Local journalist wins award for community storytelling

LOCAL journalist and writer Susanna Freymark has been named Lismore Electorate Woman of the Year for her contribution to independent regional news across the Northern Rivers.

Lismore MP Janelle Saffin presented the award at Mallanganee, where Freymark works as the editor of online publication The Indy.

Saffin said Freymark’s commitment to independent local reporting reflects the distinct communities of the Kyogle and Richmond Valley local government areas.

Since 2020, Freymark has provided consistent online and print coverage of the region, reporting on everything from community events to the impacts of major flooding.

She has also worked as editor at regional publications including the Richmond River Independent and the Richmond River Express Examiner.

“Susanna would be modest in accepting this accolade but is most deserving of it because she works hard to keep people informed of goings-on, particularly seniors,” Saffin said.

Freymark thanked Saffin for the recognition and said she was more comfortable telling other people’s stories than being in the spotlight.

She said her focus remains on keeping communities connected.

She previously worked as a primary school teacher in Central Australia and later owned a children’s bookshop in London.

Freymark holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Technology Sydney and has had numerous short stories published.

She published her debut novel, Losing February, with Pan Macmillan in 2013 and is preparing to launch Smoke, a collection of short stories written over two decades.

The launch of Smoke will be held at Kyogle Library on Friday May 8 from 5.30pm.