CV / RESUME
Back then, I sold fuses at an electrical shop in London; pints at several pubs; coffees at Starbucks and china figurines from Royal Doulton.
The writing bug really kicked in when I headed The Badger, the University of Sussex’s student newspaper.
Now, I’m living in New York as a journalist and editor with a background in media and communications working at one of Australia's leading news websites - news.com.au.
Previous journalism roles include at Australia's longest established LGBTI publication, Star Observer, with one of the world's largest magazine publishers, Bauer Media, and custom publishers, Medium Rare Content.
Communications experience includes working with some of Australia's largest blue chip corporates, including Woolworths, local councils and public bodies. Particular experience in the retail, local government and transport sectors as well as in general community programmes and sponsorship, LGBTI issues and health matters.
Work history
March 2021 - present
US Correspondent, news.com.au
New York
Sole US based journalist for Australia’s largest news website - news.com.au, part of News Corporation.
Reporting on US issues of relevance to Australian audiences; homepage editing; producing video explainers; social media management and creating breaking news content for website
February 2018 - present,
Senior reporter/news editor, news.com.au
Sydney
Kennedy Award winning journalist and news editor looking at the issues that affect Australians at one of the country’s leading news websites.
In addition, I focus on the areas of: transport, environment, retail and LGBTI issues.
The role includes news editing, homepage editing, SEO, strategising of major news events (such as the same-sex marriage survey) and the creation of broadcast content including the production and presentation of online videos. Regular commentator on Channel Ten's Studio Ten.
September 2015 – February 2018,
NSW State Reporter, news.com.au
Sydney
Lead reporter for news in New South Wales with an additional focus on LGBTI issues.
Round included: breaking news, politics, crime, arts, human interest, long form features.
March 2014 –September 2015, Assistant Editor,
Star Observer, Sydney
Joined national LGBTI publication at crucial time to help it transition from a weekly newspaper to daily news website and nationally distributed monthly magazine. Responsible for NSW news as well as engaging in-depth features for magazine. Articles have included an investigation into inclusiveness in Australian sport - involving talking to all codes and well-known players – and an interview with Kylie Minogue. The new format has been enthusiastically received by the Australian LGBTI community.
September 2007 to November 2013,
Media Relations Manager, Woolworths Limited, Sydney
Representing Australia’s largest retailer through traditional and social media channels, corporate publications and internal communications. Organised complex events, such as TV shoots and AGMs, produced communications strategies and provided reputation management advice to senior management. .
April 2007 – July 2007,
Journalist, Star Observer, Sydney
Working across a busy weekly paper on news, features and arts stories. Key roles included producing engaging well-researched copy with a tight deadline and sourcing or taking accompanying photographs. Stories covered ranged from the political to more light-hearted arts and lifestyle pieces.
September 2006 – March 2007,
Communications Officer, Rockdale City Council, Sydney
Temporary full-time role editing and producing a range of publications including monthly community newsletter, monthly staff newsletter, annual reports, Mayoral speeches and press releases. Also managed major communications projects for two neighbouring LGAs. Part of a small team that worked on the overhaul of the staff newsletter with a new writing style, refreshed look and more corporate design. Role while on working holiday visa.
April 2002 – February 2006,
Communications Officer, University of Sussex, Brighton
Full-time role coordinating and implementing internal and external communications strategy for large UK University. Projects included engaging a complex and disparate student, improving dialogue between University management and key student leaders and overhauling the University’s corporate identity. Role also included maintaining content for several websites and writing and designing fortnightly.
Awards
2020: Nominated for the Kennedy Award for online news breaking - nominated for live coverage of Sydney’s Black Lives Matter protest that turned to violence.
2018: Winner of the Kennedy Award for excellence in environmental reporting - awarded for this piece on the cross border traffic in waste.
2018: Nominated for ACON Honour award for media. For this piece on three hero drag queens.
2017: Nominated for ACON Honour award for media. For bringing LGBTI stories to millions of people through news.com.au.
Voluntary roles
Steering committee, Australian LGBTI University Guide
Co-creator of first ever guide that looked at LGBTI inclusion at all Australian universities. Working with the Human Rights Commission, Star Observer, NSW Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Victoria Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby, Transgender Victoria and Out for Australia.
Various marketing and communications roles, Mardi Gras, Sydney
Various roles specifically focused on the management and communication of many different events including the major Fair Day community event, the parties and renowned Mardi Gras Parade. Role involved project management, media liaison, comms strategy and crisis management strategy production.
Board Director, Brighton Ourstory, Brighton, UK
Part of management board for major UK gay and lesbian history archive. During tenure successfully moves the organisation to permanent premises, submitted several successful funding applications, staged many exhibitions and achieved charitable status.
Courses and memberships
Bureau of Meteorology, Sydney: Introduction to Meteorology
International Association for Public Participation (IAP2), Perth: Communication for Effective Public Participation
The Australian Centre for Corporate Public Affairs, Melbourne
London School of Photography: Intermediate photography
Sydney Community College: Photography (camera skills), photography (creative skills)
The Guardian Masterclasses, London: Travel writing
Education
1997 – 2000 University of Sussex, Brighton
BA first class honours, English with Media Studies.
1994 – 1996 La Sainte Union and William Ellis Sixth Form College, Parliament Hill, London
A Levels - A, B, C respectively in Media Studies, English Literature & Language and Design and Technology.