Ms Kelly, who has more than 20 years' experience in newspapers and public relations, replaces Aaron Van Kessel.

She has been working as a senior journalist with The Courier at Ballarat for the past three years covering rounds including business, Hepburn Shire and the Enterprise magazine.

Ms Kelly said she was excited to be working in her own "patch".

"My husband and I made a tree change to the area just over three years ago and have quite fallen in love with the shire," she said.

"Our only regret is that we didn't make the move earlier.

"I think it will be terrific to get to know the area even better and I look forward to working within my community."

Ms Kelly said, as an avid reader, she knew how much she enjoyed receiving her own copy of The Advocate.

"I know how well read The Advocate is and we will continue to provide a newspaper that informs and entertains readers from across the shire," she said.

Away from work, Ms Kelly is a self-confessed Japanophile, after living there for three years in her 20s, and also enjoys gardening and reading "anything I can get my hands on".

"I have also found the meaning of community here in country Victoria," she said.

"When we lived in the suburbs we had a house fire in the middle of the night.

"Not one neighbour turned up but I am sure here we would be inundated with offers of help. That's a great feeling."

Group general manager for Fairfax Media, Ballarat & Western Region Bruce Morgan welcomed Donna's appointment.

"Donna is the right person at the right time for The Advocate.

"I have enormous respect for her as a journalist and a person, and this is an excellent opportunity for Donna to develop as a manager," he said.

The appointment took effect from Monday.