Xavier Mardling has been appointed editor of The Border Mail, as he continues his career with the masthead.
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A passion for writing prompted Mardling to become a cadet sport reporter 15 years ago and next month, he will take on the top job.
He joined the team just weeks after completing his HSC exams at Corowa High School in 2001 and, apart from a stint in Adelaide, has remained with The Border Mail since.
Mardling said his commitment was to his team and the community.
“I'm extremely honoured,” he said.
“To have the opportunity to edit such an outstanding newspaper and to lead such a wonderful team is a rare privilege.
“The media landscape is constantly changing but what will never change is our commitment to our readers and this community.
“Whether it be online or in print, we want to continue to be a voice for the community.”
Mardling was working as a sub-editor in 2004 when he earned his first award, the John Saxby Cadet of the Year.
A decade later his work continued to impress and he won the T.H. Mott award for excellence in journalism. During his time with The Border Mail, Mardling worked his way from sport reporting to sub-editor and then chief sports sub-editor.
He took on the night editor role before moving to Adelaide in 2015, but returned in January.
His dedication to The Border Mail shone in 2003, when he broke his ankle and returned to work the following day.
Mardling also had personal success with the masthead, when he proposed to his girlfriend Janice in the newspaper on her birthday in 2008 – she said yes.
The 32-year-old was born and raised in the region having grown up on a farm near Rand. He played football with CDHBU and Wodonga Raiders, and cricket for Belvoir and Corowa.
Andrew Eales, Victoria group managing editor of Fairfax Media’s Australian Community Media division, said Mardling was a great fit for the role.
“Xavier will be a strong advocate for The Border Mail and the community it serves,” he said.
“He will be a passionate leader of The Border Mail as it continues to be the region's leading provider of news and information across digital and print platforms.”
Mardling takes over from the former editor Niall Boyle.
