Meet the editor: Bunbury local Amber Lilley returns home to head six South West newspapers

After more than six years outside of the South West, it’s good to be home — especially as the newest editor of six Seven West Media mastheads in the region. For the past 3.5 years, I’ve been enjoying life in the Goldfields where I was deputy editor of the Kalgoorlie Miner. For three years before that, I was studying in Perth — although I still spent most weekends and holidays in the South West. For some, my surname will sound familiar and that, I’m sure, is in no small part the credit of my grandparents Peter and Peta Lilley — two born and bred Bunburyites. I have distinct memories of running down their driveway to collect the South Western Times, and watching my pop read through each and every page. While he’s no longer here to riffle through these pages, I know for so many others out there, these pages matter. And, because that is true for myself, I’m honoured to be their custodian. Bunbury is where my passion for journalism started. I always wanted to tell stories that mattered to regional people, and to tell stories that mattered about regional people. I’m excited to lead my team, and deliver our six papers each week that locals can trust. You can expect to see the usual court, crime and council, but you can also expect a little fun, a lot of sport, and all the news that matters to this region. The next 18 months are an important time for us with federal and State elections planned for 2025, as well as local elections throughuot the region. Over the next few weeks, you’ll get to read a little more about each of the team. And, please reach out with the stories that matter to you, the stories you want told, and the events you want us to be at. Amber Lilley is the new editor of the South Western Times. She can be contacted at editor@swtimes.com.au.