Ella Proberts
Phone: +61 457 700 043
Email: ellacateproberts@gmail.com
I believe in the power of storytelling.
I’ve grown to learn that what makes a story remarkable is truth: an objective, thorough, and mindful pursuit of the truth.
I am driven in my studies by the fact that these types of stories have the power to make people listen, to connect communities, and to change policy and legislation.
Although the unfolding landscape of this industry is uncertain - I am excited by what’s to come, knowing that the need for truth is a timeless element of our democracy. I am optimistic that the future holds space for more voices and more creativity in our stories.
I aspire to be part of this future, and the objective, thorough and mindful pursuit of the truth.
My efforts in achieving this form most of the application below.
I am honoured to have been referred for Student Journalist of the Year by my lecturer, Dr. Caroline Graham.
Thank you for taking the time to read it.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Journalist (casual), ABC
ABC Brisbane Newsroom
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After completing an internship with the ABC in April, I was very excited to be offered a position as a casual journalist.
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During my time at the ABC, I have interviewed talent for television, written and voiced radio news copy, and published digital news articles regarding trauma-informed care in paramedicine, breastmilk donation supply shortages, and civil-unrest.
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I am looking forward to reporting on the state election this weekend on radio news.
January 2024-Present
Founder, Press Magazine
Human Rights and Arts Magazine
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In 2021, I was fortunate to receive the Dr. Lee Anne Perry Service and Leadership Award, which provided the funding for me to start Press Magazine with fellow student, Imogen Ryan-Kerr.
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My central aim for Press is to give social justice journalism the same editorial weight as fashion and art. As a bonus, we get to give opportunities to other students (and professionals!) to publish their incredible and meaningful work.
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Last year we created a team with two other journalism students to produce edition one.
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Since launching edition one in January 2024, stores around Brisbane have begun to stock the print, and I’ve established partnerships with the UQ Journalism and Communication Society, UQ Film Production Society, and the All Hallows’ School human rights group to provide avenues for students to publish their work.
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We recently shot our next cover featuring the ‘Orange Sky Laundry’ founders to celebrate their 10th Anniversary.
A Look Inside...
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Below is the contents of the magazine, along with my editorial style article about the complications of sexual assault advocacy in the indie film industry.
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A look at our upcoming cover, featuring the charity, 'Orange Sky Laundry.'
Digital Strategy Project Coordinator, KBR Engineering Solutions
2023-April 2024
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Whilst completing a paid internship in environmental policy and digital solutions in February 2023, I developed a tool using AI that automatically ranks the sustainability level of engineering firms, which was used at a managerial level.
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Following the internship I worked in digital strategy, where I developed a digital upskilling program for engineers and managerial staff which begun roll-out early 2024.
Paid Intern, Channel 9's 'Future Women'
2023-April 2024
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During the internship I completed research for Future Women's upskilling course, for over 60's women looking to re-enter the workforce.
Unpaid intern/ volunteer, Indonesian Charity School
2023
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In December 2022, I travelled to Indonesia with the Liveris Academy on a New Colombo Plan Scholarship, where we learned about the circular economy at the Institute of Technology, Bandung, and at a rural charity school 'Sekola Motekar'.
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After returning to Brisbane, I engaged with Sekola Motekar to develop lesson plans in entrepreneurship and politics.
Australian and New Zealand Co-Regional Leader, Girl Up
2021-2022
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Girl Up is a UN foundation organisation promoting gender parity globally.
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The role involved liaising with other representatives, such as Girl Up Africa, on issues affecting them, providing advice for girls in Australia wishing to establish fundraising clubs, and presenting at the online Global Summit in 2021. Keynote speakers were Malala Yousafzai and Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General, United Nations.
Scriptwriting Experience
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After gaining acceptance into a short scriptwriting course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) in London, I received funding to attended the course in July this year from the Ravago Group.
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Upon completion of the short course, I wrote a play, which has received a partial scholarship to attend the Rocaberti writers retreat with BAFTA winner, Michael Davies, and an opportunity to be mentored by RADA Masters of Scriptwriting coordinator, Paul Sirett.
2024
Supporting Lead, Disney+ Film
2022
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I'm passionate about stories in pretty much every form - including acting and scriptwriting.
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I was excited to land the role of Daniela on a Disney Channel and Disney+ kids movie about marine conservation and friendship!
EDUCATION
University of Queensland
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Bachelor Journalism/ Bachelor Arts (extended Major International Relations)
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GPA 6.7
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Deans commendation for Academic Excellence (2020 S1; 2021 S2; 2022 S1; 2023 S1; 2024 S1)
I have thoroughly enjoyed my studies at university, and have valued the opportunity to explore my own interest areas, guided by the expertise of our lecturers. I love learning as much as I can about a topic, and combining this with other people's stories to produce work I am proud of. Reflecting on my university experience, I'm so glad I have involved myself in uni life as much as possible - this has afforded me the opportunity to meet extraordinary people and new places around the world, something I hadn't thought would be possible.
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Ravago Group Academic and Leadership Scholarship
"This scholarship was established in 2021 and is maintained by an annual gift to encourage and support outstanding students in an Approved Program at UQ, through financial support and Membership with the Liveris Academy."
"The Scholarship will be awarded to the applicants showing greatest strength of academic and leadership achievement (or potential)." - UQ and Ravago Group
The Ravago Group scholarship is awarded based on academic and leadership merit. The funding has not only supported my studies, but has funded my travels to London to complete a short writing course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA).
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Liveris Academy Scholar
(Note: initially accepted in Bachelor Laws (Hons)/ Bachelor Arts before changing to BJ S2 2021)
""Our mission is to select the best scholars, and nurture them in an environment of excellence to create the next generation of leaders for the 21st century." - Andrew N. Liveris, Founder.
The Liveris Academy is an academic and leadership program within the University of Queensland. Students within the program are the recipients of various scholarships within the school, and we attend weekly programs and keynote speeches on leadership and sustainability. I was accepted into the program prior to receiving a Ravago group scholarship as an associate. A highlight was our Q&A session with will.i.am, open to the broader university. I wrote a story on this discussion, which was published by the Start Up Daily. I also took great value from our session with Nobel Prize Winner, Leymah Gbowee. This year we are working with the Brisbane 2032 Olympics team to strategise sustainable solutions.
You can read more about the Liveris Academy here.
You can read my profile here.
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New Colombo Plan Travel Scholarship
Funded by the New Colombo Plan, a group of UQ Liveris Students travelled to the Institute of Technology, Bandung and Sekola Motekar in Indonesia.
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Collaborations with the UQ Journalism and Communication Society, Engagement with UQ Film Production Society
I have established collaborations between these societies and Press Magazine this year. In our collaboration we have created a submission process for members to be considered for publication in the magazine.
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Collaboration with the UQ Justice and the Law Society
In 2023, I co-organised an expert panel discussion on the Voice to Parliament Referendum with the society's Deputy President. We had around 100 attendees, where Indigenous community leaders explained their various perspectives on the referendum. We gave the opportunity for all attendees to submit questions prior to arrival, and opened the floor up to questions on the day.
All Hallows' School
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School Captain, 2019
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Prix D'Honneur, 2019
'Prize of honour', voted by year 12 students for commitment to leadership and social justice
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Consistent Academic Achievement Award, Consistent Social Justice Achievement Award, Consistent Cultural Achievement Award
2015-2019
UNIVERSITY WORK EXAMPLE
'Silent Battle'
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This is a data journalism article about the inequities of news media coverage in international conflict.
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I interviewed Brisbane-based Ethiopian church leader and charity CEO, Mengistu Hailu, to provide insight into the impact that low media coverage can have on communities affected by war.
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I used Tableau to code the proportional symbol map, Factiva to gather data, and Wix to format the story with my photographs and visualisations.
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Teacher comments to academic board (Dr. Caroline Graham): "She's achieved extraordinary results in my classes. I think she's the first person I've ever awarded 100% to for a practice-based journalism assignment, based on the data-driven journalism assessment she submitted for JOUR3000 last year, which analysed more than 500,000 news articles to illustrate inequities in media coverage of international conflict. She combined this with deep, careful and ethical interviews with Ethiopian refugees fighting to focus international attention on violence in Amhara."
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The embedded story is below, or you can access the external site here.