ADMINISTRATION manager Sonia Galwey joined The Border Watch Newsgroup team in 2015 and has quickly become everyone’s “go-to” for help around the office.
Together with a team of five administration staff at The Border Watch and The South Eastern Times, Sonia manages the business and administration tasks from purchasing to payroll, financial reporting and budgeting, and most importantly distribution of the printed product to our agents and readers.
Sonia has worked in the business sector for over 20 years and has a Certificate IV in business and a Certificate IV in training and assessment.
Hailing from Millicent, Sonia moved to Mount Gambier due to her children attending school and extra curricular activities in the Blue Lake city.
Not thinking she would leave her administration and finance position in Millicent at an earthmoving firm, the position at The Border Watch became available and Sonia knew she had to take the chance.
“It came up at the same time we were making the move to Mount Gambier,” Sonia said.
“It just seemed like the perfect fit and everything had aligned for me to take the job on.”
One of Sonia’s favourite things about working at the newsgroup is the fast-paced and exciting nature of the media industry.
“I love working to support al of our departments to produce both print and digital content for our customers,” she said.
“I have a great team around me and together we keep the business running smoothly.
“Every day is busy and we manage it collectively with teamwork and a lot of laughs in the right places.”
Sonia said although she is a numbers person, the creative side of the business is something she finds very interesting.
“I do spend quite a lot of time in awe of the creative people around me at The Border Watch,” she said.
“Our graphic designers and journalists are dedicated passionate people and I am very proud of the product they produce.”
Outside of the office, Sonia likes to take in all the Limestone Coast has to offer.
“It’s a beautiful region to live in,” she said.
“I guess I don’t really have anything to compare it to but there is nothing I need that we don’t have here.
“Plus, Coonawarra is very close so that’s brilliant – I do love a nice glass of red after work.”
Her children’s sporting commitments keep her busy during the week but when she has a quiet moment to herself Sonia loves nothing more than watching some of the latest sci-fi televisions series and catching up with friends.
“I have two very busy young adult children and currently travel a lot with my son for his sporting aspirations,” she said.
“Outside of work and the occasional coffee and chat with a close friend that seems to be the focus of my life right now and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Things change around you so quickly and I think it’s important to treasure these times and be present in every moment.
“I am rather over the moon at the moment also to have recently found out one of my closest friends is returning from Canada after many years away – sharing a wine via Snapchat just isn’t the same.”
