In just over a week in my new role as journalist at Yass Tribune, I can see what a warm and welcoming community exists in the shire.
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It has been an absolute pleasure meeting some of you already and I look forward to introducing myself in person to a lot more in the coming weeks.
I know that many of you were sad to farewell Toby Vue a few weeks ago and that his are big shoes to fill, but I assure you your paper is in safe hands and my goal is to continue the great work done before me.
I have over eight years of experience in journalism, stretching across TV, print and digital and varied topics such as sport, the environment, food and beverages.
My commitment now is to do the best job for your paper.
Having grown up on a farm in rural Devon, south-west of England, I feel quite at home here. The connection to the land and down-to-earth people remind me much of my upbringing.
From a young age, media studies was my favourite subject at school. It was the passion of my teachers that inspired me the most and from there, I went onto study journalism at Cardiff University in Wales.
I love to travel and Australia had always been on my bucket list. Never did I think that my adventure Down Under would bring me this far, but I’m really glad it has.
My connection to agriculture has stayed strong here as a food and beverage reporter for the past four and a half years in Sydney.
It was there that I discovered a particular passion for wine, respecting that a good drop – like most farmed products – often has a bed of tremendously hard work beneath it.
Among many things, I believe there is a great future ahead of the local wine industry in Yass Valley, with the cool climate (despite our gripes in winter) important for grapes as temperatures rise globally.
I hope to share more of that story in the paper.
My other hope for this role is to clearly communicate all of the issues important to you. I truly believe that the paper has an important job to play as a ‘town hall’ for the community.
That being said, please know I am here to listen and welcome any views on what you’d like to see in the paper. I know that most of you are strong supporters of the paper and I hope that continues.
I’m a friendly face, so don’t be shy. The door is always open here at Yass Tribune.