It is a long way from Kiama to Coonamble, but our visiting team member for this edition says she has learnt so much about our community in just a week.
Cathy Law – the founding publisher and editor of The Bugle, a newspaper that serves the Kiama LGA – and our Editor Lee O’Connor became friends over the years through their membership of Country Press NSW, a long standing association of independent country newspapers.
Having sold The Bugle earlier in the year, Cathy is considering the idea of providing locum services for country newspapers.
“I know only too well that Lee and other country newspaper editors put their heart and souls into their work. Sometimes they just need a break or help when they are short staffed but it is hard to find someone with experience,”she said.
“I ran The Bugle for eight years, and have been a journalist for much longer.
“I love the challenge of putting a newspaper together each week, and after a few months off I’ve really enjoyed getting back into the thick of it.”
While here, Cathy has written stories and edited the work of others, as well has helping us trial some adjustments to find an easier-to-read format for our text.
She’s also cheered on the victorious Coonamble Rams at Warren, made friends at the relaunch of the Garden Club, learned more about The Voice, toured the nearby area, learnt about our farms, caused many dog to bark while walking her labrador and generally found out what makes us tick.
“Coming to Coonamble was a bit of a test to find out how easily I could fit into another paper and its community,” said Cathy, who is originally from Mount Isa in Queensland..
“I think by combining my skills with the guidance of knowledgeable locals I will be able to provide a valuable service to country editors.
“Each place will do their work a little differently, but in the end they all have the same goal of serving their community as a reliable source of local news.
“During my time here I’ve been told many times how much people appreciate the work Lee and her team do in keeping people informed and connected.”
After her crash course in how things work in Coonamble, we hope to be able to book her in for a return visit some time in the future.