Q&A with new Star Mail reporter Tyler Wright

Tyler Wright. PICTURE: STEWART CHAMBERS

1. What is something people don’t know about you?

I spent a few of my younger years living in country Victoria, which formed a lot of who I am today and sparked my love of community and generally getting to know people.

2. Tell us about your role as journalist at Star Mail News?

Just snooping around for the latest scoop!

I am writing about people and places in Monbulk, Emerald, Olinda, Sassafras, Cockatoo, Kallista, Kalorama, Silvan, Ferny Creek and Avonsleigh.

Give me a buzz if you want to chat because I love learning new things and meeting new people.

3. What has been your most memorable moment as journalist at the Star Mail? Why?

I started in late March and my most memorable moments have been speaking to Dandenong Ranges locals about the sheer devastation of last year’s June storm – suffering losses and anxieties that are unfathomable but residents seem to always be coming together as a community.

4. What do you love most about working in the Yarra Ranges?

Being welcomed by a big hug from greenery each day I come into work. There’s absolutely nothing better! I love being able to take a walk and have the sun shining on me in my break.

And the kindness of locals has been instrumental as I start my new role and produce stories about the area – there are no news stories without people doing awesome things.

5. What are some of your hobbies?

I play social netball (which can be surprisingly rough for a ‘non-contact sport’) and read a whole lot. I am currently reading Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, which is a fiction novel loosely based on the band Fleetwood Mac. Juicy and entertaining.

6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?

I would love to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis) in the future. To visit Iceland or another Nordic region and see this amazing halo of colour would be a dream.

7. Who do you admire the most?

I really admire the women who run pop culture podcast Shameless, who are doing the work they love and telling stories that are important to hear. I have found a lot of self-confidence from the guests they have had on their show. Digital storytelling is such an amazing tool and has really kept me connected during the pandemic and increased my passion for journalism.

8. What is an important issue in the region you think needs exposure?

Transport and mobile connectivity to keep everyone in the area connected, especially during terrible weather events and a global pandemic that has kept us locked inside.