I’D been reading the local paper, NOTA Nambucca Valley, since I moved here to Fishermans Reach in January 2021, and before that I always read local papers, the folding kind.

In July this year I took a leap of faith by joining the journalistic team for the publication because I could see no stories
relevant to the community I live in.

And as I am a published writer it seemed obvious that I should put my hand up.

I thought there would be very few stories to report on, and though lots of people mentioned yarns, I was at one time cautioned by an old bloke saying, “Be careful what you ask darling, as you could ‘also’ become crab bait.”

The intimidation didn’t work, and I now have many people contacting me with stories from the surrounding district that range from local council issues, CWA, Legacy and school events, market days, holiday fun and interesting character profiles.

Most people I’ve spoken with say, “Oh, so you write for the Argus/Observer?”, to which I instantly reply, “No, I write for our local paper, the Nambucca Valley News of The Area.”

I hand them the latest copy, and brazenly turn to the stories I’ve had published, explaining that I live here and enjoy positively reporting on our community.

Lately folks say things like, “Where do I know you from? Ah, the paper… great stories every week.”

I must say, I detested the media studies I endured at university, but I did make enduring friendships that were formed in our collective creative writing projects.

There’s many other histories we are all working through, both individually and collaboratively.

It is remarkable how many wonderful people I have met, and I can do this along with my next book, which is in the process of editing, due for publication early next year.

Let’s hope I stay impartial in my reporting, and will not become ‘crab bait’.