General News
23 July, 2026
Learning the ropes of journalism
WESTERN District Newspapers has this week welcomed Camperdown College student Elisha Boyd into the newsroom as part of her student work experience.
Year 10 students at Camperdown College all have work experience placements this week.
The process of securing the placements was arranged by the students, with help from the school.
It is something a lot of us were looking forward to.
Western District Newspapers almost immediately came to mind when I was asked by my careers teacher where I would like to try to get a placement for work experience.
Being an avid reader and writer, I have long shown an interest for journalism, and this work experience placement was the perfect chance for me to get a taste for what goes on in the newsroom.
I have a passion for anything to do with the written word, and reporting the news is a fun way to explore that – as well as the fact that each day is different.
I also like the idea of being one of the people that makes sure a community gets their news, so they can know what exactly is going on in their local area.
I plan on pursing journalism as a career, so to have a week to see how it would actually be like is something I was really excited about.
I have enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes at Western District Newspapers, and all the steps necessary to get the papers to the printing press.
Managing directors Stewart Esh and Jodie Welsh welcomed me into the Camperdown office where the Cobden Timboon Coast Times, Terang Express, Mortlake Dispatch, Camperdown Chronicle, Warrnambool Weekly and Western District Farmer are published.
I have accompanied senior journalist Trent Holland to interviews as stories were prepared.
On my first day I led an interview with Priscilla Mozhumannil, Mortlake College’s new science teacher who has just arrived in Australia from India.
I also had the opportunity to interview Wannon MP Dan Tehan regarding his tour of the region, with the support of journalist Christine Kirk.
Mr Tehan wished me well on my placement, and I found the opportunities I’ve had so far really cool.
I’ve now had a first-hand perspective into how the process works.
I have also learnt valuable tips and tricks, such as how to conduct an interview, practiced proof reading and how to layout the pages ready to print.
Read More: Camperdown, local