"What we do is important for democracy": WSU Journalism Event

Suzanne Dredge at the WSU Journalism Event 2021. Source: WSU Digital Content

On the 21st of April, students from Western Sydney University (WSU) had the opportunity to attend a signature Journalism Event showcasing alumni talent that discussed possible paths students could take to find their career path after university in the media industry.

The first speaker was Suzanne Dredge, a three times walkie award winner and senior multi-platform producer with ABC investigations. She decided to share her story and talk about the challenges she had to overcome to get where she is today. Forming a deep connection with the audience through a raw and confronting personal journey she hopes will inspire and motivate others to become strong leaders in the future.

"I didn't have the same opportunities as other young people my age, and as a young aboriginal woman growing up in a low socio-economic area, this system was against me. I left school in year 10," said Ms Dredge.

Our world is ever-changing and can shift at any given moment - with COVID-19 is a perfect example of this. The second speaker Brogan Anelzark, in her role as Government and Cluster Relations Program Manager, created media responses on behalf of NSW transport for the Covid task force. While Brogan has a love for writing, she didn't want to pursue journalism as a career.

She graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Communications (Honours) in 2014, and in 2015 she began her career as a corporate communications graduate. Two years later, she was appointed senior media officer for roads and maritime services.

"You should embrace your differences, try anything and everything available to you and always keep an open mind. When I was at uni, I had absolutely no inkling that I would end up in the career I have. I'll be forever grateful to this institution and this degree," said Ms Anelzark.

Students also had the opportunity to ask questions, with Sarah Cupitt, Director of Student Publications for W'SUP News, taking the lead on the discussion front. She had two questions up her sleeve about getting ahead while in university and making your own opportunities. With a networking opportunity after the event, students left the day with a message of persistence, diversity and agility - and what we do as journalists is more important than ever.

Note: WSU digital media cut out student questions from the video.

Students had the opportunity to attend this week's journalism event and network with various experts in the industry.

Sources

Suzanne Dredge: dredge.suzanne@abc.net.au

Brogan Anlezark: brogan.anlezark@transport.nsw.gov.au

Julia Feder: feder.julia@abc.net.au