The 1980s had just ended, and Judy had her finger on the pulse in many different areas thanks to the family business and her family’s involvement in various clubs.
Little did she realise at the time it would be the start of a role that would span several decades, and significant changes in the way newspapers are made, printed and consumed.
But now, Judy’s time as the ‘Just Jerilderie’ author has come to an end.
Today is her final column in the scribe’s role, with well-known local Eden Hercus taking over from next week.
“I have really enjoyed doing the column, loved it in fact, but I’m not as involved in as many groups as I used to be,” Judy said.
“And the way people share their news has also changed, so I thought it was about time for someone younger to take on the column.
“I was quite pleased to learn the role had been offered to Eden.
“I think she’ll be fantastic, and I encourage Jerilderie to support her and the column moving forward.
“It’s important for the column to continue, as it’s our way of sharing community news that might not otherwise get a standalone story in the Southern Riverina News.”
There are certain similarities between Judy and Eden when you look at what brought Judy to the role of ‘Just Jerilderie’ columnist in 1990.
“Paul (my husband) and I were running The Willows, and with our kids, we were quite involved in the community - through footy and netball, schools and also Apex,” Judy said.
“Gwen McDonald was my main contact in the Southern Riverina News office then.
“I did have to take a step back from the column in December 1993 because the business and my family needed me, but I was back again by May 1995.
“The editor at that time was Dale Webster, and I remember I would have to send him my scrapbooks, and he would generate the column from that. I would be paid by the centimetre.
“I still have all of those scrapbooks, and because it was habit I kept them up even after the way we submitted columns changed.”
Now an all digital process, Judy has worked alongside journalist and now Southern Riverina News content manager Zoe McMaugh for the last 20 years of her tenure.
While she has embraced email, there is one part of the new digital age that Judy left up to those with more know-how.
“I’ve never taken any photos,” she said resolutely.
“But I know there are people who love to read the column, and I still get people commenting on what might be included.
“The column speaks for itself really, and I’ve really enjoyed going back over all the scrapbooks as I have been preparing to say farewell to it.
“And you never know, I may still fill in from time to time if I’m needed.
“I thank each and every one of you who has provided me with news over the years.”
While journalism was never officially on the cards for Judy, she said she did always find joy in the written word.
“I always loved English and essay writing at school.”
Ms McMaugh said Judy’s contributions would be greatly missed, but said there should be an almost seamless transition with Eden’s introduction.
“Judy has been a reliable contributor, and she has captured the news of her community so well over almost four decades,” Ms McMaugh said.
“That kind of commitment is not only appreciated by the Jerilderie community but by the team here at the Southern Riverina News.
“Having a correspondent in each community is unique in today’s media world, but one which we still embrace.
“We know this tradition for Jerilderie is in safe hands with the appointment of Eden Hercus as the new ‘Just Jerilderie’ columnist.
“We wish Judy well in her retirement and welcome Eden to our team of correspondents.”
• Contact details for ‘Just Jerilderie’ contributions has now changed. Your news snippets, personal achievements and photos (attached separately and provided with a caption) can be shared to justjerilderie@gmail.com. Please include your name and contact details in case further information is required.
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