Weeks of preparation from staff was to culminate with our own Oscars and some drinks and nibbles to celebrate 2018.

The newsroom worked hard to finish the stories before deadline – free drinks is a good motivator.

Our crime reporter, Sarah Aquilina, had just put the last touches on her Santa outfit for the evening. 

Then we got the news. 

Shots had been fired on a street at Trevallyn. 

In a second, Sarah went from Santa to serious reporter. Our photographer Scott Gelston, who was on the way to the Christmas party, made the detour back to the office.

Together they headed up to the scene to deliver the news to The Examiner readers.

They spoke to neighbours, posted updates consistently on our website and sat with residents waiting for the police to be ready to give us any information.

At 11.38pm on Friday we signed off for the night.

By 7.30am the next day we were back covering the story. This time our reporter Jessica Willard and photographer Paul Scambler attended the scene to provide updates throughout the day.

We took great pride in our reporting, liaising with police in an effort to help as much as we could, inform our audience and of course do our best to not hinder any police operations.

The actions of the police were highly commendable, efficient and involved open communication with media.

While you maybe shaking your head wondering how this can happen in our region, we should also be feeling very well protected.

Giveaway

We have some fabulous tickets to giveaway to our subscribers to the Summer Moon Festival to be held December 15.

Tickets to the festival are available from Ticketweb, with adults tickets costing $109 and under 18 $69. Family packages are also available.

For your chance to win fill out the form here.

Until next week,