Jonathan (Jono) Roe - People of O-Town

I was born at Bourke and grew up on a large sheep and cotton property west of the Darling River towards Wanaaring.

After completing my final year’s schooling in Dubbo, I left to study in Sydney, never really expecting I would return out west, but 13 year ago I went back! I took a job as the journalist and photographer for Bourke’s weekly newspaper The Western Herald. Initially, I thought It might be something I’d do for a just couple of years, but Bourke’s a great town, very social with a lot going for it and I found myself sticking around a bit longer. I also met my wife Jane, who was teaching in Bourke, and we married on the old North Bourke Bridge in 2011.

It has actually been twelve months this week since Jane and I, with our two young boys, moved to Orange and we haven’t regretted a day. We’ve bought a house we love, met some great people and are enjoying the perks of living in a larger centre like Orange (food delivered to your door is amazing after a decade without it!).

Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed the winter months here in Orange and I can’t say that I miss the relentless summer heat in Bourke.

Before starting full-time at Orange City Life I’d picked up a bit of freelance writing work as well working at a local winery and cellar door. There is great wine here in Orange and I’m currently on an enjoyable quest to work my way around every cellar door.

At home, my two boys (6 and 3) take up a bit of my time and my wife and I are actually expecting number three at the end of this month!

I’ve always been a big reader, although that has slowed down since having kids— audiobooks and podcasts fill that gap a bit more now.

I also have had a long interest in Historical European Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.