IF you ask me what is one of the main characteristics and ethics that define what is Australia I’d have to say it would be hard work. From the get go all our northern hemisphere convict ancestors were told to go and dig this and build that and plant this and it was all in the heat of summer. It must have been a bit of a shock to the system coming from Mother England where a hot Summer day’s temperature would be around a balmy 26 degrees, but they got on with the job. In the

THE below picture was taken of my husband Greg and I one sunny afternoon at Rosehill Races. As I smiled into the camera, little did I know that just a few months down the track, my silly cheesy grin would feature on the pages of just about every news outlet across the county, and a few overseas ones to boot. If you recognise me, you probably already know the story. If you don’t, here’s the background. I was rushing around last Saturday to get ready for the Music 4 Life Ball.

EVERY now and then you come across someone who is so truly inspirational that they touch your heart in a way that makes you feel proud to be part of the human race. Ann Willmington, wife of Wayne Willmington, mother of Clare (25) and Jack (16) from Vintage FM is one such person. Ann was diagnosed with a brain tumour eight years ago that very nearly claimed her life. Given just a ten per cent chance of survival, Ann underwent a six-hour operation to have it removed - and defie

THIS last week, whilst Kerrie was sipping cocktails in Bali, I was sitting at the Assistant Editor’s desk. The Assistant Editor’s desk really isn’t anything different, in fact it is the same desk that i normally sit at, but that is besides the point. I feel very lucky to be working as part of a team who trusts me in this role - even though i’ve only been in the job since April. Working for an independent paper I realise how important independent media is in Australia, a count

Working on two publications (Western news and nepean news) means I’m covering four different electorates around western Sydney and across those four electorates I’ve noticed a number of changes in the way politicians campaign, and the way in which government money is thrown around. Take the marginal seat of Lindsay for example, which has been held by Liberal MP Fiona Scott since 2013. Across the last two weeks the Coalition has promised more than $20 million in funds for shin

I’VE only been in this job for about three months now but I’ve almost learnt more on the job in these last three months than in the last three years of uni. Now I’m not saying uni was a waste and I didn’t learn anything but what I am saying is being on the ground, shuffling through the journos at press conferences, working on sources and building relationships within the community is a powerful learning experience. Taking stock of the last three months I’ve spoken to politici

RARELY do I come across things that make my blood boil, but boil it did last week when I read about Cecil the lion from Zimbabwe. A dentist from Minnesota, USA has been named and shamed for paying to have the collared lion lured out of his enclosure, and subsequently hunted down and hit with a bow and arrow. Some 40 hours after Cecil was wounded, this despicable creature shot, skinned and beheaded him and posed for his "trophy" photos. He has been bombarded by animal activis