When Oliver Watson woke up the morning of August 22, 2011, raised the blinds on his bedroom window in Yass and walked through the doors of the Yass Tribune for the first time, he was overwhelmed by the feeling that he wanted to create a legacy for himself in the small town.
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Nearly five years later he has more than done so, and it is with difficulty the Yass Tribune farewells one of its greats.
‘Olly’, as he became known by many in the Yass community, grew up in Taree, a town on the Mid North Coast of NSW.
It was with his work experience at the Canberra Times, the Taree and Forster Tuncurry rural newspapers and a Cadetship in Parkes, that convinced previous editor Karan Gabriel to employ him as the Tribune's Sports Journalist.
That, and his keen attitude towards news and a Bachelor of Sports Media at the University of Canberra.
“He was really quiet, reserved and unassuming when he first walked through the doors,” Tribune Sales Representative Bob Tindall said.
“It didn’t take him long to find his stride though and he was soon making a name for himself in more than just sport.”
He made his mark at the Tribune with a number of significant stories, including ‘It’s dry, but don’t use the ‘D’ word’ and ‘Cobbler: one year on’.
“My most memorable moments have been going out and covering various emergencies like the Cobbler Road fire," Olly explained.
“I also like reporting on the big annual events in Yass, because I enjoy getting involved in them.
“Along with writing sport, I have always enjoyed the rural aspect of my job, too. Coming from a small country town I could relate to those stories.”
His passion for writing is evident when reading his hard-hitting words and thought-provoking descriptions, a style he has picked up over the years from writing for a community he loves.
Olly was also a driver in getting the Tribune team to participate in local events and his enthusiasm to not only participate as a representative of the Tribune, but also a member of the community, saw him involved in Yass Runners, the Yass Redbacks and the local Tennis Club.
Oliver has also shined on an academic level since beginning at the Tribune. He's passed multiple courses and in 2013 was awarded the Edward Wilson Award for Outstanding Regional Journalism, presented to him by Deakin University.
But, when asked what his most memorable moments have been whilst working at the Tribune, he couldn’t ignore the community.
“The highlight has been living in a place like Yass and meeting the people here, it’s been a privilege to keep people up to date with what is happening around town,” he explained.
“The Tribune has given me a start in the industry and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Sales representative Lyn Fisher is particularly sad to see Olly go.
“He always gave 100 per cent. Oliver came to us from Parkes in NSW, I have seen him mature into a great journalist over the past four years. It's been a pleasure to have had him as a working colleague, he is very respectful and fun to work with. I wish him all the best in his new venture.”
Like many young minds, the day eventually comes when they want to spread their wings and embark on the next big adventure.
For Olly, that’s not giving up his passion for media, but using his skills to work for a government department in Canberra.
Perhaps the Trib can some day lure him back but, until then, this reporter, who knows about the blood, sweat and tears he has given to the Tribune, wishes him all the best for the next part of life’s adventure.
