PS: this will be the last time I will talk about this. Just let me have this.
Dam, ano’ng pakiramdam? (So, how does it feel?)
DAM – SB19
The Australian IT Journalism Award, also known as The Lizzies, is a prestigious event where tech and gaming journalists from across the country come together to celebrate their industry. As more traditional gaming news outlets shut down and independent journalism rises, this event offers a rare opportunity for both new and established writers to connect and celebrate their work.
I’ve attended The Lizzies since 2022 and have been nominated for four awards in total. In 2025, I was nominated for “Best Short Form Content” and ended up as the runner-up. Seeing my name on the screen was a shocking and emotional moment, something I never expected but deeply appreciated. Now, after some reflection, here is my account of the 2025 Australian IT Journalism Awards.
What Are The Lizzies?
The Australian IT Journalism Awards celebrates excellence in tech, gaming, and, recently, science journalism. Major news outlets and independent journalists compete across multiple categories. It’s also known as ‘The Lizzies’ and from what I know, the name came from its previous trophy, back when it was shaped like a lizard, hence the name. That changed post-2022 when the trophies became less reptilian and more minimalistic.
Besides the awards, The Lizzies also serve as a networking event, providing a rare chance for freelancers, volunteers, and independent writers to interact with established journalists and industry veterans. Entry to the competition is free, unlike other Australian journalism awards, but additional tickets for guests cost $330 in 2025.
My First Experience With The Lizzies
I first entered The Lizzies in 2022 when my former boss encouraged submissions. Fortunately, I had tech coverage from my time at AFTRS, so I submitted audio stories and podcasts. I was nominated for “Best News Coverage” and “Best Program,” competing against major outlets like The Australian Financial Review, ABC, and SBS. Though I didn’t win, I made valuable connections.
In 2023, I wasn’t nominated, but in 2024, I made a return by submitting articles from my Tumblr tech blog, which I had started after being laid off. Though I didn’t win, the experience helped me network with more journalists and get some pointers from experts.
The Lizzies 2025 – The Year Worth Fighting For
The start of 2025 was challenging, particularly for my mental health. But that didn’t stop me from wanting to showcase my work and abilities as a journalist. I submitted work in four categories: Best Gaming Journalist, Best Reviewer, Best Columnist, and Best Short Form Content. With around 500 submissions that year—including 40 for Best Reviewer—competition was fierce. I was named a finalist for Best Short Form Content.
The announcement came just a week before the event, causing a last-minute scramble to arrange travel and clothing. Many, including my boyfriend, were frustrated by the late notice, as it complicated travel and work leave plans.
Initially, I was excited about being a finalist. Then, I saw my competition, including major names and The Guardian, which sparked self-doubt. I had concerns about my submission since it was produced for a community radio station that had since abandoned its social media strategy. Despite this, I wanted make an impact, regardless of my result.
When my mum found out that I was nominated, she told me to make 2025 “the year worth fighting for.”
Dress to Impress – Representing My Culture
Since my first attendance in 2022, I had wanted to represent my Filipino heritage at The Lizzies. With 2025’s theme, I saw the perfect opportunity. My mother, who has supported my media journey since university, helped me select a dress that would stand out.
The investment in my look was about more than fashion. Winning Best Dressed had perks, and making an impression mattered. Inspired by Filipino pop group SB19 and drag queen Marina Summers, I wanted to embrace my culture proudly, rejecting industry expectations that convinced me to hide it, whether its faking my accent or not sharing much about it at all.
Di na magpapa- (what?), paawat. Iwawagayway ang watawat (Won’t let anyone (what?), stop me, I will proudly swing my flag)
What? by SB19
At the event, I received numerous compliments, with some saying I resembled a live-action Snow White. Many wished I had won Best Dressed and encouraged me to showcase my look more boldly. The experience reinforced my commitment to embracing my identity.
The Results – My work was as good as The Guardian
TLDR: I got runner-up and cried for five minutes.
Throughout the night, talented journalists took the stage. Though I didn’t win Best Dressed (partly because I arrived just ten minutes before the event started), I enjoyed the experience. One of the big winners was ABC for their coverage of hacking a robot vaccum.
Then came my category—Best Short Form Content. The Guardian won, which was well-deserved. As someone who has been following their work for years, it pretty much made sense, and people in my table agreed. However, when the runner-ups were announced, my name appeared on the screen. Overwhelmed with emotion, I cried for five minutes.
I didn’t expect to place among such strong competition. But reflecting on my submission, a self-produced three-part series created in my home office with zero resources, I realized how much effort I had put in and it was all worth it in the end. One of the judges told me they enjoyed my content so much that they had to ask their children to help them navigate TikTok to watch it.
Following this recognition, I used it as a conversation starter with other journalists, whether new acquaintances or familiar faces. Many encouraged me to update my resume and start reaching out to potential employers… advice I took to heart.
What’s Next?
Post-Lizzies, my focus is on finding more work. Networking at the event and receiving industry validation has given me renewed confidence in my job search. Being highly commended proves that if I can create recognized work with zero resources, I can achieve even more with the right opportunities.
The 2025 Australian IT Journalism Awards were a perfect way to close out the first quarter of the year. Though it began with ups and downs, I now have the motivation to pursue my dream. I just hope the industry gives me a chance.
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