Dominique Cosgriff, proprietor and editor "Numurkah Leader" spoke to the club.
A story of a single mum, triumphing over adversity. Attended Shepparton High School, moved to Melbourne, them travelled the world, married, then single mum to two children.
Son a cabinet maker, living at home, daughter in Melbourne, Masters in International Development. Being a single mum hard, but rewarding.
Completed a writing and editing course at TAFE, free-lanced at Shepparton News, other jobs included kitchen-hand, SPC tomato line. Applied unsuccessfully for a job as a journalist at Numurkah Leader, after three months re-interviewed and offered job.
Every day different, meeting lots of people. Ownership of Numurkah Leader offered with plan to purchase in 2020, then COVID hit, with pause in plans. Eventually taking over in March 2021, the beginning of a new chapter.
Right opportunity came at the right time. Accepted role because of local community spirit and terrific team at Leader.
Major hick-up when new CEO of Moira Shire unwilling to accept any article exposing anything about Shire not favorable.
All hell broke loose! Unique job running a small country newspaper, being independent, tenuous position when on own. Moira Shire pulled advertising, but readership rose up in support. A David and Goliath struggle, but community support unbelievable. Broke a rule for newspapers, in not to become the story. Struggle showed staunch community and staff appreciation of free press.
Since then, one year on things going well. Still loving every minute.