and Home Design Media Up AGAIN!

The September 2024 figures by the authoritative and independent third-party Readership Poll conducted by Roy Morgan Research have just been released. For print readership, Grand Designs Australia magazine is up again to 156,000, and Home Design is up again to 110,000.

Both publications go to market with content and distribution strategies designed to target people with home projects – so given this exclusive focus, the delivery of a good readership figure in an otherwise fairly mass-market readership poll bodes well.

In addition to print, both brands also deliver significant audiences in digital-edition format, and associated web, inbox and social media assets.

“We are extremely pleased to see these mediums perform so well in this readership poll,” said Publisher Janice Williams. “As a general observation, print readership has been holding up well in categories like Home, where the authority of print and visual communication is highly valued by audiences.”

In the latest survey, there were widespread increases in print readership over the last year, with six magazine categories increasing their readership. Home & Garden and General Interest titles led the growth.

About Universal Media Co

Universal Media Co is a data business with digital marketing capability and media brands. Every month we deliver campaigns to the high-yielding markets that matter. Our media brands give voice and personality to our digital reach, and court important audiences. Every month our campaigns deliver 18 million touchpoints to our campaign partners. Print media continues to deliver a high-value audience segment.

For further information, review copy of either publication, a collaboration discussion with one of our commercial team members, or an interview with Publisher Janice Williams, please contact Georgina Khamis on (02) 9887 0358, gkhamis@umco.com.au

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Sydney, Australia – 6 November, 2024 – Universal Media Co is thrilled to announce the appointment of Dean Mellor as the new Editor of Australian Road Rider. With a lifelong passion for motorcycling and decades of experience in automotive journalism, Dean Mellor brings both expertise and enthusiasm to the magazine.

Dean’s journey in motorcycling began in his youth, riding through the bush on a Honda XR75 – a bike that still holds a cherished place in his shed today. Since those early days, his love for motorcycles has only grown, extending to a wide variety of rides, from nakedbikes to tourers, sportsbikes, and adventure bikes. Dean is currently enjoying his fourth Honda Fireblade and shares a special bond with his MV Agusta Brutale 1090RR.

With over 30 years of experience in automotive media, Dean Mellor has made significant contributions to numerous publications. He has written for and edited a range of motorcycling and car magazines, gaining a deep understanding of the industry and the community it serves. Prior to this appointment, Dean was the Editor of Australian Motorcycle News and has been a key contributor to prominent titles such as Just Bikes, Two Wheels, and Australian Road Rider.

“I am very excited to be taking on this new role at Australian Road Rider,” Dean Mellor said. “It is a privilege to be appointed Editor of such a long-standing and respected motorcycle magazine. I look forward to the challenge ahead and to collaborating with the talented team at Universal Media Co.”

As Australian Road Rider continues to celebrate the motorcycling lifestyle, Dean’s extensive background and passion for the industry promise to deliver exciting new insights and content for readers. Universal Media Co is confident that under his leadership, the magazine will continue to thrive, inspiring motorcycling enthusiasts across Australia.

About Universal Media Co Universal Media Co is one of Australia’s largest media companies, producing market-leading special interest magazines and digital content that engage millions of readers. With a commitment to delivering quality content and fostering community, Universal Media Co proudly supports enthusiasts in fields ranging from motorcycling to home living.

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A new digital portal is being launched today at https://granddesignsmag.com.au

The new portal will be used to build a lookup of resources for aspirational Australians with projects, and the design professionals who influence their decisions. Now that the series is entering its 11^th season, there is a huge number of fans who have grown up with Grand Designs offering ‘the blueprint for designer living’. The new web portal provides this community with a place to research, source and discover what went in to these iconic Australian homes.

At the same time, the much-loved print edition of Grand Designs Australia magazine has been given a striking new look that is clear, cut-back, and befitting the very upmarket audience reached by the magazine. The new look also comes with fresh content on design destinations and design people.

Against all this, the TV show will return to air on October 10^th on its new home, the ABC. The ABC broadcast Grand Designs Transformations earlier this year, and will now deliver the next Grand Designs Australia series with Grand Designs Australia magazine Editor-At-Large, Anthony Burke, in the host’s seat.

Aspirational Australians Making Architectural Home Plans

The upmarket, aspirational and educated community that Grand Designs appeals to is actively engaged in creating dream forever homes at a time the rest of the market has quietened. For them, the right time is when they are ready – it is a matter of life cycle, not investment or other factors.

For further information on GrandDesignsMag.com.au, or Grand Designs Australia, reach out to Gina Khamis: gkhamis@umco.com.au

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WellBeing Magazine Cleans Up in Readership Stakes

WellBeing magazine continues to rise in the readership stakes – now with 288,000 readers.

“It is normal to see many ups and downs in readership, but we are celebrating a pattern of consistent growth for WellBeing,” said Publisher Janice Williams.

This figure has been recorded by the December data release of the independent third-party Readership Poll conducted by Roy Morgan Research.

WellBeing is a true omni-channel brand with a full suite of digital, app-based and even TV deployments, but print continues to be an important part of the product range. It offers an uncluttered experience to the reader and spacious share-of-mind to the marketer.

WellBeing has been the leader in its space for many years, but now towers over many other publications. It is ahead of many of the lifestyle magazine brands such as Vogue Living (252,000), Vacations & Travel (139,000), Australian Traveller (137,000), Frankie (285,000) and Mindfood (81,000).

WellBeing has long towered above Prevention (83,000) but is now also above many food publications like Gourmet Traveller (221,000), Cooking with the Australian Women’s Weekly (143,000), and Healthy Food Guide (146,000).

“WellBeing is known for its authentic, calm, nature-aligned approach to life and was given a brand makeover in November 2023 so that these values can be communicated in a multi-gen manner,” said Ms Williams. “The fact that WellBeing is ahead of so many other magazine brands in different categories tells us that there is something in our unique mix of content and presentation that is resonating with the market around us.

“While our digital reach has been our focus in recent years and continues to climb, we are extremely pleased to see our print edition of WellBeing do so well again in this latest readership poll. Print is an undistracted form of media and as it is purchased, it offers a highly engaged audience segment.”

About Universal Media Co

Universal Media Co is a data business with digital marketing capability and media brands. Every month we deliver campaigns to the high-yielding markets that matter. Our media brands give voice and personality to our digital reach, and court important audiences. Every month our campaigns deliver 18 million touchpoints to our campaign partners. Print media continues to deliver a high-value audience segment and significant share-of-mind.

For further information, review copy of WellBeing or an interview with Publisher Janice Williams, please contact Louise Vignoles on 9887 0307.

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Winners announced for the Grand Designs Australia Magazine: House of the Year Awards 2024

The Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards brought to you by Cosh Living and Rylock Windows & Doors have been awarded in a ceremony held on 21^st March at the Cosh Living Showroom in Richmond, VIC.

We’d like to congratulate all the winners listed below.

Small Renovation – WON BY Brcar Morony Architecture for A House for Grandma

The judges noted, “The transformation of an unused garage into a home catering to multi-gen living was beautifully planned and executed, with a result that suited the brief perfectly.”

Large Renovation – We have two WINNERS

Studio Prineas for Fisherman’s House
“Fisherman’s House was a renovation that gave care to the space and demonstrated true ‘connection with country’, while taking great care with the heritage aspects of the existing home on the site,” claimed the Judges.

Edition Office for Mary St
Mary St was a creative reimagining of a Federation-era home, which the judges considered a standout among the entries. It received particular acclaim for its expression of contrasts.

Small New Home – WON BY Architecture architecture for Sunday

Sunday is a home where occupants can always find a place of comfort. Incorporating natural textures and well-defined spaces, this is a design that provides for both physical and psychological well-being.

Large New Home – WON BY Multiplicity for Music Box

The judges were inspired by the beautiful interiors that this home presented, as well as the impressive street presence and use of warm materials.

Interiors Specialty Category – WON BY Smart Design Studio for Amara

Amara saw a restoration of a Federation Arts and Crafts residence to its former glory, bringing in plenty of natural light. Our judges noted this work as expertly accomplished, with an incredible level of detail. This category was sponsored by Cosh Living.

Best Outdoor Integrated Living – WON BY Architecture architecture for Sunday

The Judges said; “This home is a true embodiment of indoor-outdoor living, with a seamless and very genuine integration. Experimental and intelligent, this home is both resolved and rigorous. This new category was sponsored by Cosh Living.

Energy Efficiency Specialty – WON BY Zen Architects for Local House

“With sustainability key to the brief and a core consideration every step of the way, this was a project that exemplified a sustainable approach to residential architecture,” claimed the Judges. This new category was sponsored by Rylock Windows & Doors.

People’s Choice – WON BY C Kairouz Architects for Raheen

Winner of the People’s Choice Award, Raheen was highly commended by our judges for its embrace of modern styling and textures, which exemplify the emerging trends of the current architectural and design landscape.

The standard has been incredibly high and is testimony to the talent that exists in the field of residential architecture.

We thank our Chief Judge Anthony Burke, who helped develop a robust program of considerations and recruited a panel of professionals to assist with the judging. Grand Designs Australia magazine would like to extend our thanks to both Anthony and the judging panel: Hannah Tribe, Tribe Studio Architects; Ben Peake, Carter Williamson Architects; and Alison Page, UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building.

The Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards proudly puts the spotlight on residential architecture. We also take the shortlisted projects and showcase them to a community of prospective future clients who want to learn who is doing what in this arena.

This year, the Showcase Shortlist activation delivered more than 1.9 million touchpoints to that community and received over 49,000 engagements. One of those prospective future clients was lucky enough to win a Solar Prize Pack donated by GoodWe Australia.

Programs like the Grand Designs Australia House of the Year come together with the considerable input of the business community that supplies the architectural industry. We are pleased to be working with our sponsors and trade partners listed below:

Gold Sponsor | Cosh Living

Silver Sponsor | Rylock Windows and Doors

Trade Partners | Godfrey Hirst, HVG Group, Dollar Curtains & Blinds, GoodWe, Big Ass Fans, Cutek and Hungry Wolf Studios

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Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards: Showcase Shortlist Announced for 2024

Brought to you by Cosh Living and Rylock Windows & Doors

The official Showcase Shortlist has been selected for the Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards, brought to you by Cosh Living and Rylock Windows & Doors.

With category and individual prize winners to be announced in April 2024 after judging concludes, a selection of Showcase Shortlist finalists has been selected by an esteemed panel of judges including new Grand Designs Australia magazine Editor-at-Large Anthony Burke.

As a part of expanding the scope of the awards to include multiple categories, including Large New Home, Small New Home, Large Renovation, Small Renovation, and the sponsored categories of Best Interior Award (presented by Cosh Living), Best Outdoor Integrated Living Award (presented by Cosh Living) and Best Energy Efficient Home Award (presented by Rylock Windows & Doors), this year they also include a Showcase Shortlist of 17 finalists.

The 2024 Showcase Shortlist includes:

• A House for Grandma (Brcar Morony Architecture)
• AB House (Office MI-JI)
• Amara (Smart Design Studio)
• Anderson Road (BE Architecture)
• Erskineville House (Lachlan Seegers Architect)
• Fisherman’s House (Studio Prineas)
• House in the Dry (MRTN Architects)
• Jan Juc Studio (Eldridge Anderson Architects)
• Local House (Zen Architects)
• Mary St (Edition Office)
• Mossy Point House (Edition Office)
• music box (Multiplicity)
• Off Grid House (Archier)
• Pop Top (Licht Architecture)
• Raheen (C. Kairouz Architects)
• Studio Uno (Mihaly Slocombe)
• Sunday (Architecture architecture)

These Showcase Shortlist finalists are all contenders for our People’s Choice category – visit houseoftheyear.com.au to see a full selection of imagery and cast your vote.

People’s Choice Awards now open

As part of the announcement of the Showcase Shortlist, the People’s Choice Awards category is now open for voting. Readers and architecture enthusiasts can cast their vote by visiting houseoftheyear.com.au. Voting closes in February 2024.

Eligible voters this year also go in the draw to win One GoodWe Solar Energy Prize Pack (valued at up to $10,000) for their home. Terms and Conditions apply.

There is still the possibility of coverage even if you are not a finalist

Even if you are not a finalist, know that your work has been thoroughly looked at and considered. As a result, some of you may be approached in the coming year by members of our publishing team who would be interested in covering your projects. If you don’t want this coverage, just inform whoever approaches you at the time. In addition to Grand Designs Australia magazine, Universal Media Co has 11 other publications in its home group and numerous special editions. Contact us to find out more.

With thanks to our sponsors

Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards 2024 is brought to you by our Gold Sponsor Cosh Living, our Silver Sponsor Rylock Windows & Doors, as well as our Trade Sponsors Big Ass Fans, Cutek, Dollar Curtains & Blinds, Godfrey Hirst, GoodWe, HVG Group and Hungry Wolf.

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Now there are 2 Free-To-Air TV Shows behind

Grand Designs Australia Magazine

The ABC has announced Anthony Burke as the new host of Grand Designs Australia TV, with not one but two series coming to air in 2024.

The first series to air on 4^th January is a brand-new format called Grand Designs Transformations co-hosted by Anthony Burke and Yasmine Ghoniem of YSG Studios. Grand Designs Transformations looks at home renovations and covers two projects each episode.

The much-loved original Grand Designs Australia format will now be hosted by Anthony Burke, with dates for its return to be announced in early 2024.

Anthony Burke is Editor-At-Large of Grand Designs Australia Magazine and is Head Judge for the Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Program.

Good Design Media for Ambitious Australians

Grand Designs Australia has come to represent good design outcomes for ambitious Australians with project plans. Those who are developing their own projects gain excitement from the TV show and a unique package of inspiration and information from Grand Designs Australia Magazine. The publication is designed to be “the blueprint for designer living” and helps this community plan with confidence, master key issues, identify products, find contacts, and bring their dream home visions to life.

Grand Designs Australia Magazine currently has 162,000 readers, making it a leader in its category.

For further information on Grand Designs Australia or any other Universal Media Co Publication, reach out to Louise Vignoles on lvignoles@umco.com.au

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The Winners of the Home Design Renovation of the Year Awards have been announced

Home Design has announced the winners of its second Annual Renovation of the Year Awards program.

The winners were Aaron & Di’s project “Selamanya House” (Overall Winner), followed by Elizabeth Rooney’s “Contemporary Canterbury” (Runner-up) and Claire & Travis Green’s “Green Family Home” (People’s Choice Award).

“I was amazed by the calibre of entrants and as a result, we had such a hard time choosing the winners,” said Home Design Magazine Editor April Ossington.

“I’m excited to see what next year’s awards have in store.”

Each project was chosen by the awarding judges on the context of its submission, and each of the finalists showcased demonstrated considerable transformation undertaken by both professionals and homeowners to upgrade the space to the completed final work.

For their efforts in producing excellent homeowner-driven renovations and inspiring others to get renovating in the process, the winners receive a $9000 cash prize (“Selamanya House”), a $999 renovation voucher (“Contemporary Canterbury”) and a bedding prize pack from Emma Sleep (“Claire & Travis Green”).

As Australia’s foremost journal targeting people with projects, Home Design Magazine is the perfect platform for an Award celebrating the renovation journey through the eyes of the homeowner. Universal Media Co would also like to thank our valued partners Emma Sleep, Smith & Sons Renovations and Extensions, Big Ass Fans, Intrim Group, Weathertex, Karndean Designflooring, Bing Lee and Jindara Woodheating.

About Home Design Renovation of the Year

At Home Design, we love seeing our readers’ renovations and we love to inspire others to get out and do their own. Our mission as a publication is to inspire all homeowners who are thinking of a decoration, renovation or build project to learn what is available and become confident as consumers.

We showcase all kinds of renovations in the magazine and decided it was time to give our loyal renovator readers an opportunity to show their projects. The standard was high and ranged from simple kitchen and bathroom projects to full home renovations. This competition was designed for the homeowner. While many competitions reward the professionals who are often involved in renovation projects, it is the leap of faith of the homeowner that gets things started.

“We were pleased to see so many great entries come through,” said Publisher Janice Williams. “We asked for imagery, descriptions and a lot of detail, so to receive over 300 entries was astounding. We are particularly pleased to have a regional winner at a time when so many city dwellers are packing up and creating dream homes in regional locations.”

About Home Design magazine

Home Design is published by Universal Media Co and for more than 25 years has been helping homeowners gain confidence to embark on renovation projects of their own.

For further information, review copy of Home Design or for an interview with Publisher Janice Williams, please contact Georgina Khamis on (02) 9887 0358 or gkhamis@umco.com.au

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Announcing the winners of the inaugural WellBeing Women of the Year Awards

The WellBeing Media Group along with Award partners Ferro-grad C, are thrilled to announce the three winners of the WellBeing Women of the Year Awards; Louise Mahoney of Dreams2Live4, Vladimira Foteva of the REDD Centre, and Emma Stafford of QuIHN & Micah Projects.

The inaugural awards program was a huge success, with the initiative receiving an overwhelming response; from rural practice pharmacists, librarians, mental health programs, charities, volunteers and so many more incredible women and organisations.

“We live in a time of engagement with community issues,” said Publisher Janice Williams, “…and the contributions of women in their own communities cannot be underestimated. The WellBeing Media Group are thrilled to be presenting an awards program that gives community women a chance of winning both coverage, prize money for themselves, and prize money for their organisation.”

Each of the winners was awarded a cash prize of $5000 personally, as well as a further $5000 towards their organisations. The prize rewards their significant contributions to date, and provides opportunity to further achieve in their communities.

Louise Mahoney and Dreams2Live4

Dreams2Live4 makes dreams come true for adults 17 years and over who are living with metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread), relapsed blood cancers and high-grade brain cancer. The national charity works with over 240 hospitals and cancer care centres all over Australia, making one dream come true every 26 hours.

Louise Mahoney works tirelessly to bring hope and inspiration into patients’ lives. Her background as a nurse and carer for her sister Annie, who founded Dreams2live4, makes her uniquely qualified to help patients in this difficult time of their lives. She knows first-hand the positive and lasting impact that planning a dream has on patients and their families’ lives.

Vladimira Foteva and the REDD Centre

The REDD Centre aims to reduce menstrual stigma, raise awareness of period poverty and create an archive of women’s health and menstrual knowledge. They achieve this by pooling together experts in healthcare, biochemistry, design, sociology and fine arts to host exhibitions, workshops and seminars.

The REDD Centre’s work is made possible through the commitment and passion of the core team, Vladimira Foteva (Miri), a PhD research candidate in reproductive medicine and CEO of the REDD Centre, Michelle Wellham (artist and PhD research candidate), Dr Yixue Qiao (medicinal chemist) and Dr Kimberley Williams (Doctor of Medicine).

Emma Stafford (QuIHN & Micah Projects)

QuIHN is a not-for-profit preventive health organisation that offers mental and physical health checks along with vaccinations and immunisations to homeless people and others in need in the Moreton Bay Regional Council area.

Emma Stafford is a registered nurse and nurse immuniser for QuIHN. She is also in the process of completing a phlebotomy course so she can also offer blood tests to those in need. As part of a two-woman team using a medical bus to service the homeless and those in need, QuIHN provides a range of specialist social and medical services relating to alcohol, other drug use and mental health. Operating in Queensland, QuIHN provides programs across a continuum of care comprising harm reduction programs, therapeutic programs and primary medical care.

Storytelling has served as a major part of the Women of the Year Awards and as part of the program a number of finalists also received coverage and mention for their own exceptional work. We’d like to give a special thanks to our finalists Usha Raman, Rach Mac (Broken Crayons Still Colour), Jessica Murray, Bente Hart (Capital Chemist Braidwood), Michelle Key (Smiles2U) and Keeley Johnson (Keeley’s Cause). These six women contribute significantly and meaningfully to their communities, and we would like to acknowledge the important work they do.

About the Awards

The WellBeing Women of the Year Awards was launched in 2022 with partners Ferro-grad C to support everyday women who are contributing to their communities. The Award is unique in its aim of recognising the first steps made by women to address needs in their own communities. The award spotlight is on the contributions of women and their stories.

Reaching millions over a 12-month campaign, the WellBeing Women of the Year Awards has provided a platform to encourage and inspire both the WellBeing audience and the community at large, while offering a mechanism for rewarding achievement and raising awareness of women who are just getting started on their journey of community contribution.

About WellBeing

WellBeing is the leading natural lifestyle media brand published by the WellBeing Media Group at Universal Media Co.  Universal Media Co is Australia’s largest publisher of targeted mediums, and specializes in helping marketers find targeted audiences via print and online media.  Universals’ 53 magazine brands include leaders in Home, Craft, Bike, and some Lifestyle categories, plus 12 niche web portals.  Universal Magazines is an independently owned private company.

For more information and to view the complete list of winners, please visit thewomenoftheyear.com.au

For further information or an interview with WellBeing, contact gkhamis@umco.com.au

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Growth For All Print Magazines in Roy Morgan March Print Readership Figures

The new Roy Morgan Readership figures are out and we are seeing exceptional results for magazines generally. 15 magazine categories grew their readership over the last year, led by Food & Entertainment, General Interest, Home & Garden, Mass Women’s, Health & Family, Women’s Fashion and Women’s Lifestyle — all with readership up on 2022.

Now 11.5 million Australians aged 14+ (53.4%) read print magazines, up 5.1 per cent on a year ago, according to the results released today from the Roy Morgan Australian Readership report for the 12 months to March 2023.

This market broadens to 15 million Australians aged 14+ (69.9%) who read magazines in print or online either via the web or an app, a small drop of 2.5 per cent from a year ago. These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan Single Source survey of 65,863 Australians aged 14+ in the 12 months to March 2023.

Titles like Grand Designs Australia magazine are up 2.5% to 162,000, which means this publication towers over more generalist titles like Inside Out, which is down 0.9% at 114,000.

This statement applies to Print Readership figures. A full summary will be provided once Cross Platform figures are available.

For further information on Grand Designs Australia or any other Universal Media Co publication, reach out to Louise Vignoles on lvignoles@umco.com.au

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