Passing on the knowledge
31 Mar 2018
The importance of community in journalism is not lost on Lloyd Jenkins, who has been working throughout his career to pass on his knowledge to future generations.
Through a long and storied career in journalism, a keen sense of community has always been central to Lloyd Jenkins. For the past 50 years, he has championed communities of all kinds, working extensively for regional newspapers and then as president of the Victorian Country Press and Country Press Australia. Later, through his involvement with younger journalists at Deakin University and as an active member of Probus.
To Melbourne we go
After nishing his nal exams in his hometown of Brisbane, a friend suggested that Lloyd follow him to Melbourne.
“He was working with the ABC in Melbourne,” Lloyd recalls, “and suggested that, with an interest in writing, perhaps he could nd me a job in Melbourne. So that’s how it started.”
And it never truly ended for Lloyd, who then went on to work for a number of publications, beginning with a stint as a copyboy at the Australian United Press in Melbourne, before earning his stripes as a junior reporter at the Karangu Times and the Hamilton Spectator in regional Victoria. From there, his work took him home to Brisbane after he was given the opportunity to work as a state political reporter at the regional Daily News Service.
The value of regional news
However, one of the highlights of Lloyd’s career was a stint of more than 30 years running the Northern Times in Victoria, alongside several other publications.
His experiences at country papers showed him the valuable role that regional news plays in Australia’s rural communities.
“Editors and reporters at country newspapers are an integral part of the local community,” Lloyd explains, “and they give people what they want in the way of information and advocacy particularly.
They have country papers campaigning actively for the development of industry and environmental issues in their communities and providing a forum for people to express their views.”
And where many news organisations have been beset with layoffs and budget cuts in recent years, Lloyd says that regional news is alive and well.
“The country newspaper industry is still very vibrant. There are opportunities there for young people to still enjoy a good career if they apply themselves and adapt to the changes needed.”
Upskilling for change
The changes and adaptations he is referring to are, of course, the increasingly diverse skill set required as the news industry moves from print to digital. Lloyd has been actively involved in helping young people develop these skills through his work with the Country Press Association.
In addition to looking out for the welfare of their members, in his capacity as President, Lloyd helped pioneer the association’s educational outreach program.
“I was associated with developing, training courses and cadetships for journalists, and then working with Deakin University on post-cadet journalism,” he recalls. He also worked with Deakin University as a part-time tutor, and he says it was one of the most satisfying parts of his career. “The mentoring of young journalists has been immensely satisfying,” he muses. “One of the highlights of my whole career is being able to pass on knowledge to younger people coming through.”
Community spirit
Lloyd has continued his commitment to community values through his ongoing association with Probus. Lloyd joined in 2003 when he and his wife moved to Geelong.
“It’s been a most enjoyable interlude in our lives,” he says.
Lloyd has been actively involved in Leopold Combined Probus Club, where he has been president three times, edited the bulletin and been acting secretary.
After noting the near constant waiting list at his own club, he helped start an additional club in the area, where he served as Foundation Secretary.
“Probus is one of Rotary’s finest achievements,” he says.
“It provides stimulus, fellowship and recreation for thousands of retirees. It’s a really valuable community service.”
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