AFTER living around Australia and the United Kingdom, The Border Watch graphic designer Sophie Bohner followed her roots home to the Limestone Coast more than four years ago and began a career with the newsgroup.
Born in Millicent, Sophie moved to Alice Springs at just four years old before living in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and London, but it was her supportive family that gave her the push to settle in Mount Gambier.
Sophie had a wealth of experience working in graphic design and advertising, gaining an advanced diploma and forging a career with Sony DADC in Sydney as a print production coordinator for CD and DVD releases, among other businesses.
She was the perfect fit for The Border Watch Newsgroup and slotted right into the production team.
Four years on, Sophie has adjusted well to life in the South East and could not picture herself anywhere else.
“Living in cities since I was 14, I didn’t know how I would cope without the hustle and bustle, but I actually love the country life,” she said.
“The easy access to work and home without traffic and parking woes, the beautiful landscapes and surrounds and the lovely sense of community makes it feel like home.
“After four years, I’ve met some great people and love the fact I normally stop and say hello to someone I know almost everywhere I go, it’s very relaxed and friendly.”
In her time away from the office, Sophie likes to spend time with her partner, family and friends exploring the local scenery.
“My parents and my sister and her family all live local, so I very much enjoy having a stronger family connection with them also,” she said.
“Some of my favourite things are spending time with my loved ones, getting out and exploring the region and savouring delicious food and wine experiences.
“But most of all strength training and powerlifting has become my favourite hobby and completely changed my life in such good ways.
“The coaches and people I train with have taught me so much about myself and encouraged me to try and achieve things I never thought I would do.”
The best thing about Sophie’s job is creating beautiful content for our customers and readers.
“Creating original artwork for customers that goes into a newspaper that the public sees and in turn helps generate business for that customer is probably one of my favourite things,” she said.
“Knowing you’re doing something to help boost our community is so important.
“I also really enjoy the social and friendly atmosphere, there are so many different types of people who work here all with different roles and diverse talents.
“Everybody is really committed to getting the newspaper out to the best possible standard and it’s great to be a part of that group.”