Newspaper honour awarded to former Courier co-proprietors

Former proprietors of The Courier, Ian and Wanda Dunnet OAM, have been recognised for decades of service to print media with their names added to the honour roll of Country Press NSW.

The Narrabri couple were presented with the prestigious Award for Conscientious Service to Country Newspapers at the Country Press NSW conference and gala awards dinner in Dubbo last Friday.

The organisation, the state’s peak newspaper body, presents such honours for long-term dedication to print media as well as the organisation itself.

Ian and Wanda have been long-time supporters of Country Press NSW and the peak national body, Country Press Australia. They are known for their frequent attendance at industry events in NSW, Queensland, Victoria and South Australia, as well as their support of the now-defunct Pacific organisation PANPA and international news organisation INMA.

Wanda has held roles including vice president and council member of the state body as well as serving as a delegate for NSW on the national organisation, and she has also played an instrumental role in the organisation of previous conferences and award dinners.

Member newspapers, which span all regions of NSW, are passionate advocates for the continued reporting of local stories in their towns and regions while upholding the creed of the organisation.

Country Press NSW president Lucie Peart praised the Dunnet family’s long association with The Courier since it was purchased by John Shearer Dunnet in 1920 and made special mention of Wanda and Ian’s long tenures with the business.

The tradition of publishing The Courier continued with JS Dunnet’s sons John Rhodes (Chap) and Bruce Dunnet along with their mother Mary Ann Dunnet. The business was passed on to JR’s sons John and Ian Dunnet in 1987. Upon John’s retirement in 2007, Ian and Wanda bought John’s shares in the North Western Courier Pty Ltd.

In September, Ian and Wanda announced they had sold the mastheads (The Courier, Wee Waa News, Gunnedah Times and North West Magazine) to Mark and Susie Slack-Smith.

Since selling the newspapers, the Dunnets have been overwhelmed by well-wishes ranging from the local community through to recognition in federal parliament.

The presentation of the association award in Dubbo was made by Ms Peart, of Gilgandra, in her role as president of Country Press NSW, and Courier general manager/editor and Country Press NSW council member Dylan Smith.

“Thank you to our wonderful colleagues at Country Press NSW for your humbling acknowledgement of our role in the unique world of independent, country newspapers,” Ian and Wanda said following the award presentation.

“We, and our staff, have felt sustained and supported by the affiliations we have within this great organisation.

“Since 1900, CPNSW has had the best interests of regional communities at its very core, and from its earliest days, The Courier has enjoyed being a member.

“Thank you to our wonderful staff who give their heart and soul to publishing papers that are truly award winning publications and congratulations to them on their success this year, it is gratifying to see their efforts rewarded.

“And thank you to all our readers, friends and family for your good wishes, encouragement and backing over the years, you truly have made it all worthwhile, and it’s been an honour, a privilege and a pleasure to have served the community.

“Thank you Lucie (Peart) for your guidance and leadership as president of CPNSW for the last seven years and to Dylan Smith, amazing newspaper man, editor and general manager.”