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Patrick Wood - JournalistAfter starting out doing online work, then moving to radio, I'm now committed to the newspaper world.Where do I fit in?I studied journalism at Monash University in Melbourne, with a minor in politics.I landed internships at ABC News in Melbourne and the Walkley Foundation in Sydney.I finished off my degree at the University of Sussex in England and gained the dean's certificate for outstanding academic results.I also enrolled in courses for Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.I've done freelance work for The Walkley Foundation and took on the role of executive producer of news at SYN Radio - training the 35 volunteers and managing the news output.Today I'm a reporter for The Daily Advertiser in Wagga Wagga, NSW.

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Columns This collection of opinion articles covers a wide range of issues with a largely political focus.MPs are questioned, issues are canvassed and all reflect what is happening in our community right now.Scroll down for the columns.All columns were first published in The Daily Advertiser: www.dailyadvertiser.com.auIS GOODLASS TOO GREEN FOR COUNCIL?WHEN Murrumbidgee MP Adrian Piccoli took aim at Riverina Greens secretary and Wagga deputy mayor, Ray Goodlass, this week, the debate over party politics in local government again reared its ugly head. Mr Piccoli attacked Mr Goodlass over the draft Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the Greens view that it doesn't go far enough in protecting the environment. He accused Mr Goodlass of turning his back on his region, which he is bound to serve as a Wagga City councillor, by following Greens doctrine. "I would just expect that as a representative from the region that he would have some respect for the economic consequence of the plan," Mr Piccoli told this column. A valid point, as it remains to be seen how Mr Goodlass resolves these conflicts, but Mr Piccoli's argument is mired deep in the politics of the moment. The issue of councillors with ties to political parties has obviously been a topic of discussion within the state Coalition in recent weeks. The O'Farrell government last week issued a discussion paper on amending the Local Government Act so MPs cannot serve on councils. Currently Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia follow this rule. And while the change wouldn't affect Mr Goodlass as he is not a MP, it does serve to highlight where the government's thinking is on the issue. So Mr Piccoli's attack on Mr Goodlass won't come as a shock to anyone; least of all Mr Goodlass who is already well schooled in the art of politicking and dismissed the serve as a "cheap shot". "That would be expected, wouldn't it, from a member of the National Party," he said. Nevertheless, this new cause of the NSW government is worrying and is rumoured to be an attempt to unseat long-standing Sydney mayor and state independent MP, Clover Moore. The other 28 state MPs who are also currently local government councillors would simply be collateral damage. The move is a bad one and Mr Goodlass's position is a case in point which shows while there are tensions between being a city councillor and a member of a political party, this doesn't mean they can't coexist. After all, regardless of whether a councillor is formally aligned with a political party they will still be guided by some form of political belief. Stamping that out would be impossible. The argument instead becomes whether a councillor's formalised obligations to their party could interfere with their responsibilities to their city. This column argues that in Mr Goodlass's case there is no evidence to suggest that is a concern. Yes, he freely admits it's Greens policy to have members in positions of power in local government (that's why he ran for deputy mayor) and he often champions environmental issues within the council chamber. His party ties are also well known to the public which can vote accordingly at the next council election. Mr Goodlass is vetted by 10 other councillors and, thankfully, despite the factions that exist among the Wagga City councillors, they aren't based on political allegiances. As one Wagga councillor told this column last week: "You're spot on about the factions. All this talk about not having factions is wrong." "They're not political factions, they're voting blocs." The fact Councillor Clint Uden, a Liberal Party faithful, voted to instate Ray Goodlass as deputy mayor at the recent mayoral election illustrates this point. So as the O'Farrell government seeks to railroad councillor-MPs with its discussion paper, this column can find little evidence at a local level to support such a campaign. In fact, it might only serve to rule out good, civic-minded candidates who could do both jobs well and create positive outcomes for their region.DEAR DEVELOPERS, HERE'S A FEW SIMPLE REQUESTS An open letter to developers, from the people of Wagga. Dear developers, Where are you? Don't you know we want nice new projects in the city? Wagga is growing and we fear to be falling short of other regional cities in developing great facilities. We want your money, your plans and something really grand to showcase our city. But, if you will indulge us, we just have a few requests. Number 1. If it's all right with you we would prefer it if it wasn't located near any houses. We like our neighbourhoods to be safe and, well, new developments tend to make us quake in our boots. Certainly the half-way house for released prisoners and the relocation of the Edel Quinn Centre had us writing furiously to stop such unwise developments coming near our pristine suburbs. The Henwood Park skate facility might sound like a good idea, but think of the children and that busy road located a mere hundred metres away. And my God, the South Wagga Sports and Bowling Club would be a monolith the likes of which Fitzhardinge Street residents couldn't bear. Which brings us to our next point: poker machines. They're a blight on our community and frankly, even one is five too many. You may accuse us of being slightly hypocritical given we don't really make a fuss about the RSL and Rules Club, but suffice to say our stance has hardened on this one. We're also not comfortable with what we're told is a private development. Evidence points to the fact that it's not actually a private casino, but we just can't bring ourselves to believe this. We can't risk it; if it's private it can't come here. Number 3: serving alcohol. As one of our very astute residents sarcastically pointed out about the Murrumbidgee Mill redevelopment, which may include some wine bars: "Yay, just what Wagga needs, more wine bars and places to drink!". It goes without saying that she is absolutely correct in her inferences. Why should we risk more alcohol-fuelled violence in this city? After all, Wagga has the highest number of murders, bashings and stabbings per capita than any other city in the world. CCTV could help, but Wagga City Council doesn't want a bar of it. Which brings us to our fourth request (really, were being very reasonable). Don't let council anywhere near a development. Those poor blighters appear to have no idea what they're doing at the best of times, so letting them get their hands on any development is likely to kill it before it starts. We all know how long it has taken them to sort the equestrian mess out – think of what would happen if a tricky project came along. So, just to recap. We'd like a nice new development for the city that doesn't serve alcohol or contain any form of gambling; it can't be near any houses and must not be privately owned. But don't let council near it either or they'll bugger it up. Well, what are you waiting for? Regards, The people of Wagga.BANKING ON A BUDGET GIFT IF YOU want to see a nervous man, look no further than your local MP Daryl Maguire.Not that he'd admit it, in fact, he flat out denied it.But with tomorrow night's federal budget looming, and the community waiting with bated breath to see if the Wagga Base Hospital receives some money, he must be worried.He has said before that come next state election he will be judged on whether he has delivered the redevelopment as promised. And a lot of that depends on whether we get themuch-needed funds from the Gillard government.Between Labor and Liberal pledges the state government has $215 million to play with in its first term, no more.And we know it will cost between $300 and $400 million for the development.So where does that leave us?Well, hoping for anywhere up to $185 million from the Gillard government tomorrow.Both Mr Maguire and our federal MP Michael McCormack have played their part, but yesterday Mr Maguire appeared to be laying the groundwork for disappointment."I'm being a realist. Whatever the outcome there are a number of budgets before this project is completed," he said."If we don't see the top amount now there is time, because the $215 million will take some time to expend."He denied he was hedging his bets against the eventuality that no money is there tomorrow.To an extent he is right; there are more budgets to come before the next state election and the $215 million is spent.But now is the moment when Prime Minister Gillard is handing out money from the Health and Hospitals Fund. Tamworth and Albury are prime examples.So if we are ignored tomorrow it will beg, no, demand, an answer to the question: if not now, when?And if we dont see a cent, who's to blame?Is it the state government for relying on the federal government in the first place?Is it the federal government for not allocating the money now?Is it Michael McCormack for not pushing hard enough for his electorate?Each of these parties will have some reason why it's not their fault if the money is not there – and similarly will claim credit if it is.Keep a close eye on how this saga unfolds and expect no less than full and honest answers from your elected representatives tomorrow night.BRIDGE BUREAUCRACY BURNS THROUGH CASHOLD issues continue to fester while Wagga City Council takes a bold new direction with its 2011-12 budget.Some may criticise borrowing $58 million for capital works, but the truth is being fiscally conservative has meant major projects have stalled in the past.But being brave with borrowing doesn't mean we have to be flippant with public money, and into this category falls Hampden Bridge.You may argue clearer convention centre costings and the lack of CCTV funding require more immediate attention, and you would be right.But it's this type of thinking that's allowed questions about the fate of Hampden Bridge to go unanswered.It continually falls down the priority list of decision-makers, or, perhaps, is put in the too hard basket and forgotten.It's no secret Wagga City councillors are split on what to do about the 116-year-old bridge. Some want to tear it down while others hope to save it.In May 2010 The Daily Advertiser revealed council had deliberately kept a quote under wraps that stated it would cost $1.5 million to make the bridge safe for pedestrian use.At the time council spokespeople said the bridge had been newly included in the expansive Riverside master plan.At face value it appeared to be a tactic designed to take the pressure off the situation.Council said it would decide the bridge's fate by last May and when that deadline loomed it was a convenient way to gain some time on the decision.Then-mayor Kerry Pascoe went to great lengths to explain: any element of the master plan, such as Hampden Bridge, could be acted upon any time in the next decade.The $349,000 that was last week formally allocated to bridge work had already been outlined last May, despite the $1.5 million quote.Almost a year has passed since this was on the Advertiser's front page and we appear still no closer to making a decision on whether to tear the bridge down or fully redevelop it.Indecision has led to inaction, which is leading to money wasting.Council has continued this tradition and has seemingly found the issue so hard to resolve it's turning to the public for help.Mayor Wayne Geale on Thursday called for community feedback to help decide the fate of Hampden Bridge, and no doubt these opinions will have to be formally lodged, considered by staff, presented to one standing committee and then passed on to a full council meeting.Were talking months at best.You can be forgiven for thinking this is yet another tactic designed to push the deadline for a decision back even further.All the while nominal funds like the $349,000 are wasted each year on keeping the structure just standing, but mostly useless.Councillors have had ample time to consider this issue and it's time they made a decision and stuck to itPLANNING TO GAMBLE THE appointment of Wagga City Council's new planning director is a gamble for a department which has been under siege for more than a year now.Mounting pressure from a disgruntled building industry undoubtedly contributed to the sacking of former director Bob Karaszkewych.So it's somewhat of a poisoned chalice for council's own Andrew Crakanthorp to take on, as his appointment brings high hopes for a new era.The problem is this makes Mr Karaszkewych a scapegoat for everything that was wrong in council's planning department.Some may rightly or wrongly believe this is the case, but it's fair to say the rot extended further than one man.As acting director of planning, Mr Crakanthorp was lauded for prioritising communication between industry and council and listening to what was being said. But after two months oflistening, can he now turn the suggestions into tangible changes within his department?He's working with the same people Mr Karaszkewych worked with, has the same department manager, and is working within the same legislative constraints that irked vocal builders.To top it off, Mr Crakanthorp does not have extensive qualifications specifically in the planning field.To his credit he is taking on extra studies to bone up on the area, but it begs the question: despite Mr Crakanthorp's obvious attributes, why didn't council take on someone moreexperienced in the field?Perhaps more worrying is the fact Mr Crakanthorp told The Daily Advertiser less than a month ago that he hadn't put his hand up to take on the role permanently.At best he was not giving us the full story, but at worst council has now filled a major position with someone who didn't lodge an application and didn't even want the job.Were there no other good candidates?After all, it's no secret planning officials are in short supply.Was it a matter of money?Shuffling an existing employee to another position may save a few dollars.Did they favour Mr Crakanthorp's proven leadership skills over the planning knowledge of outsider?It's been said Mr Karaszkewych was hired more on his managerial skills than his planning qualifications.Mr Crakanthorp's appointment also coincided with the return of DEPA - the union representing council planning staff - which went quiet after Mr Karaszkewych's dismissal.DEPA was instrumental in organising the ban of builder Peter Hurst's development applications and the near-boycott of the inaugural planning forum in February.On the day of Mr Karaszkewych's dismissal The Daily Advertiser sought comment from a DEPA spokesman, but after a short conversation he simply said "youre a d---head", and hung up the phone.And that was that.DEPA has returned to the scene, sending emails to the Advertiser and Wagga councillors highlighting asphalt provider Bill Casley's loss to planning staff in the Land and EnvironmentCourt.Is this simply gloating or something more sinister?Unions exist to protect the rights of their members, but without controversy there is little need for unions.Stirring up trouble is akin to stirring up business for a union, so Mr Crakanthorp will need his wits about him to manage the most scrutinised department in council if DEPA is on thecampaign trail.Especially since, at last count, all planning department employees were union members.Mr Crakanthorp faces possibly the biggest challenge in his time at Wagga City Council, and while the circumstances surrounding his appointment should be scrutinised, he may yet be best suited for the role.Winning over the building industry, however, will take some skills.

Features In researching and writing feature pieces, I have interviewed some of Australia's most influential and contentious figures.From Derryn Hinch in the media spotlight, to the Reserve Bank of Australia's top advisor who works tirelessly behind the scenes.I have also entered the world of Wagga's homeless community to discover how the city's most desperate citizens survive and written an in-depth profile on Riverina MP Michael McCormack.Coming soon will be an exploration and tour of one of NSW's only private prisons, the Junee Correctional Centre.Scroll down to see featuresCopies of the feature articles may be available upon request. All articles were first published in The Daily Advertiser - www.dailyadvertiser.com.au.WAGGA'S HIDDEN HOMELESS"I came here a few weeks ago with no sleeping bag, but I had my cask - my liquid blanket."Wayne Morton is relaxing on the ground under Hampden Bridge sharing a box of wine with two other men as he points to a patch of dirt he calls home."It may not be pretty, but it's where I sleep," he says.As winter approaches there are currently eight people who sleep under Hampden Bridge each night who are struggling to ward off the sub-zero temperatures that creep in.Three of them are sitting on the path leading under the bridge to Knight's Meats, passing around the cask and filling their plastic cups. Shoppers walking nearby spot them and more than one makes a detour to avoid the group.DERRYN HINCH TELLS WHY HE'S NOT GOING SOFTThe irrepressible media icon Derryn Hinch sits in front of the microphone and fields not one, but three callers who accuse him of becoming "soft" in his old age.After years at the top, and bottom, of the media heap, Hinch has learned how to give as good as he gets, so he promises the third caller: "OK, I'll be much ruder from now on, so piss off."He smiles.IN THE MONEY: RBA'S TOP ADVISOR'S RISE AND RISEWagga is known for producing star athletes, but what about the city's other great achievers? I caught up with the assistant governor at the Reserve Bank of Australia, Philip Lowe, to talk about his career, family and growing up in Wagga.

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About Patrick

Where do I fit in?I studied journalism at Monash University in Melbourne, with a minor in politics. But it was in an era when the focus of the course was on essays, not articles.So I worked hard to get the grades I needed to land internships at ABC News in Melbourne and The Walkley Foundation in Sydney to get some practical experience.This helped to open the door for me to finish off my degree at the University of Sussex in England. I graduated, gained the dean's certificate for outstanding academic results, and spent some time in Europe.After coming back to Melbourne in 2009 I did a lot of free work, simply because journalism is a tough business to get into and I still needed more practical experience.I also enrolled in courses for Adobe Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.Over the next few months I kept in constant contact with The Walkley Foundation staff and worked for them at various Melbourne and Sydney events.I then began volunteering at SYN Radio (Student Youth Network) writing and reading the morning news bulletins. After a stint I took on the role of executive producer of news at the station - training the 35 volunteers and managing the news output.I ran training workshops where I taught the volunteers how to use the equipment to record original interviews and use them in bulletins.SYN's news bulletins had been rewrites of what the other news outlets had reported, but there were opportunities to take it further.After a while at SYN I applied for a job at The Daily Advertiser in Wagga Wagga.A day later I was driving to Wagga for the first time to be interviewed for a sub-editor position. Three weeks later and I was officially a NSW resident.I worked hard at sub-editing before trying to get my foot in the reporting door by writing a weekly column for the paper in my spare time.I got the call into reporting a couple of months after that and have since cut my teeth reporting on local government and state and federal politics.I've also travelled to Sydney to interview the RBA's then assistant governor, Philip Lowe, for a feature piece, and to Melbourne to interview Derryn Hinch.With the support of the editorial team I've learned more about journalism in my time at the paper than in all the years before.I've had threats, been pressured by lawyers to reveal sources and received my share of hate mail.But I've also broken major stories, investigated corruption and had the opportunity to take part in the week-long Fairfax cadet training course.
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