Pat Fordham|

I’m a current final year journalism student at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). I have been tasked with working at the Clarence Valley Independent for a month, which I am thoroughly enjoying, hence hoping to meet many more of you in the community soon!
UTS have sent a range of final year students out to regional independent newspapers, in the hope that their students (including myself) will gain a range of skills and experience from our time gathering, sourcing and telling news stories which matter to local communities. During my short time here so far (just under two weeks), I have been lucky enough to get involved with and speak to a range of residents in the Clarence Valley. These include stories on volunteers contributing to worthy causes, to investigating why local property prices are exploding across the Clarence.
Throughout my stay here as a journalist, I will also be completing research on what communities in the regions expect and want to see from media outlets across the country. Whether that be big city newspapers talking about country and regional issues or local papers speaking with members of the community on the ground. I am looking to speak to four or five people who have an opinion on what media outlets are doing well and what they could do better, to gain a better understanding of the community and how the media can better portray the issues important to them. If you are interested in participating, please contact me on 0411 835 426 as I would really appreciate the insight!
This is the first time UTS has sent journalism students across the state to gain experience, and so far, it seems to be successful. Hopefully, next year you will have another bright, enthusiastic journalism student here to take on the issues which are important to you and the Clarence Valley community.
Over the next few weeks, I hope to meet as many of you as possible and share the stories which matter to you.

Please get in touch if you think you have a story which needs to be read by the Clarence Valley Independent’s audience!