As rural students prepare to commence their University life, Marnie Ryan of Coonamble is heading into her third and final year, but unlike many others who dream of hitting the big smoke post university, Marnie is fully intent on taking her newfound skills back to the community that she came from.

The 20-year-old born and bred in Coonamble, is currently studying a Bachelor of Communications with a major in Public Relations.

Marnie who describes herself as outgoing, loves a good laugh and socialising, cherishes her friends and family and interacting with people, she is also passionate about her community and it shows. 

“I loved my high school years at Coonamble High. I had a go at just about every sport on offer including league tag, swimming, netball and basketball,” Marnie said. 

“During my second year of the degree studies I found myself leaning towards a career in journalism. I still enjoy public relations as it has a lot in common with journalism but during my studies at Newcastle, I began writing for the Western Plains App and the Coonamble Times Newspaper and I realised that journalism would be my career path.” 

“I was always interested in the media and I explored the medium of video throughout high school. I really like the interaction with people and the opportunity to give the rural community a voice in our national media”, Marnie said. 

With the lack of skilled workers all over Australia, being at an all-time low, many University graduates are being encouraged to give rural and regional life a go, though Marnie is more than happy to head home. 

“I have decided to come back to Coonamble because I love everything about being home. The community, family and friendships that I have in Coonamble are all very important to me and something I treasure.”

Marnie (left) with her sister Emily Ryan during the 2021 Castlereagh Leaguetag season.

“I think I can offer the community opportunities to speak whatever is on their mind. There is so much news in smaller communities that goes unrecognised. I hope I can be that person to bring news to the forefront.”

“Small community news is cared about, and I am here to help.”

“Rural and regional media offers smaller communities the chance to speak, to be heard and for people to listen and understand. We are here to spread your local news,” said Marnie.

Marnie (right) has a lot of enthusiasm for local media. Pictured here with fellow team member Annabel Barrett and the Coonamble Times.

Coonamble Times and Western Plains App owner and Editor Lee O’Connor is pleased to have Marnie as part of the team.

"During her holidays last year Marnie stepped in to help out when we were short-staffed at the Coonamble Times and she soon showed she had a flair for finding news," Mrs O'Connor said.

"I think she caught the journalism bug and sees how valuable it can be for country communities to hear their own stories.

"Marnie can talk to anyone, she is curious about what's happening in the region and she's getting the hang of news reporting pretty quickly," Lee said.

"With the Western Plains App she can work remotely so hopefully she can squeeze some stories in between her classes and assessments when she returns to uni."

Once Marnie has completed her studies it is her dream to return to Coonamble, bucking the trend to leave and not return to her Western Plains origins.