For some years now Press Service International (PSI) has incorporated a number of young writers as Panellists who determine the various annual Basil Sellers Awards.
This decision was a follow-up on the young writer policy encouraging young people to be published and therefore the next obvious step was to see them become the Panellists.
The Panellists in 2020 marked the same categories – the panellists mark the best article as determined by each young writer.
Young writers as Panellists
The following young writers were panellists in 2020
Kandima Awendila
Cheryl McGrath
Travis Barnes
Alex Gillespie
Josh Robbie
Mussita Ng
Bridget Brenton
Each of these panellists were young writers or current writers. They have developed experience and have proven themselves to be excellent in their determinations.
These young Panellists
There are 5 panellists in each category - welcome to do the Maths
Aust 18-30
Aust Over 31
Kiwis 18-30
Internationals 18-30
Internationals Over 31s
Sport
Young Seniors
Australian
New Zealand
International
Each group has 5 panellists = 9 categories = 45 people
How it works
There are connect people who are critical to the panellist program. These Connect people receive the Best Article from each young writer. They compile their list and forward them to their respective panellists.
Once each panellist has done their marking on a marking sheet – the sheet is then emailed to the respective statisticians. This was I am at arms length of the process at every level.