Today is my last day as the Editor of The Ararat Advertiser, and thinking about my 25 years in the industry over the past few days has brought back many memories.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
I first knew I wanted to be a journalist at the age of 13, I was a prolific writer from a very early age and in fact the very first clear word I spoke as a toddler was ‘cappuccino’ - perhaps a sign given journos are notorious coffee drinkers!
Being a journalist has been my life thus far and I have been privileged to tell the stories of hundreds of people I have met over the years.
As journalists we are entrusted with the stories of our readers and we believe that this is a great honour.
I have enjoyed covering many issues and events over the years, but it is the personal stories that I am most passionate about.
I have always had a strong interest in war history and telling the stories of local World War I and II veterans has been an honour.
They have told me harrowing accounts of being shot at, shot down over enemy territory and imprisoned in POW camps. One veteran said that I was the first person he had spoken to about his terrible experiences.
This trust - this is what stuns me every time.
I have written about families who have endured tragedy, families who have sadly lost children, families who have children battling an incurable disease or a life limiting condition.
I have been thankful I could tell the stories of many of Ararat’s breast cancer survivors who have bravely opened up to me about their very personal cancer journeys. They have often said that if they could help just one person, then their job is done. And that is the job of a journo too, to pass on important messages to our communities.
Being a mentor to seven young journalists who have passed through these doors over the past 10 years has also been something I have been privileged to do. I have loved seeing these young women and men develop as people and as journalists and all, without exception, have gone on to great careers which I continue to follow with interest.
The Ararat Advertiser is now entering an exciting new era. From a one page newspaper produced from a tent on a muddy goldfield in 1857 to a newspaper that has well and truly entered the digital age, our readers can now access their news through a variety of platforms, both print and digital.
It’s now time to move on to the next chapter of my life, and I would like to thank you for your support of The Ararat Advertiser and our team during my time as Editor.
I am leaving The Addy in good hands, you have a team of passionate and dedicated journalists who will continue to tell your stories as only local reporters can. Your stories, your concerns, your events, your projects – they are important to us and important to our community.
- Jodie Holwell