THE Mansfield Courier welcomes its newest team member Samuel O'Brien, a recent journalism graduate who has relocated from the tropical climes of the Sunshine State to the baking summers and snow–capped winters of the Victorian High Country.
Embracing the role of cadet at the Mansfield Courier, Samuel has extensive experience in radio journalism, having completed an internship at 4ZZZ community radio alongside achieving his Bachelor of Communications at the Queensland University of Technology.
On finishing his internship, Samuel then worked as a staff journalist at the radio station delivering content for the daily news bulletins, before taking on the challenge of running the internship program at 4ZZZ, mentoring first year students.
On top of this full workload, Samuel also held down a variety of jobs in both administration and tutoring, supporting himself whilst going through university.
The eldest of 10 siblings, Samuel is an accomplished trombone player and is familiar with the North East, having repeatedly attended the Border Music Camp in Albury, a week–long residential camp for young musicians.
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"I also have incredibly fond memories of road trips with my family across the North East," said Samuel.
"We have family friends and relatives across Victoria, but predominantly in Albury and Shepparton.
"The region is one that I know and love."
And despite hearing of Mansfield and Bonnie Doon with its fabled serenity, Samuel had never been to the Shire before relocating.
"I enjoy travelling and love exploring new places," said Samuel.
"And one of the biggest drawcards of working in journalism is that opportunity to travel.
"It is such a privilege that my vocation allows me to immerse myself in a local community and get that first–hand insight, whilst building connections."
And Samuel has hit the ground running, doing just that.
His first weekend in Mansfield saw him report from Mt Buller, flitting between the Wildflower Festival and the Chamber Music Summer School concert.
He has been out to Jamieson, spent time at Bonnie Doon and represented the paper at the Delatite Winery's recent event, Music in the Vines.
The Courier is thrilled to have Samuel on–board.
"Coming from a capital city I'm used to reporting predominantly on state and national issues," he said.
"I'm really enjoying this opportunity to focus on a more localised scale and understand what matters to the community."
