The Conversation is a finalist in the 2025 Walkley Awards
- Written by Ashlynne McGhee, Head of Editorial Innovation, The Conversation

The Conversation is proud to be a finalist in the 2025 Walkley Awwards for Excellence in Journalism in the All Media: Explanatory Journalism category.
Our Digital Storytelling team and Rob Brander from UNSW Sydney have been recognised for their interactive story Can you spot a rip current?.
Combining a visual quiz with practical tips on how to survive Australia’s number-one coastal hazard, the article challenges myths about rips and provides up-to-date expert advice.
“The team did an excellent job coming up with a format that makes vital information accessible, engaging and sticky – everyone who plays learns something,” said Head of Editorial Innovation Ashlynne McGhee.
“Quizzes are technically complex, and Multimedia Editor Matt Garrow developed custom code for the mechanics, continuously testing it to make sure it would work for everyone, on every device.”
“We’ve seen it shared widely among our audience and become an essential for anyone teaching beach safety.”
The full team who worked on the story with Rob Brander includes: Matt Garrow, Sunanda Creagh, Ashlynne McGhee and Misha Ketchell.
Winners will be announced at an event in Sydney on November 27.
Authors: Ashlynne McGhee, Head of Editorial Innovation, The Conversation
Read more https://theconversation.com/the-conversation-is-a-finalist-in-the-2025-walkley-awards-267735