TELLING the incredible stories of the Myall Coast is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about.

The NOTA has been a staple of the region for decades, keeping locals up to date with the happenings of the area.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

Now, NOTA is seeking enthusiastic locals with a background in writing to join the team.

“If you have a background in writing, and a passion for your local community, I would love to hear from you,” said NOTA Editor Douglas Connor.

Aware that a shift to news writing may be a daunting prospect for locals with a passion for the written word, Mr Connor is seeking expressions of interest for news writing workshops, hosted by the NOTA in the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest area.

The small-group, intimate workshops would cover all aspects of covering local news on the Myall Coast; from headline writing, writing to news style, grammar, interview skills and more.

These free sessions will give any keen writer the necessary skills to start covering the issues that matter to local people.

Writing for NOTA can be an amazing way to connect with your local community, to meet some of the awe-inspiring locals creating change in the area, and to learn and experience the unique elements of life on the Myall Coast.

Veteran NOTA reporter Marian Sampson, who has reported on local issues on the Myall Coast and Port Stephens for four years, said the role allowed her freedom, and new opportunities.

“Writing for News Of The Area has been a wonderful opportunity for me.

“I have become further connected to my community and importantly those who care passionately about their causes.

“I have had the privilege to meet some amazing people who are doing amazing things locally and internationally.

“From people like Wendy Stein who is changing the landscape of women’s health in PNG to November Sheehan who is bringing joy to older people in care across Australia simply through a simple card, to meeting the Prime Minister and getting to throw him a question (you have to be quick!) I get to meet so many people who passionately advocate for our community.

“I am valued and respected by my community as is the publication.

“As a NOTA reporter I write when I like and choose the stories that are of interest to me and my community. I choose my own hours and I can work from anywhere,” Marian said.

Tara Campbell joined NOTA as a reporter in 2020, and said covering the region for the newspaper had expanded her horizons.

“Writing for the NOTA allows me to meet hundreds of unique people from all different walks of life, people that I wouldn’t have ever connected with if I wasn’t working here.

“I love making genuine connections and visiting different places to help the community tell their stories.

“Although it has pushed me out of my comfort zone, it has always rewarded me with friendly faces, authentic characters and a development of my career as a journalist,” Tara said.

For more information or to express interest in attending a free newswriting workshop in the Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Area, call Editor Douglas Connor on 0431 487 679 or email doug@newsofthearea.com.au.