Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Special Achievements
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Websites
Volunteer work
References
Timeline
Generic

Maria Girgenti

EAST INNISFAIL,Queensland

Summary

Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.

Talented Journalist knowledgeable about print and digital media. Takes photos, writes and edits engaging productions for print and online consumption. Successful at creating unique pieces to weave compelling stories. Highly experienced in still photography.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Freelance Journalist/Lead Photographer

Self-employed
Innisfail, Queensland
02.2015 - Current
  • Researched story background information to provide complete and accurate information.
  • Wrote factually correct, concise, and engaging news stories within tight deadlines.
  • Analysed and interpreted news and information received from various sources to broadcast information.
  • Conducted interviews with sources to obtain information for stories.
  • Checked reference materials to obtain relevant facts.
  • Developed content for multiple news outlets, including newspapers and magazines.
  • Developed connections with public relations contacts, providing exemplary sources for news stories.
  • Photographed images to accompany articles in print or online publications.
  • Proofread articles prior to submission for errors in grammar or syntax.
  • Developed and pursued stories independently and for assignment, covering range of topics and events.
  • Attended press conferences and other events to gather newsworthy information.
  • Maintained relationships with key contacts within various organizations or institutions.

Northern Correspondent Lead

Queensland Rugby League
Innisfail, Queensland
03.2019 - 09.2019
  • Traveled extensively throughout assigned region covering a variety of newsworthy events.
  • Reported news stories for publication or broadcast, thoroughly describing background and details of events.
  • Researched topics, conducted background checks, and wrote articles for publication.
  • Conducted on-site interviews with sources to gather information for reporting.
  • Created tightly written news stories crafted from reliable sources.
  • Received assignments or evaluated leads or tips to develop story ideas.
  • Worked closely with editors to ensure proper grammar, punctuation, style, and formatting.
  • Ensured accuracy of facts in all stories before submitting them for review.
  • Cultivated relationships with sources and key figures in local area to reliably produce top-notch news coverage
  • Provided prompt reporting by adhering to deadlines with organised research and polished delivery.
  • Understood and followed oral and written directions.
  • Leveraged Trello and CMS software skills to input and compile data gathered from various sources.

Disability Support Worker

St John's Community Care
Innisfail, Queensland
08.2009 - 12.2013
  • Providing assistance to individuals who are frail, aged or with a disability, their families and carers for them to maintain their independence and quality of life whilst living in the local community.
  • Supervised medication administration, personal hygiene and other activities of daily living.
  • Maintained cleanliness of clients' environment by cleaning surfaces and washing clothes or dishes.
  • Assisted with personal hygiene tasks such as toileting, showering and bathing, shaving and oral hygiene.
  • Planned and cooked meals according to the nutritional needs of each client.
  • Monitored health and well-being of clients and reported significant health changes.
  • Helped clients stay happy and healthy by providing mental and emotional support.
  • Encouraged clients to participate in meaningful activities that promote independence and well-being.
  • Provided emotional support through active listening, empathy and compassion.
  • Drove clients to doctors' appointments and social outings.
  • Responded promptly to emergency situations involving safety risks or medical emergencies.
  • Conducted regular safety checks of the home environment for hazards like slippery floors or broken furniture.
  • Maintained records of services provided, client progress, and goals achieved.
  • Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.

Education

Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30412 -

NQ Powertrain Pty Ltd
Tully, QLD
09-2013

Certificate III in Disability Work (Certificate No.624737) -

Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE
07-2008

Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor Training (Includes 60 hours of student tuition) -

Johnstone College of TAFE
03-2003

Australian Hospitality Course -

The Hospitality Training Company Australia
04-1995

Completed Senior Certificate -

Mount Saint Bernard College
Herberton, QLD
11-1990

Skills

  • Community Events
  • News Reporting
  • Sports Reporting
  • Photography
  • Background Research
  • Research and Fact-Checking
  • Story Development Skill
  • Writing and Editing
  • Audience Engagement
  • Interviewing Strength
  • Relationship Building
  • Journalism Ethics

Special Achievements

  • 2002 - Front-page story and photograph of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Cairns with my by-line published in the ‘Innisfail Advocate.’

Accomplishments

  • 2022 - Excellence & Innovation Award - Cassowary Coast Regional Council Australia Day Awards.
  • 2002 - Front-page story and photograph of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Cairns with my by-line published in the ‘Innisfail Advocate’.
  • 2018 - South Johnstone State School’s Community Partnership Award

Affiliations

Sports photography for Tully Tigers Rugby League Football Club

Bird/wildlife photography

Stamp/coin collecting

Reading

Live theatre, concerts and sporting events

Volunteer work

August 2014 - September 2021 Secretary - Friends of the Con Inc. 

March 2020 - Lions/Lioness Youth of the Year Quest judge - Innisfail State College

October 2020 - VET Awards judge - Innisfail State College

January 2017 - June 2020 - Cassowary Coast Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal committee member - organised the Red Shield Appeal launch event held at Peppertree Restaurant Innisfail State College - March 6, 2020

References

Jillian Cable - Sub-editor - Wet Tropic Times - 0419 665 397  j.cableconsulting@gmail.com

Father Kerry Crowley - Parish Priest/Diocesan Administrator

Mother of Good Counsel Parish Innisfail -  0419 716 627  kcrowley1@cairns.catholic.org.au

Timeline

Northern Correspondent Lead

Queensland Rugby League
03.2019 - 09.2019

Freelance Journalist/Lead Photographer

Self-employed
02.2015 - Current

Disability Support Worker

St John's Community Care
08.2009 - 12.2013

Certificate III in Business Administration BSB30412 -

NQ Powertrain Pty Ltd

Certificate III in Disability Work (Certificate No.624737) -

Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE

Volunteer Adult Literacy Tutor Training (Includes 60 hours of student tuition) -

Johnstone College of TAFE

Australian Hospitality Course -

The Hospitality Training Company Australia

Completed Senior Certificate -

Mount Saint Bernard College

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Maria Girgenti