Meet the Team

The Clarence Valley’s ONLY locally owned and operated newspaper.

Meet the team here at the Independent who continue to bring you the Clarence Valley’s own weekly newspaper.

Each of our dedicated staff, forms an integral piece of the puzzle, working together as a team to bring you what’s happening in and around the Clarence Valley.

Support the team that has supported our community for the last 28 years.

Ann Mazzetelli – Owner/Operations Manager

Originally from Oberon NSW, I have been with the company for 28 years and counting.

I have been with the Independent since its inception in 1994 through a couple of name changes (brought about by alterations to local government boundaries and distribution coverage), from the Lower Clarence Review to the Clarence Valley Review and now proudly the Clarence Valley Independent.

Moving to Yamba to take up the role of Manager was not the move I had envisaged, but in doing so it has turned out to be a very rewarding experience.

I have worked with an extremely dedicated staff who have combined to ensure this newspaper has become a voice for the Clarence community, hopefully, this is the way we are viewed throughout the valley. We have tackled some hard topics throughout the years trying to keep our readers informed. Hopefully, with help from our contributors and support from our local businesses, we can keep that voice alive for many more years to come.

Thank you to our readers, contributors, and advertisers for your support over the years, you have collectively made our jobs very fulfilling.

With the awful circumstances surrounding this COVID-19 pandemic, and as a consequence, having to suspend our print edition, the encouragement we received at that time was overwhelming.

You made it loud and clear…we had to revisit the print version.

No folks…the print media is not dead.

Lynda Davidson – Production Manager

I am currently the Production Manager (which means I am supposed to produce something, I think).

I have been with the Review/Independent for 22 years.

During that time, I have seen many businesses come and go and watched many community groups flourish and others sadly disappear.

It is a great job and like many, has its highs and lows.

Deadlines every week can be difficult. I mean totally frustrating, hair-pulling type difficult, along with sleepless nights worrying about mistakes that can never be corrected. Luckily, Joseph Fry invented chocolate bars in 1847. There is nothing more special (or fattening) than sharing tonnes of chocolate amid chaos on the print day with my wonderful workmates. It’s how we all get high!

Robyn Billington – Accounts Manager

I have worked for the Clarence Valley Independent for about 14 years.

My position commenced as the receptionist and assistant to the accountant.

Most of my working life has been in a clerical/accounting role and I became the Accounts Manager here in 2012.

I have recently completed a qualification in Accounting and Bookkeeping and love being part of this local business, working with local people.

Fran Dowsett – Sales Manager, Photography

I have been working in ‘sales’ at the Independent(formally the Review) for 14½ years.

I love working with my clients, many of whom I have developed great friendships with over that time.

There is a real family atmosphere at the Independent, although it can get pretty tense, especially when it’s close to the deadline.

When I’m not working, I am of course out fishing, so if you can’t reach me that’s probably where I am – Tight lines.

Emma Pritchard – Journalist

My name is Emma Pritchard and I’m very happy to introduce myself as the newest member of the Clarence Valley Independent.

I’m a born and bred Grafton girl who kicked off my media career at The Daily Examiner in 2011. I spent the next three years working as a journalist and features writer. I also wrote a weekly column, Girl Talk, which appeared in Coastal Views. Do you remember me yet?

Writing has always been a passion of mine, especially creative writing. I love inspiring, entertaining, and educating people through my work and I’m stoked to have been given the opportunity to do it again.

I love exploring the Clarence Valley, visiting the local pubs for a counter meal and a coldie, and supporting local businesses. Our community is full of unique characters, each one with a story to tell. I can’t wait to begin sharing them with you again.

Neve Sakac – Admin Assistant.

It’s an exciting time to be working on the paper.

I’ve been working here at the Independent for over six years now and I’m still enjoying my work.

I work as the receptionist, but I also assist with the accounts, as well as helping out with lots of other duties too.

My jobs are varied which keeps me interested and no two days are the same. It’s great to be involved with the different aspects of the business.

Being a small business you wear a lot of hats. It’s heaps of fun and it keeps you on your toes and in touch with what’s happening, and I love that.

Working for the paper feels like working for the community, it’s a very satisfying job and people love reading the newspaper.

Lauren Wilson- Graphic Designer, Production

I am one of the newest members of the Clarence Valley family and aside from my dramatic increase in sugar intake, I am thoroughly enjoying it. I am quickly learning and getting to know the wonderful community that Yamba is rightfully known for.

After an inconceivable year, I gave Melbourne the flick to finally move back home to Northern NSW. On top of graduating RMIT with a degree in Social Science and Environment, I have recently completed a diploma in Graphic Design.

Aside from being Lynda’s sidekick for production, I am also the graphic artist. I work on our newspaper layout and produce thoughtful and witty advertisements for all our brilliant customers.

Since finding my position here with The Clarence Valley Independent, I look forward to growing together and seeing where life will take us. Hopefully reading the free local newspaper with a morning coffee will always be in vogue.”