Drop In With Daniel

Hi Everyone

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve returned to the Whitsunday Life Newspaper after four months living in Ingham where I helped launch our sister publication, Hinchinbrook Life.

It was a privilege to launch a new newspaper in a region that had been yearning so long for print media, but the Whitsundays kept calling for my return.

Whilst I was up there, myself and the Hinchinbrook Shire experienced the worst flooding event in over 50 years. I was located in Forrest Beach, so although I was extremely bored without power and phone reception, I was safe. Ingham, however, was devastated.

It was quite a harrowing experience and very isolating, especially for a newcomer like me, but in many ways it brought the community together. Witnessing and being a part of the North Queensland community spirit and the recovery process ultimately brought us together.

During the immediate aftermath I joined the response team, door-knocking to check on residents in my neighbourhood and i was even able to help alert rescurers to an elederly person who was alone and uncontactable.

It was a surreal experience, but incredibly valuable in many ways. I was the only print media journalist in the region which was a big responsibility but also an honour and a unique opportunity to give a voice to stories that might have otherwise gone untold.

Now that I’ve returned to the Whitsundays, I’m feeling re-energised and excited to once again be sharing the stories of this community.

There’s something truly special about reporting in this beautiful space, and I’m grateful to be back doing what I love in a region I care so deeply about.

It’s good to be back.

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