When you pick up a paper, you’ll most commonly notice the articles and advertisements, but there’s more to a newsroom than what makes it to the news stand.
Jonathan Skinner is just one of the cogs in the newspaper machine, having worked at The News since 2020.
Jonathan has been a Shepparton man his whole life, beginning primary school at Orrvale before transferring to Verney Rd Primary School.
“I still talk to some people from Orrvale,” he said.
After finishing his studies, he immersed himself in local theatre, attending school productions for years and enjoying the singing, dancing, costumes and lighting.
His love for theatre grew from his family, with his sister and twin brother filling their walls with vocal melodies.
He is no longer an audience member.
He is now the performer, singing, dancing, and playing instruments on stage for Shepparton’s most enthusiastic audience, all thanks to Creating Drama.
Creating Drama is a Shepp Access-run performance group directed by Helen Janke.
Jonathan rocks out on the guitar, learns intense choreography and, most importantly, performs under the lights with some of his best mates.
“I love it there,” he said.
“I get the opportunity to hang out with friends — that’s the best part.”
To finish its 2023 season, Creating Drama hosted a talent show in front of judge Marc McIntyre of Shepparton Theatre Arts Group fame and a live audience.
Marc’s judging was fair and unbiased, but the performances were equally engaging and entertaining, and he couldn’t decide.
“We all got the golden buzzer,” Jonathan said.
“It was about Creating Drama winning because that’s what’s important.”
As well as a local thespian, he is a dedicated member of The News team.
Jonathan joins the newsroom every Tuesday to fulfil his duties with his good mate and “glorified taxi driver” Andrew ‘Andy’ McCormack.
One of his roles is ensuring the coffee machine is working, which is especially important when you have an editor who drinks eight cups a day.
His duties also include wiping tables and cleaning the indoor pond, but his favourite part is saying hi to the editorial department.
“It’s a different environment and I get a bit of freedom to do some things that I haven’t done before and learn some new skills — and being active in the community is very important,” he said.
“I also like talking to people and making new friends, all that sort of thing.”
Andy said Jonathan’s time at The News had been beneficial.
“He likes being a part of the group and he meets the expectation that we’ve set and furthered himself through all the tasks that he’s had,” Andy said.
On Tuesdays, he graces the editorial department, but on Wednesdays and Sundays, he does a different kind of service.
Jonathan is a Jehovah’s Witness and takes pride in his faith through his involvement in his time at Kingdom Hall.
At each worship meeting, Jonathan stands at the gate to welcome each member who joins them.
“I like greeting everyone and I love being a part of the faith,” he said.
“I’ve got a lot of family friends that I’ve had for a long time through the hall.”
Jonathan is a staple of the News office, and Tuesdays wouldn’t be the same without him. We can’t thank him enough.