PORTFOLIO
Demo Reel 2018
This showreel depicts a variety of my news stories as well as my news reading skills.
The clips are a compilation of works created for QUT News during my journalism degree.
Radio & Television Praxis 2017 Semester 2
In October I undertook my third and final QUT journalism praxis.
Daily radio packages were broadcast on 4EB (98.1FM), a local Brisbane radio station while in week two I produced a long form television feature story on the Commonwealth Games.
"Flight Face"
If you're planning a flight from Brisbane to New Zealand you may be able to leave your passport at home, with facial recognition technology proposed for the Brisbane Airport. The technology is expected to make flying a breeze, without compromising security.
"Encryption Forum"
Critics say Australian privacy is under threat again as the federal government intends to hack messaging apps including Facebook and WhatsApp.
"QUT Radio News Bulletin October 3rd"
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/10/04/qut-radio-news-wednesday-4-october-2017/#.WfL2wUx7G9Y
"Fishing Stats"
A nationwide fisheries study has found stress and fears of the future are contributing to high levels of depression.
"WHO Health"
The Federal Government says it’s committed to eliminating major diseases in the Asia-Pacific. The health minister told a major summit in Brisbane, it would only be of benefit to Australia if our region’s developing
nations had better health.
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/10/09/who-summit-comes-to-brisbane/#.WfL2PUx7G9Y
"Commonwealth Games"
Australian athletes once dominated the Commonwealth Games. Their success at the event, formed a crucial part of our national identity.
But is that changing?
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/10/13/commonwealth-games-herald-change-and-credibility/#.WfL2hkx7G9Y
Investigative Reporting 2017
As part of this core journalism unit, I produced two in-depth reports on the Australian Housing Crisis and the Commonwealth Games.
"The Australian Housing Crisis: Misled Millennials"
Aussies are facing a housing market full of challenge. But not even the experts can agree on whether young people are adapting to secure homeownership, whether the financial journey is now a priority or why owning your own piece of Australia is as important as jet setting to Europe and experiencing your first Contiki tour.
https://www.ashleighdwan.com/single-post/2017/10/27/The-Australian-Housing-Crisis-Misled-Millennials
"The Commonwealth Games: Changing Attitudes"
The 1982 Commonwealth Games were a coming of age for Brisbane. But, sport has long been part of the Australian DNA before Brisbane was ever considered a cultural hub. Playing a team sport is practically considered a right of passage for any Aussie kid. But, in recent years there has been a noticeable shift in Australian attitudes towards the Commonwealth Games and the importance of the nation’s sporting culture.
https://www.ashleighdwan.com/single-post/2017/10/27/The-Commonwealth-Games-Changing-Attitudes
Channel Nine Internship 2017
For two weeks in July I interned with Channel Nine in Brisbane.
I shadowed journalists, wrote RVO's, shot bus footage for several strike stories and interviewed the public through vox pops.
"Food By Us"
New Online Business “Food By Us” allows those who love to cook to make cash while they do it, and our taste buds and pockets are the winners. This was the first Nine story I saw come together and I managed to make my commercial television debut.
https://www.facebook.com/9NewsQueensland/videos/1905532789770265/
"Early Morning Bus Strike"
Early morning commuters will again endure industrial action tomorrow when bus drivers walk off the job for a second day.
I interviewed the public in the form of vox pops for this story.
https://www.facebook.com/9NewsQueensland/videos/1905515679771976/
"Ninja Warrior"
The Ninja Warrior craze is quickly going from lounge room to real life. I went along to Sky Zone with journalist Joel Dry and managed to cut some footage which made the final edit.
"Bus Strikes Continue"
Two more days of strikes from bus drivers could create some real headaches. I shot all of the on-bus footage for the following three stories and interviewed the public.
https://www.facebook.com/9NewsQueensland/videos/1910608862595991/
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2017/07/27/07/48/brisbane-bus-drivers-to-refuse-fares-on-thursday
Radio & Television Praxis 2017
In May I undertook my second QUT journalism praxis.
In week one I produced a daily radio package broadcasted on 4EB (98.1FM), a local Brisbane radio station. In the second week I produced daily television packages for the QUT News website and YouTube channel.
"Q Shelter"
Queenslanders may be closer to affordable housing with the state government's $1.8 million investment into the community housing body. The partnership is set to give Q Shelter improved capability to work with these community organisations and tackle homelessness.
"VR Spiders"
Virtual reality spiders are now being used to help people overcome their arachnophobia allowing sufferers to experience their fears without being physically exposed to the eight-legged critters.
"QUT Radio News Bulletin May 3rd"
Holocaust deniers have targeted a Queensland university with their extremist views. There are calls for an end to squabbling over Cross-River Rail, virtual reality spiders and 3D meat.
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/03/qut-radio-news-wednesday-3-may-2017/#more-27690
"Beer"
There are now new ways to improve beer, making it healthier for consumers and cheaper for mainstream brewing companies. This radio package uncovers the international research cracking the genetic code of the malted grain, barley.
"NRL in Crisis Over Drug Scandal"
The NRL is feeling the effects of another drug scandal, prompting speculation of an illicit drug problem within the sport. There were four separate incidents over the weekend, including Cronulla chairman Damian Keogh.
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/08/nrl-in-crisis-over-drug-scandal/#more-27858
"France Marche"
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has expressed support for France's new president after earlier favouring his opponent. But, Emmanuel Macron is already facing anger from some of his own countrymen.
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/09/qut-tv-news-tuesday-9-may-2017/#.WRgRgVJ7G9Y
"Mosul Clashes"
US backed Iraqi forces have clashed with IS militants in north-west Mosul. It's the latest push to claim back the city.
You can watch this package from 11:33 in the main bulletin.
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/10/qut-tv-news-wednesday-10-may-2017/#.WRgSXVJ7G9Y
"Great Barrier Reef Expedition to Map Coral"
In what could be a world first, marine scientists are mapping the entire Great Barrier Reef. It’s hoped the ‘big picture’ will restore the sensitive coral environment.
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/11/great-barrier-reef-expedition-to-map-coral/#more-28084
"Trump FBI"
A new day in American politics, a new reason for sacking the FBI Director. Donald Trump is now calling James Comey a showboat and grandstander. But, the President's adamant it was his idea to fire Comey.
You can watch this package from 10:42 in the main bulletin.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbSAcPxasqk&t=1222s
"Footy Wrap Friday"
After much speculation the Broncos have signed Anthony Milford. The star player maker will stay at Brisbane for the next four seasons, agreeing to a reported $1 million deal.
You can watch this package from 18:53 in the main bulletin.
Television News Reading 2017
As part of my second QUT journalism praxis I also had the opportunity to read the nightly television bulletin for a week. This included presenting on the desk and reading the weather.
"QUT News Tuesday May 2nd - Weather"
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/02/qut-news-tuesday-2-may-2017/#more-27685
"QUT News Wednesday May 3rd - Lead Reader"
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/03/qut-tv-news-wednesday-3-may-2017/#more-27707
"QUT News Thursday May 4th - Second Reader"
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/04/qut-tv-news-thursday-4-may-2017/#more-27751
"QUT News Thursday May 5th - Weather"
http://www.qutnews.com/2017/05/05/qut-tv-news-friday-5-may-2017/#more-27784
International Journalism 2017
As part of International Journalism, a core journalism subject at QUT, I produced three international articles.
As a hypothetical foreign correspondent I wrote overseas stories for Australian audiences.
"Are we mindlessly following Trumpism?"
This article explores Donald Trump's presidency and its impact on Australian politics. Experts say the 'bandwagon effect' may be responsible for the latest rise in right wing populism.
http://internationaljournalism280.com/are-we-mindlessly-following-trumpism/
"Storm Prep and Recovery"
Does Australia adequately prepare for significant climatic events? Or do countries such as America lead the pack in planning for natural disasters given their experience from Hurricane Katrina.
http://internationaljournalism280.com/storm-prep-and-recovery/
"Vehicles as Weapons"
Vehicle weaponry is growing in popularity with vehicle ramming becoming a global problem. This article explores what this kind of terrorism means for society.
Brisbane Times Internship 2017
I interned with the Brisbane Times, an online only news service, one day a week for two months.
I contributed largely to their MyBT community pages.
"MyBT Ipswich"
The following link showcases a variety of my published work for the Ipswich site including Q&A's with a domestic violence activist, rugby league great Des Morris and former Australian cricket coach John Buchanan.
https://ipswich.brisbanetimes.com.au/tag/AshleighDwan/
"MyBT Toowoomba"
I spoke to local entrepreneurs, fishermen, USQ, the TSBE Executive Chairman and Empire Theatres from the Toowoomba community.
https://toowoomba.brisbanetimes.com.au/tag/AshleighDwan/
"MyBT Gold Coast"
Q&A's with a local councillor Tom Tate and GC Airport executives feature among my work for the Gold Coast.
https://goldcoast.brisbanetimes.com.au/tag/AshleighDwan/
"MyBT Airport"
For the Airport page I interviewed the airport CEO Julieanne Alore and CASA air safety regulators.
Radio & Television Praxis 2016
In October I undertook my first QUT journalism praxis.
Radio packages broadcasted on 4EB (98.1FM) and television packages were produced for Bris31, a local Brisbane television station. They also appeared on the QUT News website and YouTube channel.
"Cyber Bullying"
Australia's top online safety organisation found cyber bullying complaints were up by 75 per cent since 2015.
"Coral Bleaching"
QUT scientists visually captured how coral reacts when being bleached. The ABC aired a "Catalyst" program showing the compelling results.
"Clowning"
It was a social media craze that went viral with major Queensland politicians weighing in on the trend.
"TripAdvisor"
TripAdvisor announced a pledge to stop animal cruelty by reusing to sell tickets which encourage animal mistreatment.
"National Bird Week Takes Off"
National Bird Week is a big deal for bird enthusiasts but more importantly a chance to keep track of Australia's bird data.
http://www.qutnews.com/2016/10/17/national-bird-count-takes-off/#more-27247
"Turnbull Government Spilt Over Gun Laws"
This national TV package was about the controversy of the Adler Shotgun.
http://www.qutnews.com/2016/10/19/turnbull-government-split-over-gun-laws/#more-27325
"Speedy Delivery of Speeding Fines"
In October 2016 the Queensland Police launched a new way to fine drivers with electronic traffic tickets.
http://www.qutnews.com/2016/10/20/speedy-delivery-of-speeding-fines/#more-27387
"Tostee Walks Free"
This TV grab showed Gable Tostee leave the Brisbane Courthouse after an extensive murder trial.
http://www.qutnews.com/2016/10/20/tostee-walks-free/#more-27434
Glasshouse Country & Maleny News
I wrote a number of volunteer articles for my local paper before being employed as a Freelance Journalist in November 2016.
"Mixed Media; art with the ability to inspire"
This was my first published print article.
It can be found in the April 20, 2016 online edition.
"Topfer Takes on International Talent Title"
I had the wonderful opportunity to write about one of my oldest friends and his American modelling success.
It can be found in the August 10, 2016 online edition.
"High School Celebrates 25 Years"
This was my first paid print article on the success of the local high school. It can be found in the November 2, 2016 online edition.
http://www.ashleighdwan.com/single-post/2016/11/01/High-School-Celebrates-25-Years
University Feature Articles
"The Life of Toni Burt"
Toni Burt is an artist with a passion for helping people connect with their souls. After a life in interior design and corporate construction she decided to swap it all for paintbrushes and texture paste.
http://ashleighdwan.wix.com/beyondthestory#!The-Life-of-Toni-Burt/cf15/5729ca7d0cf2803377c8dd0f
"Sand, Sacraments & Sanctity"
Ash and Riley's story is one of love. Their relationship with each other and with religion pulls heart strings.
"Christine Ballard: Life's Journey"
This multimedia feature article delves into Chris' life and explores her independence and determination as she decided to start university in her sixties.
Straight News Pieces
"Is the "Zero Tolerance" Campaign Punching Below it's Weight?
This was a political story I wrote about the workplace violence on healthcare professionals.
"Parental Threshold Disadvantages Youth"
This article looks at Centrelink's Youth Allowance Scheme and how it affects university students.