Tell us about your journey into your role as an investigative and features reporter at The West Australian and The Sunday Times for Seven West Media?
After graduating high school, I had no set plans to pursue journalism or even go to university. Looking back, it makes me laugh because it was such an obvious fit. I watched, listened, and read the news most days.
I’ve always been curious, loved discussing politics and following world events. As a Wheatbelt farm kid, I loved tuning into ABC’s Landline or Country Hour and reading Farm Weekly or Countryman. But the career path didn’t cross my mind. It was only when I was bored in my summer job in my hometown in regional WA after school that I looked into creative courses at Curtin.
I finally settled on the idea of becoming an agricultural journalist after uni. After freelance work at Farm Weekly and stints at two regional WA papers, I eventually changed trajectory and have landed in general news at The West Australian.
In the past five years at The West, my interests are more focused on industrial relations, politics, and health. But above all, I just really love telling any story that makes a tangible positive change in someone’s life.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
One thing I love about journalism is how diverse my day can be. Across the past five years, I’ve covered crime, courts, health, State and Federal politics, and had stints as Chief of Staff and acting Property and Urban Development editor.
While I’m mostly based out of Seven West Media’s Osborne Park office conducting phone interviews, researching, and submitting media enquiries, my work backdrop can vary.
In Perth, I could be in a courtroom, at State Parliament for a press conference, at a crime scene, or catching up with a talent for an interview at a local park or café. But I’ve also been fortunate to head overseas and interstate for work before. From an immigration detention centre on Christmas Island and Beijing boardrooms during former Premier Mark McGowan’s trade mission, to jetting around Australia following Scott Morrison and Anthony Albanese in the 2022 Federal Election. I’ve also covered protests, bushfires, shark attacks and appeared on podcasts, radio, TV, and the front page of the STM magazine.
Who inspires you the most?
The people who trust me with their stories. Those brave enough to speak about some of their darkest moments publicly, all in the hope that it might save one person from the pain they have endured. From victim-survivors of sexual assault or those at the pits of homelessness. So many people have trusted me with their truth. I’m always in awe.
Also, my colleagues. Their passion to uncover the truth and tell stories that matter is inspiring. But also, the depth of their support blows me away every day. I’m so grateful.
Knowing people like our legal affairs editors Tim Clarke, state politics editor Josh Zimmerman or our crime editor Phil Hickey are there to support me at the drop of a hat gives me the confidence to tackle any story.
My former editor Anthony De Ceglie has also had a huge influence on me. His love of the craft, energy for the future of journalism, and drive to innovate is inspiring.
What is one of the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on at Seven West Media? Any stories which have led to positive change?
Everyone has a story to tell, and I feel privileged when I can share even one of them.
One investigation, however, stands out above others though because of how far reaching the impact of it was.
In 2021, I started publishing a series of reports of sexual assault and harassment in Australia’s resources sector. The sustained coverage led to a landmark parliamentary inquiry, which unearthed hundreds of cases. It prompted the country’s biggest and wealthiest companies to act, committing multi-million-dollar budgets to improve safety and overhaul of workplace practices. The work was recognised at the 66th Walkley Awards for Excellence in Journalism and WA Media Awards.
While I wouldn’t cover big stories like this every day, I’m buoyed by the positive impact an article can have to better the lives of others.
If you could give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
Don’t stress so much. The sun will come up tomorrow and it won’t be your problem then. And if it’s not this tomorrow, it’ll be one coming soon.
What does leadership mean to you?
A great leader should have empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. They should listen to, collaborate with, and encourage their team. A leader should foster an environment that allows people to flourish.