The Appliance Retailer editorial team has been nominated for two major awards at the 2015 Optus IT Journalism Awards. Editor Patrick Avenell has been nominated for Best Tech Industry Journalist while Tess Bennett is a finalist in the Best New Journalist Category.

It is the second year in a row that Patrick has been nominated for Best Tech Industry Journalist, having come runner up in 2014 to Simon Sharwood from The Register. Patrick has previously been a finalist in the Best New Journalist category.

For Tess Bennett’s hard work in her inaugural year at Appliance Retailer, she is in the running to win one of the most interesting and popular gongs on the night: Best New Journalist. This is fine recognition for her work covering the Internet of Things, POS technology and the growth in Smart Home technology.

“I am extremely proud to be finalist again but my real joy is derived from seeing Tess’ great work being rewarded with a nomination,” Patrick said. “Hopefully we both win our respective awards!”

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at Luna Park on Friday 15 May 2015.

Also nominated at the awards is former Appliance Retailer deputy editor Claire Reilly. Now at Cnet, Claire is in the running for Best News Journalist.

“It’s great to see someone that you recruited and worked closely with and mentored be successful and achieve their goals,” continued Patrick. “I am looking forward to congratulating Claire on her victory!”