It is a long way from Kiama to Coonamble, but the visiting team member for last week's edition of the Coonamble Times says she learnt so much about the small community in just a week.

Cathy Law – the founding publisher and editor of The Bugle, a newspaper that serves the Kiama LGA – and Coonamble Times Editor Lee O’Connor got to know each other through their membership of Country Press NSW, a long standing association of independent country newspapers. .

Having sold The Bugle earlier in the year, Cathy is considering the idea of providing locum services for independent country newspapers. 

“I know only too well that Lee and other country newspaper editors put their heart and souls into their work. Sometimes they just need a break or help when they are short staffed but it is hard to find someone with experience," she said.

"I ran The Bugle for eight years, and have been a journalist for much longer. 

“I love the challenge of putting a newspaper together each week, and after a few months off I've really enjoyed getting back into the thick of it.”

While in the district, Cathy wrote stories and edited the work of others, as well has helping the publication trial some adjustments to their print format.

Over the week, Cathy also got a good dose of rugby union at the grand finals in Warren, made friends at the relaunch of the Coonamble Garden Club, learned more about The Voice at a session hosted by the local Aboriginal Land Council, toured the nearby area visiting Quambone, Carinda, Pilliga and Baradine, learnt about our farms, caused many dog to bark while walking her labrador and generally found out what makes the small western town tick. 

“Coming to Coonamble was a bit of a test to find out how easily I could fit into another paper and its community,” said Cathy, who is originally from Mount Isa in Queensland..

"I think by combining my skills with the guidance of knowledgeable locals I will be able to provide a valuable service to country editors.

"Each place will do their work a little differently, but in the end they all have the same goal of serving their community as a reliable source of local news.

"During my time here I've been told many times how much people appreciate the work Lee and her team do in keeping people informed and connected."

After her crash course in how things work in Coonamble, it is hoped that Cathy can make herself available to other small independent publications in country areas across the state so their editors can take a break if needed during the year.