Then the Braidwood Times announced it was looking for its next journalist and I recognised my chance to channel my inner Bernstein and Woodward, or at least my inner Lois Lane. My appointment, however, left me with a small furry dilemma: what to do with Rufus while I tackle the challenges of a local newspaper? A quick chat with La Editrix assured me that, if he behaved himself, Rufus would be welcome in the newsroom. Thus it is that Rufus, at less than three months of age, now has the official designation of Newshound. He has a cushion to protect him from the cold tiled floor, an endless supply of treats and the immediate attention of anyone who comes through the door. What puppy wouldn’t be well behaved with that sort of privilege?

My own journey to the Braidwood Times has been somewhat more circuitous than that of Rufus. Most recently I was Miss Ruby of the eponymous bookshop on Wallace Street, which I managed full time after retiring from my day job as a lecturer and researcher in political science at the University of Canberra. I’ve also been the director of a non-government organisation, a public servant, a secondary teacher and a freelance writer in a career that can best be described as chequered.

Moving permanently to Braidwood from Canberra only seven years ago, I was immediately drawn to the diversity of a community that has all the qualities of a quiet country town, but is enlivened by a vibrant literary and arts community. Since retiring from full time wage-slaving, I have had the opportunity to become involved in numerous groups and committees that have served to deepen my understanding of what makes this town tick. I hope to bring that understanding to the Braidwood Times in a way that enhances this community diversity and highlights those things that make the town unique.

Meanwhile, Rufus the Newshound and I will be out and about, getting to know more about what is going on and learning the ropes of our respective new jobs.