The biggest challenge once this story broke was trying to not get carried away with the misinformation that was spreading like wildfire. I even noticed that several other media publications had jumped the gun, reporting 'facts' that hadn't yet been verified. I understood, through the unfolding of this story, just how easy it is for falsehoods to be published when journalists are champing at the bit to get an edge over competitors. I kept cool, held my cards close to my chest, and trod the diplomatic path with supervising police officers. On my way to work every morning I stopped by the house to see if there were any updates, or any noticeable police activity. It was during one of these routine drive-bys that I noticed a man on the verandah in a white jumpsuit with what looked like a paint brush. As I got closer, I noticed that on the veranda ledge were bone fragments, all lined up, including one that looked suspiciously like a jawbone with teeth still in place. There were no other photographers around—no other people, in fact. I knew then that persistence had paid off and Guardian News was going to get itself another scoop. 

Read Mel’s original stories here:

Perhaps the best part of this story was the outcome. My favourite type of stories are the ones you get to tell slowly and be creative with, or ones that leave you with a deeper sense of understanding about an issue. In this case, the story was written 'shooting from the hip' at first. But as the pieces of the puzzle came together and it was revealed that the bones found were historic and possibly belonged to an Indigenous person, the story took on a different tempo and significance. There is still no conclusive proof about the bones’ genealogy but that hasn’t lessened their impact on local communities. I met with some of the Buchanan mob elders who taught me about the importance of this find for them. They were reticent to talk with the media in light of the way we often report on Indigenous issues. The frenetic pace of news often misses the nuances and subtleties that exist between cultures. But they were patient and obliging with me and, in the end, I walked away from the meeting feeling a little more enlightened about the ancient culture of the Nambucca. The new owner of the property discussed with me his willingness to work with the elders to find a respectful and spiritually-aligned resolution. The government departments involved were also content to allow this to happen. It was a great outcome for all involved, and I felt touched to have been given the responsibility of telling the story.

I now make an effort to scan the Buy Swap Sell sites on my daily news story gleanings, and I will never again disregard the value of a tip-off.

Mel Davis is a journalist with the Nambucca Guardian.  If you have a story you would like to share with her email mel.davis@fairfaxmedia.com.au