NARELDA JACOBS

Kylie Kwong celebrates the individuals helping to grow a stronger community. This month, we meet journalist, news presenter and changemaker Narelda Jacobs.

- ANNA MCCOOE and KYLIE KWONG

I first connected with Narelda when she dined at Lucky Kwong last year. Immediately struck by her warmth and authenticity, I invited Narelda to say a few words on my Instagram account regarding the upcoming NAIDOC Week. Her messaging was on point, clear and powerful. To say thank you, I invited Narelda to come back for lunch with her friends. Through this, I had the privilege of connecting with five extraordinary First Nations community leaders. To me, this exchange perfectly sums up Narelda; she is never one to miss an opportunity to share her community's ancient knowledge and wisdom with all for the greater good.

When Narelda Jacobs landed the anchor's chair for national news bulletin 10 News First: Midday, the January appointment was largely seen as proof of progress. As an out gay Whadjuk-Noongar woman (with more than 20 stellar years on-air experience), her visibility in our living rooms is a glorious affirmation of equality. It tells us we live in a country where the best person for the job gets said job; that race, gender and sexual identity are no longer obstacles.

If Jacobs's accomplishments are ours to share, we all deserve this pat on the back. Except sometimes we don't. "We love a success story. We love picking winners," the journalist points out. "But when we are confronted by something, or it brings us shame, we don’t want to know.” This is where a national tragedy comes into Jacobs’ trajectory.