The Illawarra Mercury has bolstered its news team with the appointment of a new journalist, Jay-Anna Mobbs, who started her role this week. Mobbs will take on the crucial beat of court reporting, ensuring the publication continues its dedicated coverage of legal proceedings in the region.
From Bathurst to the Coast: A Journalist's Journey
Jay-Anna Mobbs arrives in Wollongong from the Western Advocate in Bathurst, another newsroom within the Australian Community Media (ACM) network. A Bathurst local, she completed all her education there, including a Bachelor of Journalism from Charles Sturt University.
Her journalism career began at the Mudgee Guardian, where she covered a wide range of topics from general news and sport to council and crime. For the past three years, she has honed her skills specifically as a court reporter in Bathurst, a role she now brings to the Illawarra.
A Lifelong Passion for News and Open Justice
Mobbs says her decision to pursue journalism was made early, recalling a high school career exercise where the idea immediately resonated with her. "Fifteen-year-old me was wise beyond her years!" she remarked.
What drives her in the profession is a love for being informed and informing the community. "I love bringing fresh, vibrant stories to our loyal readers and keeping them informed about what is going on," Mobbs said. She also acknowledges enjoying the competitive aspect of breaking news first.
Her primary focus at the Illawarra Mercury will be on the Wollongong and Port Kembla Local Courts, as well as matters of regional interest in the District and Supreme Courts. She describes the courtroom as "fascinating - enthralling, even," and sees court reporting as a vital societal pillar for open justice. "How lucky am I to play a part in that?" she added.
First Impressions of the Illawarra
Having only been in Wollongong for a few weeks, Mobbs has already formed some strong first impressions. She was surprised to find paid parking common in the CBD, a contrast to her experience in Bathurst.
However, she is enthusiastically embracing the coastal lifestyle. "The beaches are beautiful and I feel like I'm on a constant holiday," she said. She has also praised the sheer volume of restaurants and cafes and the friendly, less chaotic vibe compared to Sydney. "I'm only a few weeks in, but I already love it," Mobbs concluded.
The appointment of Jay-Anna Mobbs reinforces the Illawarra Mercury's commitment to covering essential local institutions and delivering accountable journalism to the community.
