About
Professional Summary
I'm currently in Year 11 at Ararat College in regional Victoria, navigating school work and covering local news stories for my community. I founded Ararat College's student-run news station (AC News) at the beginning of 2017, turning it into one of Ararat's major news sources.
When AC News launched in March of 2017, we were publishing video segments via Instagram to less than 100 followers. By the end of 2019 - when I stepped away from my passion project - we were producing high-quality video segments, written articles and photojournalism. AC News was reaching thousands each month across the local community.
My passion for telling a story has been with me for as long as I can remember, as has my love for news. I've been watching breakfast television, the nightly news and reading newspapers since I was in Grade 3, admiring the work of journalists and presenters.
Whilst I was working on AC News, I began my journalistic journey, soaking in the work of professionals and gaining valuable 'real-life' experience. I've interviewed Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, Nine's Peter Hitchener, MP James Merlino, MP Louise Staley, local residents and students. Learning from each interview and growing my range of skills and knowledge.
At the beginning of 2019, AC News expanded into print alongside video, launching a website. This decision was made to extend content platforms and allow for more students to be involved in what became a valued, respected and trusted news source for the Ararat community.
As well as growing AC News I was writing for a number of other organisations (RUOK, Project Rockit & Youth Journalism International) and been actively involved in my community. I was a member of Victoria's first Youth Congress in 2018, along with 20 other incredible young people committed to creating change and making Victoria a better place for those under 25.
At the end of 2018, I completed a week of work experience at Tennis Australia during the December Showdown and Junior Australian Championship with their media team. I conducted interviews, wrote articles and soaked in a wealth of knowledge. In September of 2019, I headed to Nine News Melbourne for another stint of experience - learning from the best. This was followed by another week at ABC Ballarat later that month.
In 2020 I'm hosting a weekly podcast, Ararat's Latest, bringing news to the local community live on Facebook, shared via podcasting apps following the broadcast. This is a new venture for me but one I am excited to conquer and learn from. I have also gained my first job in the journalism industry, working for the Ararat Advocate which launched in May of 2020.
Many of my articles are published/linked from this site, as well as segments that I've produced, anchored and edited. If you have any questions about me or my work, please get in contact HERE.
Skills
Communication Journalism Campaign Management Video Production
Social Media Writing Podcasting Creativity TV Presenting
Work Experience
April 2020 - Present
The Ararat Advocate
I am currently working for Ararat's new local newspaper, The Ararat Advocate. I am one of two journalists covering news the locals want and need to know about. The paper is published by West Vic News Pty Ltd who also publish the Pyrenees Advocate.
September 2019
9News Work Experience
I spent a week with the 9News Melbourne team, learning how to navigate a fast-paced news environment. I travelled with news crews to cover politics, protests, conferences and community stories whilst also gaining experience in the newsroom and studios.
August 2019 - Present
ABC Ballarat Segment
I join ABC Ballarat's Steve Martin weekly on a Tuesday to discuss and present the latest Ararat news to his listeners. ABC Ballarat also welcomed me for a work experience stint in September 2019 - a great comparison to metropolitan journalism.
December 2018
Tennis Australia
My first work experience placement was with Tennis Australia in December 2018. I worked with their PR and media team during the Australia Championships. They allowed me to work independently, covering and publishing Junior Championship content.
Achievements
2020
Student Journalist of the Year
Youth Journalism International
2020
Victorian Young Achiever Awards
Online Achievement Award Finalist (Winner announced in September 2020)
2016-2019
Ararat College Year Level Dux
Year 7, 8, 9, & 10 Dux
2018
Victorian Youth Congress
Member