Meet Jocelyn Watts
Editor | Writer | Photographer
Jocelyn Watts is an Australian writer, photographer and former newspaper editor based in Hervey Bay on Queensland’s Fraser Coast.
Today, she combines decades of experience in journalism, communications and photography with a lifelong interest in homes, coastal living, creativity and travel.
A Lifelong Interest in Homes and Design
Although journalism became her profession, Jocelyn’s interest in homes and design began much earlier.
Her mother, Delphine (Del) Scott, was a home economics teacher, and home design and management formed part of the subject she taught. As a result, Jocelyn developed an early appreciation for practical living spaces, home organisation and interior decorating.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, she studied home economics throughout high school. Consequently, she became fascinated by how thoughtful design can improve everyday life.
After leaving school, she worked as a drawing office aide (tracer) in a Main Roads engineering department. She later prepared house plans for a residential builder. These roles strengthened her understanding of design, space planning and the relationship between people and the homes they live in.
Over the years, Jocelyn has lived in 15 different homes, ranging from an outback workers cottage to modern coastal residences. Some moves came through her husband’s career in the finance industry, while others reflected changing stages of family life, including several homes on the Fraser Coast.
Along the way, she developed a practical understanding of how design, organisation and personal touches can transform a house into a home. That belief continues to shape Jocelyn Magazine’s focus on coastal living and creating spaces that support a calmer life.
A Career in Regional Journalism
In 1992, Jocelyn and her husband moved to Queensland’s Fraser Coast.
Soon afterwards, she began her journalism career with the Maryborough Herald. Over the following decades, she worked as a journalist, photographer and editor across regional Queensland.
During that time, she covered community life, local government, business, tourism, arts and human-interest stories. In addition, she developed a strong foundation in practical storytelling and editorial leadership.
While working with the Fraser Coast Chronicle, she regularly photographed and wrote about homes for the popular My Place feature.
This work brought together two longstanding interests: storytelling and home design. At the same time, it deepened her appreciation for architecture, interior decorating and the many ways people create welcoming living spaces.
Today, those same interests help shape Jocelyn Magazine’s focus on coastal living, small-space design and creating homes that support a calmer lifestyle.
Photography and Storytelling
Photography has been a lifelong influence. Jocelyn grew up in a creative household where cameras and photography were a natural part of everyday life.
Her father, William C. Scott, was an internationally recognised and award-winning photographer whose passion for the craft helped nurture her own interest in visual storytelling.
In 2011, Jocelyn stepped away from newspapers and established her own photography business.
While she photographed weddings and portraits, real estate photography quickly became a favourite. Photographing homes allowed her to combine design, architecture, photography and storytelling in a single creative pursuit.
Meanwhile, photography became an increasingly important part of how she documented places and experiences.
Communications and Community
Following the death of her husband in 2013, Jocelyn closed her photography business and moved into media and communications.
She worked with the University of Southern Queensland’s Fraser Coast campus, UnitingCare Health and later Fraser Coast Regional Council.
These roles broadened her experience while also strengthening her connection to the Fraser Coast community.
Returning to Publishing
In 2020, Jocelyn returned to her newspaper roots after accepting an invitation to become editor of the Maryborough Herald.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the media industry. Like many regional print publications across Australia, the Herald eventually closed.
After taking time to travel and reflect, Jocelyn returned home to the Fraser Coast. She subsequently created Jocelyn Magazine.
Jocelyn Magazine Today
Through Jocelyn Magazine, Jocelyn explores coastal living, wellbeing, food, creativity and travel.
Her work reflects a simple belief: our homes, communities, interests and experiences all help shape lives that feel meaningful, connected and rewarding.
The magazine encourages readers to slow down, create welcoming homes, explore regional Australia and embrace a more intentional way of living.
Behind the Camera
Photography remains central to Jocelyn’s storytelling.
Whether she is photographing a coastal home, a regional town, a rail journey or the landscapes of K’gari, she looks for details that reveal a deeper sense of place.
Through both words and images, she aims to capture the stories that connect people to homes, communities and the landscapes around them.
Jocelyn at the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens.
Writing Beyond Journalism
Alongside her editorial work, Jocelyn is also developing memoir and fiction projects, including contributions to the anthology Paris Ink, inspired by a writing retreat in Paris.
As a writer and photographer, her current work explores memory, place, family and the subtle humour found in ordinary lives.
Community & Good Causes
Jocelyn has remained deeply connected to community life through volunteering, storytelling and advocacy, supporting organisations including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, local arts initiatives and community causes across regional Queensland.
Content Contributor
