7NEWS Adelaide has recorded the most successful South Australian Press Club Awards result in the station’s history, taking home eight major awards and equalling the record for the most wins by a single media outlet.

The haul was headlined by the prestigious Gold Award, awarded to 7NEWS Adelaide reporter Hannah Foord and cameraman Travis Levi, alongside 7NEWS Spotlight’s Michael Usher and Phil Goyen, for their coverage of the disappearance of four-year-old Gus Lamont.

The reporting, which included Foord’s exclusive interview with Gus’s grandmother Josie Murray, also won Best Long Form Television Report or Extended Coverage and Best TV News Report.

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Judges described the interview as “an exclusive, attention-grabbing and powerful news story”.

“The tragic disappearance of Gus Lamont has captivated Australia and this was a crucial interview and story which was well told, shot and produced,” they said.

Foord said she was “humbled and honoured” to receive the recognition.

“The disappearance of 4-year-old Gus Lamont has captured worldwide attention and touched so many people. It’s a story that stays with you well after the news goes to air,” she said.

“But it’s not over yet, there’s still a heartbroken family desperately wanting answers.”

“Thank you to my brilliant cameraman Travis Levi whose amazing pictures helped tell this story and to the talented Michael Usher, Phil Goyen and Rahni Sadler who worked tirelessly on the Spotlight piece.

“Also to my News Director Mark Mooney for his support and wisdom.”

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7NEWS’s Hannah Foord and Madison Stanley took out top honours at the 2026 SA Press Club Awards. Credit: SA Press Club.

Levi was also highly commended in the Best News Camera Coverage category for his work on the Gus Lamont coverage.

7NEWS Adelaide investigative journalist Madison Stanley was a double winner, claiming both Young Journalist of the Year and Best Investigative Coverage of an Issue or Event in Any Medium for her investigation into the Springwood Homes collapse.

The award-winning investigation exposed issues affecting homebuyers and builders caught up in the collapse of the development company.

Stanley’s Young Journalist of the Year honour recognised a body of work that also included coverage of the Port MacDonnell tragedy and the Goolwa plane crash.

Judges described her as “a rising star”.

“The Springwood Homes piece was a stand-out. It was followed widely and led to meaningful action,” they said.

Veteran political reporter Mike Smithson was named Best Broadcaster.

“These awards are the state’s highest media industry recognition, so it’s an enormous thrill and humbling at the same time,” Smithson said.

“To be recognised for my broadcasting skills in such an elite group of finalists is truly an honour.

“And the entire 7NEWS team shone on a night where excellence abounds.”

7NEWS’s Olivia Gilmore-Rankine and Jonathan Edwards also won awards on the night. Credit: SA Press Club

The station’s digital team was also recognised, with social media journalist Chrystianna Konidis winning Best Coverage of an Event Via Social Media for her rolling coverage of the death of Helen Sargeant in a hospital corridor and the family’s subsequent outrage.

Judges praised the coverage for demonstrating how social media journalists can provide immediate and ongoing coverage of a major breaking story.

Emerging journalist Olivia Gilmore-Rankine was named Best Student Journalist, with judges commending her ability to research and break a major story while working to newsroom deadlines.

Jonathan Edwards was also recognised, receiving a commendation in the Young Journalist of the Year category.

South Australian politics coverage was also acknowledged, with Mike Smithson, Rosanna Mangiarelli and Gertie Spurling receiving a High Commendation in the Best Long Form Television Report or Extended Coverage category for 7NEWS Adelaide’s state election coverage.