A new editor following a very successful predecessor faces a daunting task and big shoes to fill.
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Chris McLennan, in charge of the Katherine Times for about four years, leaves behind massive footprints, but it would be disingenuous to say I arrive as an outsider with none of his wisdom imparted.
I am a former journalist with the Times, who spent two years on the ground reporting on everything from the winner of the best jam at the Katherine Show to the crushing impacts of PFAS.
I left in March of 2020, at the onset of coronavirus and one of the most dispiriting years in recent memory for the majority of the world.
Caught up in Melbourne's severe lockdown that began in the chill of winter, I can confidently say Katherine has been extremely lucky to have evaded the virus so far, and to say the least, I am ecstatic to be back.
As we exhaled a collective sigh of relief as 2020 came to an end - hoping 2021 will offer a reprieve of some sorts - it can't be denied Covid-19 isn't going anywhere, despite being far removed from Katherine.
And while it may continue to dominate the 24/7 news cycle, our commitment to devote the time and resources to the local stories that matter has not changed.
It hardly needs spelling out how much trust in news matters. A commitment to accuracy and fairness is owed to those who read it and those who are written about, and commitment to holding those in power to account is paramount.
The Katherine Times is your community paper, online and in print; it's a reflection of you and a recording of your history.
And while we may no longer have a physical office in the middle of town, our metaphorical door is always open.
Here at the Katherine Times, we want to hear your ideas, we want to hear of your successes and we want to hear your concerns.
It was an honour to tell your stories as a journalist for the past two years, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue to put the proverbial pen to paper as your new editor.
Please don't hesitate to get in touch by phone: 0439682920 or email: roxanne.f@austcommunitymedia.com.au
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