In 2015, I established The Bugle in response to the Kiama Independent becoming a shadow of its former self under corporate ownership. This brave move was based on my belief that local newspapers play an important role in strengthening small communities, by keeping them up-to-date on many fronts.

The role has built on all of the experience gained throughout my 40 year career in journalism, corporate communications and small business.

I developed good working relationships with Council and many community organisations - from precinct groups and service clubs to craft groups and schools. This gave me a broad understanding of different voices within the community, allowing me to keep my finger on the pulse.

In keeping the costs low for The Bugle, I undertook many roles including writing, editing and designing the printed paper using InDesign and Canva.

I also prepared The Bugle for sustainability by creating The Bugle App to provide news on a daily basis, in addition to our fortnightly print paper. At the time we sold in January 2023, it had 7,500 downloads and regularly attracted a monthly readership of 15,000.

In 2022, it was awarded the Country Press NSW Award of Excellence for the Best Digital Online Presence.

I have a demonstrated ability to rise to challenges, rapidly learn new skills to high standard for the benefit of my role, and work productively with a wide range of people. 

When I left The Bugle in May 2023, the Mayor of Kiama, Neil Reilly, said of my work in his column, “Anyone would be hard-pressed to do what she did, as well as she did and as efficiently as she did. We all owe her.”

My other community contributions include instigating the Bird Haven Festival as a way of spreading an environmental message about the importance of habitat; helping to found the Kiama Farmers Market; and serving as a director of Kiama Tourism.

In 2015, I received a NSW Community Service Award from Premier Mike Baird.

Qualities: Professional, creative, reliable, straightforward, mature, intelligent, organised, calm, team player, adaptable, thrifty, friendly, approachable, thoughtful, passionate and modest.