Hi Jade, can you tell us a bit about your early life?
I was born in Melbourne and have lived all over Victoria – but my grandparents lived in Warrandyte most of my life, so it always felt like home to me. I studied Social Work when I left school and went on to work in Family Violence in the Western Suburbs.
How did you come to live in Maldon?
My partner and I decided to go backpacking around Europe for a few months which was incredible. We travelled around the UK, visited Berlin and Amsterdam, but a family member became quite unwell, and we had to cut the trip short so I’m still rather desperate to travel other parts of Europe.
When we came back my partner and I moved to Castlemaine and made the decision to take in a family member (a teenager) who needed a home, followed shortly after by her sister. I was in my mid-20s and had absolutely no idea about raising teenagers so that was….interesting. I worked as a family support worker at CHIRP for a few years before falling pregnant with my first child.
How did you become involved in journalism?
I was a stay at home mum for 10 years – I really threw myself in, learning to sew, knit, garden, bake and preserve. After a marriage breakdown I decided it was time to return to work. I knew I didn’t want a job in social work while my kids were still young so I considered buying a bookshop, pursued various writing careers, including writing a novel (unpublished but at least I can tick that off my bucket list!) and finally (purely by chance) landed myself the job of Editor of the Tarrangower Times. I loved it – but COVID meant I was working from home and home schooling the two kids which was…let’s just say less than ideal. The job at the Times was a part-time gig so when I saw a full-time job advertised with the Castlemaine Mail I jumped at the chance.
Do you have any hobbies?
Not these days. Returning to full time work with two children has been an interesting juggling act – but I would love to get back into knitting when I can.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m reading a new book from local author Ellie Marney for an article I’m writing. Working here has been a great way to get me back into reading. In fact, the first book I read in a long time was A Brief Affair written by Alex Miller – who I got to interview. I was jumping up and down with excitement for days at getting to meet the Miles Franklin winner and telling every single person I came across!
What music do you enjoy listening to?
Everything except techno and heavy metal. Working at the Mail I’ve come across a lot of new artists that I’ve been able to interview – which is fun.
Who are your three dream dinner guests?
My aunt that passed away many years ago, my dear friend who died recently and Nelson Mandela.
What philosophies do you live life by?
I am a social worker – it’s part of who I am and always will be. I’m a strong advocate for social justice and equality and the older I get the more feminist I become.
Finally, what do you love most about the place you call home?
Everyone there is just a little bit left of centre and I love that. The people and the place are beautiful and feels like I’ve come home.