Channelling passion into community storytelling

Learning to pitch compelling stories, crafting hooks that captivate audiences and adhering to the core journalistic principles of accuracy and fairness.

It’s about more than just writing; it’s about planning, listening, and evolving — a journey of refining skills before fearlessly sprinting towards the stories that matter.

For 25-year-old James Manley, his writing dreams are beginning, and his love for crafting stories is flourishing.

His determination is inspiring, and his sprint towards his career aspirations has begun.

“When I was in Grade 3, I used to do a lot of creative writing,” Mr Manley said.

“Other students would have half a page of work; I would have half a book.

“Now I am more interested in factual content and community and political issues.”

Inspired by people such as Australian radio broadcaster and opinion columnist Steve Price, Mr Manley said he enjoyed watching him on The Project because he created an interesting dynamic for the team.

“I like watching The Project and how they deliver news,” he said.

“I think you can tell that most people on the show seem genuine, invested in the stories and show real emotion.

“I aspire to be open-minded like them, and I’m passionate about topics that resonate with me.”

Mr Manley is on the autism spectrum and said writing stories about NDIS-related issues and looking into people who were also affected help him connect with his problems.

“I think I present well, but when I am put into a situation when I am nervous, I don’t do as well at things, which restricts me from some opportunities,” Mr Manley said.

“I have fine motor skill problems and suffer from some anxiety at times, but I’m happy to give everything a go.

“Sometimes other people may have similar issues; everyone just needs to be understood.”

Mr Manley completed a Master of Communication this year and has since jumped into fantastic local opportunities, which he’s been enjoying.

Currently, he helps regularly at the Mooroopna Education and Activity Centre with its newsletter, which is released locally around three times a year, and soon, he will be assisting St Brendan’s Church with its newsletter.

“I am very proud to be a part of it and help produce something that benefits the community,” he said.

“I am also interested in modern technology and helping people with computers.

“When I was younger, I did a tour of the Shepp News and thought this would be a cool place to work, so I did my work experience there and had a few stories published.

“Seeing your writing in print is such a great feeling.”

Mr Manley also had work experience with the ABC this year and said the whole experience was incredible.

“I got to do a lot of radio work with the ABC, which was great,” he said.

“Recording interviews in the studio, cutting up audio and then putting it into snippets for news bulletins.

“All types of regional journalism are crucial because they help keep people connected, deliver vital and breaking news and showcase good people in our region.

“I am learning so much and enjoying it as I go.”