The awards, now in their 18th year, recognise “truth, integrity and fairness in South Australia’s media” and are presented each year by the Catholic Archbishop of Adelaide, Philip Wilson.

Ms Black was presented with a commendation for her work covering the Kangaroo Island bushfires in December 2007.

The citation reads: “For working under immense pressure and with limited resources to produce a large body of compelling local stories covering the KI bushfires. Her commitment to her local community was clearly evident.”

Ms Black said she was pleased and proud to receive the award.

“This is further acknowledgement from the wider community of the scale of the bushfires and the ramifications it had for our small community.”

Ms Black also thanked her staff and residents who contributed to The Islander’s coverage.

“I would particularly like to thank former editor Rob Ellson and photographer Sean McGowan who went beyond the call of duty to help bring sensible, relevant and local coverage to what became a national news event,” she said.

Other winners were:

Television. Citation Ian Heschke, ABC. Commendation Melody Horrill, Channel 7. Commendation Jason Om, ABC.

Photography. Citation Tait Schmaal, The Advertiser, Commendation Jo-Anna Robinson, The Sunday Mail.

Radio. Citation Logan Bold, Radio Adelaide. Commendation Kari Seeley, Life FM.

Metropolitan Print: Citation Elyssa Doherty, The Sunday Mail. Commendation Lauren Novak, The Advertiser.

Suburban/Regional Print. Citation Kate Jenkinson, East Torrens Messenger. Commendation Shauna Black, The Islander.