Aspiring journalist determined to make dream a reality
19 April 2010
Thomas Banks knows all too well what the inside of a busy newsroom looks like.
His pure determination and confidence has seen him work alongside some of the best reporters in Australia in both print and radio media at The Age, 774 ABC Melbourne, the Australian Associated Press, the Geelong Advertiser and Colac Herald as well as publications such as Forte Magazine, just to name a few.
Anyone would think this would be the resume of someone far beyond Thomas’ 19 years.
There is no doubt he uses his time to the fullest extent and admits he has no hesitation in going out and getting exactly what he wants.
“I was really sad when I left each of those, so I found more,” Thomas said with a laugh.
“I’m very confident … I talk to everyone.”
Thomas is so confident he has even graced the red carpet at the Logies and Aria awards.
When asked how he managed to get his 15-minutes of fame, he laughs.
“I just applied, like I always do, and keep on annoying publicists until they say yes.”
The self-published author, with the assistance of Karingal’s employment service MatchWorks, is now hoping to secure paid employment, following his mountain of volunteer work experience.
“I started writing when I was nine and have been doing it ever since,” Thomas, who has cerebral palsy, says of his passion for the written word.
He often uses a digital typrewriter to assist with communication, but says his interviews have always gone without a hitch.
“Some people ask me if I’m deaf and I just laugh and tell them to treat me normally.”
Thomas, who is also completing a professional writing course at Ballarat University says he has had the most amazing experiences volunteering, but is ready to fulfil his dream of working in the media.
He is currently working for Leisure Network, compiling their newsletter.
“Of course I want to be in journalism, but I have recently been thinking about setting up my own little publicity company.
“I will contract work from sporting clubs and arts organisations so I can be paid for writing press releases, giving out flyers to random people and doing general publicity work.”
If you have an opportunity you would like to offer Thomas, contact John Grace at MatchWorks Geelong on 5229 7250.