John Conroy will replace Emma and has quickly embraced the role since starting on March 6.
“After six and a half years of countless headlines, both uplifting and unfortunate articles, an inordinate amount of sports results to go alongside considerable amounts of coffee, chocolates and deadlines, the time has come for me to hang up my Chronicle pass and head home to Albury,” Emma said.
“I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to share the stories both of and to these beautiful communities.
“To come into my first full-time job (in the journalist profession nonetheless) in a town that I had visited many times and thought I knew about until I moved here; I am grateful that this is where I learnt my craft.
“To our readers, your willingness to share your stories has made my time here truly unforgettable.
“Thank you for allowing me to share your stories to a wider audience. Whether it was attending community events, covering local news, or simply chatting with residents on the street, you have allowed me to become a part of this town.”
She expressed gratitude to managing director Jared Loughnan for taking a chance with her selection and providing the opportunity to grow and thrive in the role.
“In my time here, I have been blessed to work with an absolutely amazing Yarrawonga team - namely my work and Yarrawonga mum Rochelle Heffer, Moose (Robert Muir), Sandra McCurdy, Sandra Schaap, Steph Dickie, Emily Moretto, and more recently Karen McDonald, Hannah Birthisel and Ralph Silver.
“Thank you all for your guidance, laughter, support and talking about all the trashy tv we had watched the night before!
“Some of my biggest thanks go to my journo colleagues Moose and Adrienne (Hartnett) in our Corowa office. “Thank you both immensely for your guidance, mentorship, friendship and laughs. I will always be grateful to have worked alongside such talented journalists in both Yarrawonga and Corowa and to have worked so well alongside each other, especially in the trying times of Covid lockdowns and restrictions.
“I know none of us miss the covid Tuesdays where countlessly we had to push our deadline back to make sure we got the most updated information for both sides of the border out to our communities. Thank you for keeping me sane during these trying times!
“My biggest thank you goes to my boss, Jared, who took the chance on hiring me back in 2017 as a journalist with no previous experience but allowed me to come into my own whilst also learning so many aspects of the newspaper trade.
“Jared has allowed me to grow as a journalist and for that I thank him.
“I’m pleased to be handing on the baton to John who will be a great fit for the community.”
Managing Director of the Yarrawonga Chronicle and The Free Press Jared Loughnan wished Emma all the best in her new role back in her hometown Albury.
“Emma came across as a young reporter looking for more experience and has since been a valued member of our editorial team, quickly fitting in and embracing the journalist role in Yarrawonga,” Jared said.
“Emma’s personable nature quickly built the trust in the community, and she has embraced the responsibilities and the privilege that comes with being a journalist in a country town.
“When one door closes, another opens, and we welcome her replacement in John Conroy with open arms.
“John has a vast amount of journalism experience working at the Border Mail, The Australian and the Weekly Times just to name a few.
“His experience writing on all aspects of life from floods, fires, business to sport will be a great asset to the Chronicle and the community.
“I am sure all our readers will embrace John as they have Emma.”
John Conroy said he was looking forward to immersing himself in the role.
“Having grown up in Corowa, I’m excited to get to know Yarrawonga and Mulwala better,” John said.
“Having worked with Emma the past week, and seen her strong relationships with the community, I have big shoes to fill!”
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