Mr Damien Cocks began work this week, taking the place of Mr Stuart Carless who resigned a few months ago to take up the editorship of a newspaper in Swan Hill.

The song "I've been everywhere" has a resonance for Mr Cocks' journalistic career.

Born and brought up in Broken Hill, he worked at the Barrier Daily Truth for nine years before launching himself around the country.

He was at the Daily Examiner in Grafton for a while then chief of staff at The Border World in Mount Gambier.

He edited of the Bundaberg News and was chief of staff and then editor of Shepparton News.

While editor of that paper it won the prestigious PANPA Newspaper of the Year award.

Mr Cocks has also worked in radio with 2GF Grafton and was a media adviser to the South Australian Opposition Leader, Mr Rob Kerin.

However, most of his time has been spent on newspapers and now he will be dealing with local government from a different side.

"It was time to step back for a couple of years and put another string in my bow for the future," he said.

"I will learn new skills and will be working with a big diverse team."

He and his partner Nicole enjoy the coastal lifestyle and are living at Tura Beach, right across from the golf course which is great for Mr Cocks as he loves playing golf.

He also likes wine, fine food and a punt.