Kellie Sheppard is The Free Press new journalist and commenced duty on February 20.
Adrienne proved to be a respected and popular journalist covering all subjects throughout the whole of Federation Council area, Rutherglen, Wahgunyah and rural areas.
She was named NSW runner-up Journalist of the Year for 2023 at the Country Press NSW conference and gala awards dinner in Sydney.
“After four years of countless headlines, and an inordinate amount of coffee, the time has come for me to hang up my press pass,” Adrienne said.
“I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to serve this incredible community. To our readers, your unwavering support, kindness and willingness to share your stories have made my time here truly unforgettable.
“Thank you for opening your hearts and allowing me to be a part of your lives. Whether it was attending community events, covering local news, or simply chatting with residents on the street, you have welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at home.”
She expressed gratitude to managing director, Jared Loughnan, for taking a chance with her selection and providing the opportunity to grow and thrive in the role.
“In my time here, I have been blessed to work with a wonderful Corowa team - Dale Pegg, Jenny Binion and most recently Megan Dunn. Thank you for your guidance, laughter, support and reminding me to drink water!
“And to my journo colleagues Moose (Robert Muir) and Emma (Prior), thank you for your guidance, mentorship and friendship. I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such talented individuals in both Corowa and Yarrawonga.
“I’m so pleased to be handing on the baton to Kellie and I believe she will be a great fit for our community.”
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said Adrienne has always been a pleasure to work with. “She extracts the information out of you, whether you want to or not!” the mayor said.
“She’s certainly, in her time at The Free Press, become good friends with so many people and has a vibrant personality.
“Adrienne’s always respectful and a very nice person. I’m sure I speak on behalf of a lot of people when I wish her all the very best with her new job.”
Managing Director of the Yarrawonga Chronicle and The Free Press Jared Loughnan also wished Adrienne all the best in her future endeavours.
“Adrienne has been a valued member of our editorial team quickly fitting in and embracing the journalist role in Corowa,” Jared said.
“She quickly built the trust in the community and embraced the responsibilities and the privilege that comes with being a journalist in a country town.
“Adrienne was acknowledged for her quality journalism by being judged runner-up in the Journalist of the Year Award at the 2023 NSW Country Press Annual Awards.
“When one door closes another open, and we welcome with open arms her replacement in Kellie Sheppard. Kellie holds a great passion for local community journalism and has recently moved to the area.
“I am sure all our readers will embrace Kellie as they have Adrienne.”
Beginning her journalistic career in Geelong in 1998 and winning a number of literary awards during her professional career, Kellie is excited to be the newest member of the Free Press team. Recently relocating to Howlong from North East Vic, where she enjoyed a short tenure with North East Media, she is eager to contribute to the Corowa, and surrounding, communities.
“I am genuinely excited to get to know my new neighbours and to be a voice for all of the lovely stories that deserve attention and celebration in regional areas,” Kellie said
“I have been writing all my life, but the very best part of what I do is learning about people. Every person has a such a unique experience of life and their stories are all important.”
Being the recipient of an International Women’s Day award, and Pride of Australia nomination for service to community are both testament to Kellie’s passion and dedication to helping her region and its locals to thrive.
“I could never go back to city living,” she said “I am blessed with a large, blended family that I am thrilled to be able to raise in a regional area.
“Our middle son has just transitioned to Corowa High School for his three senior years and our eldest son is coming back from Geelong with a hope to start a new music business because he misses the lifestyle here so much.”
Ready to immerse herself into the vibrant local lifestyle, Kellie is also eager to hear from anybody in the area with a story to share.
All at The Free Press and the Yarrawonga Chronicle thank Adrienne for her services over the four years; congratulate Kellie on her selection to The Free Press. Both ladies are wished all the best in their new roles.
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