Jessica Howard grew up on a cattle property near Biloela. Her first job was in Brisbane writing for a pet magazine while studying for a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of Queensland.

After graduating in 2003, she helped write the weather for Seven Nightly News in Brisbane and spent her weekends doing work experience.

She joined the Seven Local News team in Bundaberg last year.

She covered some of the biggest stories of 2004, including the trial of British backpacker Caroline Stuttle's killer and the tilt train derailment north of Bundaberg.

Within six months, she moved to the larger newsroom in Mackay.

She has grown to love the North Queensland lifestyle, enjoys spending weekends at the beach and heads to the Whitsundays whenever she gets the chance.

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