$180 Mother’s Day GIVEAWAY

SCOOP HQ is full of excitement this week with a very special birthday. Our founder and editor, Katharyn Brine, is celebrating her 40th birthday!

And as it’s also Mother’s Day on Sunday (and Katharyn is an extraordinarily energetic mum) we wanted to share the celebrations with our readers with a giveaway and a story on her – our very own Mumprenuer!

Katharyn launched the online newspaper, Scoop Yass Valley, in March this year and she says the support has been eye-opening.

“Various versions of Scoop have been in the works for several months behind the scenes, and it’s still got a long, long way to go before it encompasses all my ideas, but I’m really happy with the response so far,” she said.

“I want it to be a credible source of local hard-core news, and also a place where we can interact with the community and build on the foundations and trust that Karan and I built up during the bush fires of 2012 [as part of the Yass Tribune].

“I am lucky to have so many volunteers interested in getting this project off the ground and I can only hope the support continues to grow at the rate it is.”

She’s been working full-time on the project and likes the idea of offering other mums in the area a flexible, vibrant, family-friendly work arrangement.

“I want Scoop to tap into the extraordinary breadth of talent that the Yass Valley has to offer in terms of full-time mums (and dads), retirees, volunteers, amateur photographers and community-minded people willing to share information about the activities and events that they are most passionate about,” she said.

The single mum of three is planning on celebrating her birthday with a special dinner and a “surprise birthday cake” made by her children. The cold and windy weather forecast for Mother’s Day on Sunday has ruled out her plans to go kayaking and picnicking along the river, but a visit from interstate family should make up for that.

“Last year I was treated to a luke-warm and very yummy cup of tea and a piece of toast delivered to my bedroom via remote-control spider, with a gorgeous love letter attached to it! So watch this space for this year’s shenanigans!”

But no, the special Mother’s Day gifts she is giving away to readers are not the very unique hand-made items made especially for her! (Just to make it clear to her young ones!)

Friend and former Yass Tribune managing editor Karan Gabriel (and contributing writer for Scoop) can attest to Katharyn’s high standards.

“I’ve loved being a part of Scoop since its inception. Kathy has put her heart and soul into this, and it shows. She’s demonstrating what a dedicated and professional local news service can achieve. I think the big players – the big corporates who are cutting costs at country newspapers – should watch out!

“As well, Katharyn is one of the most dedicated and selfless mums I know. It’s so apt that we’re celebrating Scoop, mums and her this week!”

Briony Barac, fellow Scoop writer agrees.

“I’ve known of Katharyn for a couple of years and when news broke that Scoop was hitting town, I jumped at the opportunity to be involved,” she said.

“It’s a brand new phenomenen for the Yass Valley, Scoop has covered and accomplished a lot in a short amount of time.

“What’s most inspiring is that in the thick of it (deadlines, breaking news), she’s still got time to teach and guide me through my contributions.

“She’s an amazing woman, the sky’s the limit with Katharyn and the community will benefit from this Mumpreneur’s start up.”

In the six weeks the newspaper www.scoopyassvalley.com.au has been up and running, it’s reached 10,422 readers.

We’ve arranged some great prizes for local mums:

• Jewellery, candle and candle-stick from Kaffeine Cafe, valued at $70.
• Gift voucher from Murrumbateman Markets valued at $50
• Love Photography set of personalised fridge magnets valued at $25
• Birdie and Thistle flower posy $35

All you need to do is share this post on Facebook, and post a photo of your mum or a comment about her brilliance! Those who are not on Facebook can post a comment here below the story. Entries close 5pm Mother’s Day (Sunday) when one lucky name will be randomly drawn.  We’ll post the results online. Shop keepers expect you to pick up your vouchers/goodies the following week, unless otherwise arranged. All results are final. Contact ads@scoopyassvalley.com.au for more information.