Successful trial run

To test out the concept of being a local news locum, I offered my services to Lee O’Connor of the Coonamble Times. Lee and I met and became friends through Country Press NSW.

I spent 10 days in Coonamble in August 2023, and this is what they thought of my stay.

After an orientation, which began with preparation before arriving, I got to work - writing, mentoring younger staff, editing and laying out pages, as well as getting to know the community’s issues and characters. I also made suggestions for improvements to the paper’s design and helped expand and update their style guide.

In this case, Lee remained in the office while my work freed her up to do work on her business. However, given this experience, she is keen to book me in to work solo in the future.

Lessons learnt:

• I enjoyed having the unique opportunity to quickly find out about an area and its issues, and utilise my specialist skills. I have found my new role in the industry.

• People love having a local paper and appreciate the work that goes into keeping it going. Those I spoke to understood the need for a locum at times to provide relief.

• While writing and editorial skills transfer easily to a new location, I will need to have people available to consult with to make sure I understand the area’s history and players as stories arise. These could be team members or some trusted locals suggested by the editor.  

• Understanding backend systems and processes is critical to being able to fit in seamlessly. A thorough orientation is necessary, with ongoing advice from team members if required.

• It is important for me to have a defined role and be able to be able to work closely with those responsible for other areas (eg. advertising sales and distribution) so nothing falls through the cracks.