2024 All Media: Coverage of Community & Regional Affairs

Alwyn Craig is a recognisable figure on Newcastle’s streets, having spent the past three decades sleeping rough, but no-one knew his name. The Newcastle Herald and outreach worker John Cross campaigned to find Alwyn, 76, who is non-verbal, a permanent home. Matthew Kelly’s story included new details: his name, place and date of birth.

In a twist of fate, relative Felicity Patrick in Florida, USA, read the story online, then communicated the news to her cousins in Wollongong. Alwyn was reunited with several of his siblings. They described a once happy young man who became a loner after returning from the Vietnam War.

The revelations prompted Minister for Veterans Affairs Matt Keogh to acknowledge Australia’s poor treatment of Vietnam veterans. Veterans Affairs, the RSL and local services are working on a long-term care package for Alwyn.

For Anzac Day, the Herald located three of Alwyn’s fellow conscripts. They spoke with great fondness and regard for their mate ‘Shorty’. Like Alwyn, they had struggled with post-traumatic stress. A reunion of the 6RAR battalion was scheduled in Newcastle, where Alwyn would finally be presented with his service medals.

Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years, and been a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. He has covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of coal wagons, the legacy of pollution of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.