IN a major boost for Loxton, award-winning former Loxton News editor Stephanie Thompson has joined The Murray Pioneer team.
Mrs Thompson, who has eight years of journalism experience, is now operating out of the Loxton office every week.
She will provide extensive coverage of all matters related to Loxton, including local events, Loxton Waikerie council news, community news and everything in between.
Mrs Thompson, 29, has been on maternity leave for the past 12 months after the birth of her and husband Aaron’s first child, Eloise.
“It’s only been a few days, but already I’m loving being back in the office,” Mrs Thompson said.
“I’m really looking forward to further expanding the Pioneer’s coverage of issues and stories that matter to the people of Loxton and surrounding districts.
“While I’ve worked for the Taylor Group for many years, it’s nice to be writing for the newspaper that was always on the kitchen table growing up.”
Mrs Thompson is a past winner of the prestigious Country Press SA Excellence in Journalism award and also won Rural Media SA’s Best Rural Regional Photojournalist award.
Mrs Thompson encouraged locals to contact her at the East Terrace office if they have stories worth covering.
“I’m accessible to the people of Loxton,” she said.
“It’s so important the community retains that connection to its local paper.”
Mrs Thompson’s office hours will be Monday and Tuesdays, 9am to 5pm, and every second Friday, 9am to 5pm.
To contact Mrs Thompson during those hours, phone 8584 7271. Alternatively, email her at any time: stephanie.thompson@murraypioneer.com.au.