Pippa grew up in the Manning Valley attending Bobin Public and Wingham High School.

She has always had a keen sense of adventure, jetting off to France at age 15 on a year’s exchange program.

Pippa took a break from university in 2010, travelling to Samoa to complete volunteer work in the community of Apia as part of the Australian Youth Ambassador for Development program.

She worked there for 10 months as a communications officer for the Samoa Umbrella for Non-Governmental Organisation.

Pippa was assigned a young mother in her early 20s who she mentored and imparted the skills to take up the role of journalist.

“It was pretty amazing what I taught her and she was always so appreciative,” Pippa said.

Pippa notes the difference in culture as one of the biggest challenges.

For example, it is polite for the islanders to avoid eye contact with others. This made the teaching relationship difficult for Pippa who was unable to read basic cues to gauge her student’s understanding. The laid back pace of lifestyle was frustrating at times, but things always managed to get done, she said.

Her dedication to her role earned her a special volunteer’s award from the Federal government.

In between travelling and helping others, Pippa received first class honours in a Bachelor of Communication Studies at the University of Newcastle.

“I had the idea in my head since I was young that I wanted to be a journalist. It seemed a practical way to combine my passion for writing.”

Although Pippa’s parents no longer live locally, she comes back to Wingham as often as she can.

“I always feel an immense feeling of relief when I drive back into Wingham,” she said. The travel bug has well and truly bitten, with Pippa making plans to visit South America and the Pacific Islands.