The 22-year-old is currently undergoing a double bachelor degree majoring in Journalism and Global Screen Media at the University of Wollongong and has joined the BDN team to complete her final year as a cadet.

"I have always wanted to have a role where I could meet new people and hear their stories. This is everything I have wanted to do," Amandine said.

"I am excited to get to know more of the community. I look forward to seeing how our community grows, and to being an active agent in it."

Having completed two stints of work experience at the BDN as a teenager, Amandine is keen to learn "everything".

"I have always wanted to work here. I am pretty fresh and pretty new, I'm young," she said.

"I want to learn everything there is to learn and specifically how to hone my skills in writing and photography."

Amandine has lived in the Bega Valley since she was seven years old, having had a very worldly experience both prior and since.

"My mother is French, my father is German and I was born in Canada. We lived in the United Arab Emirates and England before moving to Australia," she said.

"I'm a bit of a world baby, I have traveled extensively and it has made me appreciate all types of cultures and traditions, it's opened my mind."

Amandine wants to give a voice to people in her local community and help tell their stories.

She encourages anyone who has something they'd like to share to reach out to her.

If there is a story you would like to share with Amandine, get in contact: amandine.ahrens@austcommunitymedia.com.au