Chloe Burgess-Jones: “I love trying everything and never passing up an opportunity”

As you might expect, Chloe Burgess-Jones was suitably stoked when she found out she was an ACRA finalist.

Up for 2023 Best New Talent Off-Air (Provincial), it was an exciting development for the Creative Strategy Writer at SCA Gosford.

But it wasn’t until Chloe was actually sitting there among a room full of nominees at the Sydney Convention Centre last October that it really started to sink in:

She could win this.

Chloe tells Radio Today “I started to feel sick from nerves while I waited for my category. At that point, I didn’t care if I won or not, I just wanted the anticipation to end.”

When she heard her name being read out as the winner, everything felt surreal.

“I instantly started crying,” says Chloe. “The walk up to the stage was both the longest and shortest trip of my life.”

“As soon as I was backstage, it hit. I was shaking with a release of emotions. I worked so hard in 2023, it was a build up of tension that all came out at once.”

After a round of photos and interviews backstage, Chloe’s husband Luke eagerly awaited her return.

“He has always been my biggest supporter and I was told afterwards that when I left, he was telling everyone in the area ‘That’s my fiancé!’” Chloe says.

As well as being fitting recognition for all her hard work at SCA, Chloe’s ACRA win also served as a reminder of the journey it took to get there.

Chloe grew up near beautiful beaches on the Central Coast of New South Wales in a low socio-economic town.

“I was raised by my factory worker dad and stay-at-home mum,” she says.

“My parents broke up when I was young, meaning my single mum took on a majority of the responsibility for myself and 3 siblings.”

When Chloe was twelve, her little brother was born.

“I spent a lot of my teenage years changing his nappy and babysitting on the weekends, in between visiting my dad’s house and making time for friends.”

During that time, Chloe turned to music as an escape, using YouTube to learn how to sing, play guitar, ukulele and piano.

“I loved school and after some turmoil, worked really hard to get into university.”

While studying Communication at The University of Newcastle, Chloe enrolled in a Radio Journalism course.

“The tutors said I had a great voice for radio and that I should volunteer at the community station 2NURFM that ran on campus,” she says.

Chloe did just that, working in the newsroom as a journalist several times a week.

“I enjoyed it so much that I did some more radio and podcasting courses, and when a job for the street team for Hit and Triple M in Newcastle came up, I jumped at the opportunity.”

She went on to work at both the Newcastle and Central Coast stations as part of the Street Team, until she finished her degree.

“Very conveniently, a Creative Writer role opened up a few months after and I was lucky enough to get it!” Chloe says.

So what’s a typical day at work look like? Chloe says it varies.

“Some days I am focused on processing pre-written scripts, finding missing audio and educating the sales team on processes.”

“Other days I’m voicing commercials as a crazy dog lady, producing a music bed made out of construction site sounds and writing a rap to go with it, or writing a script that makes me laugh and think ‘I’m getting paid to do this?!'”

And yes, whilst Chloe’s job title is Creative Writer, she does a whole lot more than just write.

“Last year I filled in producing for Breakfast with Paddy and Rob Palmer on Triple M for 3 months.”

“I learnt how to panel and announce on Hit 101.3, working weekend and workday shifts, which was a lot of fun!”

“I also help the Brand & Experience Team out whenever I can.”

Whenever there’s an event, Chloe’s always keen to get involved.

“I have worked as a streetie – setting up marquees and equipment – filmed and edited major tactics for digital channels and have taught current street teamers how to create better digital content that represents our brands.”

What Chloe really loves about her job is that no day is ever the same.

And she’s grateful to those who’ve helped and guided her along the way.

“My husband Luke has been a massive support throughout my whole radio journey. I couldn’t have done this without him,” says Chloe.

“I also have the whole SCA Gosford team to thank for their constant support in my work and allowing me to help out wherever I can.”

“I love trying everything and never passing up an opportunity. Thankfully, the SCA Gosford team has been super accommodating.”

Right now, Chloe’s goal is to find a new role by the end of 2024 – in whatever form that may take.

“I’m the kind of person that likes to go with the flow, but I am trying my best to seek out new opportunities to further my career.”

“I am not set on what type of role, all I know is I love being creative, collaborating and entertaining. I have a diverse skill set and am lucky I’ve had the chance to work in all aspects of radio.”

“I don’t know what the future brings but whatever it is, I’m excited to see it pan out.”