After more than 10 years away from the Sapphire City, I've finally returned home to do the job I've always wanted, at the paper that first gave me a taste of journalism.

Rewind back to 2008, and you'd find a year 10 Inverell High School student eager for a behind-the-scenes sneak peak at what it takes to put a paper together.

Young and optimistically naive, it was a thrill to be sent out onto Byron Street to do a 'vox-pop': taking photos of people and asking them all one question which, for the life of me, I can't remember.

Yet while the specifics elude me, the excited energy of the task put me on a high that lasted days, weeks, and maybe is the reason I still value community journalism.

After leaving New England for Perth to study my communications and linguistics degree, followed by several years of children's photography, I came back to do my first paid journo gig in Griffith.

I jokingly say I "came back to the area", as NSW is a far sight closer than WA.

From cadet to senior journalist, in those three and a half years I covered council, court, crime, community, water, agriculture - everything from "court to sport" as we say (heavy on the court, light on the sport).

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When the Senior Journalist gig came up in Tamworth for the Northern Daily Leader, I thought, 'you beauty, closer to home again'.

I started there one day after they locked the whole state down, basically this time last year. It was - an experience to say the least! And also an honour, knowing I was working in a vital role with a team dedicated to keeping the community informed of the rapid-fire changes throughout the pandemic.

But just as I was really getting into the groove, this chance became available in Inverell.

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The chance to work in my own community, the town of my heart, the place where my family live, the role where I could truly make a difference and become a part of the community again.

How could a girl say no? And so as they say, the rest is history.

I'm revved to sink my teeth in, get amongst all the news, both hard and soft, to keep my readers in the loop.

Because at the end of the day, this is my community and I love it as much as you do.

So if you've got a news tip, event or occasion you like to share, send it to me at jacinta.dickins@austcommunitymedia.com.au or call 0475 818 182.

See you soon!

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