Daina Oliver started with The Daily Advertiser in April last year after spending two years at The Wimmera Mail-Times in Victoria.
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With a passion for politics, she reports primarily on Wagga City Council, in addition to keeping a watchful eye on the city's defence sector.
If you have a story for Daina, get in touch by emailing daina.oliver@dailyadvertiser.com.au.
What inspired you to be a journalist?
I grew up in quite a small town in South Australia where our local news was scarce, and I have a need to be educated on the decision that I make.
So, I wanted to help inform the community wherever I ended up.
How did you get to where you are now?
I did a university degree in media with a specialisation in journalism. I was offered my first job at The Wimmera Mail-Times in Horsham, Victoria, where I worked for two years before moving up here to Wagga last year.
I never visit the towns before I decide to move, which seems to stun a lot of people, but I see it as an exciting opportunity to push myself, make new friends and learn about other communities.
What are the three things you cannot live without on the job?
Phone, a reliable internet connection and headphones.
What do you think is one of the toughest stories you have had to write?
The toughest stories are always the ones about people. It is when they put their complete trust in me to tell their story and do it justice. It might be someone talking about the loss of a loved one or a veteran opening up about their struggles. It is an enormous responsibility and often the most important stories to share.
Although they are the toughest, they are also the most rewarding.
How do you cope with the gruelling days?
Coffee! But also taking it one step at a time and making sure that I am organised. It also is essential to stay positive.
Read some of Daina's work:
- No escaping the pain: Father shares struggle with chronic condition
- Heartbroken father out for justice after son's tragic death in Junee jail
- 'I got it wrong': Councillor admits sister city decision was a mistake
- Wagga City Council to decide fate of $15.5 million hotel
- Wagga man jumps through hoops to get coronavirus test
What's the quirkiest story you have written?
I've had to write a lot of stories on fruit. Just strange vegetables or fruit that might have turned into a quirky, unusual shape, and somehow we had to make a story out of it. I was told it was a rite of passage, but I still question that.
What's your favourite event in Wagga?
Lost Lanes and Fusion. Anything that involves good food, then count me in.
What's one thing you would like people to know about journalists?
The thing that people forget is that there are people behind the byline who want to do their job correctly. We do have emotions, so keep that in mind. If we get something wrong, let us know but do not attack us.
What do you like best about your job?
I love that I can meet people from all walks of life and give a voice to those who might not have been heard otherwise. There are an endless amount of stories that need to be heard and being the person to tell them is what keeps me motivated.
It is an added bonus that every day is different, it keeps me on my toes and I'm constantly learning something new.
