, Monash alumnus Benjamin Preiss was highly commended for his article, More than one community, this was an attack on Melbourne’s multicultural fabric. 

Journalism student Ava Cashmore was highly commended for her story, Don’t dump SRL soil in Dandy, written for the Star Journal. Ava was competing against university students who published in The Australian and the Herald Sun.

Head of Journalism Alicia McMillan says the success of Monash alumni at the Quill awards is a testament to the vital role journalism plays in holding power to account.

“Angelica Snowden, Danny Tran, Chris Gillett and our many highly commended graduates have demonstrated the courage and tenacity needed to shine a light on corruption and abuse of power,” she said.

“Their work exemplifies the very best of investigative journalism — digging deep, asking the tough questions and ensuring the public has the truth.

“It’s also truly inspiring to see second-year journalism student Ava Cashmore earning recognition alongside industry professionals. Her commendation highlights the depth of talent emerging from Monash and the commitment of our students to impactful storytelling from the very start of their careers.

At Monash, we are incredibly proud to see our graduates and students making such a mark on the industry and shaping the future of Australian journalism.”