As a senior reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, Natalie Croxon specializes in:
Avoid pitching:
Her 2025 investigation into a Wollongong domestic violence case sparked parliamentary discussions about victim support funding, demonstrating her work’s policy impact.
We’ve followed Natalie Croxon’s career as a dedicated journalist at the Illawarra Mercury, where her work has become synonymous with rigorous reporting on education, crime, and community welfare. Based in Wollongong, New South Wales, Croxon combines a sharp eye for detail with a deep commitment to amplifying marginalized voices, particularly in domestic violence and education policy.
Croxon’s career began in regional journalism, where she honed her ability to connect systemic issues to human stories. Her early work focused on education disparities in rural communities, laying the groundwork for her later investigations into institutional failures. Over time, she expanded into crime reporting, particularly cases involving domestic violence—a beat she approaches with both sensitivity and tenacity.
This landmark piece detailed the sentencing of Dean Michael Tuohy, who received six years for a brutal campaign of abuse. Croxon wove courtroom testimony with broader context about systemic failures in protecting victims. Her inclusion of the survivor’s PTSD diagnosis and financial ruin highlighted the long-term societal costs of domestic violence. The article’s impact led to renewed calls for improved victim support services in regional NSW.
Croxon prioritizes stories about educational equity in non-urban areas. A recent piece on distance learning programs for farm workers’ children demonstrates her interest in scalable solutions. Pitches should emphasize localized data and firsthand accounts from teachers/students.
Her coverage of the Tuohy case shows particular interest in systemic interventions. Successful pitches might highlight community-led initiatives or policy changes reducing court backlogs. Avoid sensationalized angles—focus on measurable outcomes.
“Every part of my life has been impacted by the calculated campaign of violence, control and degradation inflicted upon me by someone claiming to love me.” – Survivor statement from Croxon’s 2025 investigation
Our Watch Award (2023): Recognized for ethical reporting on violence against women, this honor underscores Croxon’s adherence to trauma-informed journalism practices. Our Watch specifically noted her ability to center survivor voices without retraumatization.
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