One of three finalists nationwide in the category of community and regional affairs coverage, Mr Murphy attended the Walkley Mid-Year Awards in Sydney on Wednesday night.

Back in the newsroom the next morning, he said he was as committed as ever to fair and accurate reporting of the events and issues that mattered to the region.

“As cliche as it sounds, it was an honour just to be nominated,” Mr Murphy said.

“It was great to be named alongside the next generation of journalists, many of whom are already among the big movers and shakers of the industry.

“I think above all, the nomination is more a reflection of the team at the The Leader than individual effort.”

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NDL editor Fiona Ferguson said: “Everyone is a winner on the night.”

“To be named as a finalist is acknowledgement of the hard work and dedication that go into the job each and every day.

“Jamieson is part of a strong team, working locally to deliver stories that are relevant to local residents.

“It makes no difference if sometimes the subject matter is difficult; it’s a job that matters.”

The Walkleys are the most prestigious awards in Australian journalism.

Mr Murphy was a finalist with his coverage of the 2017 New England by-election.

Read the stories for which he was nominated, here:

Fellow Fairfax reporter Carrie Fellner, of the Newcastle Herald was another finalist, for her special investigation into the 24 cancer cases among Williamtown people, and their possible links to the use of PFAS.

However, the gong went to the third hopeful, Samara Gardner of WIN News, for her coverage of the Tathra bushfires.