Topical 30/10/25

Country Press NSW, the state’s peak body representing regional newspapers, has marked its 125th anniversary. The Courier has maintained a long association with the organisation, as well as the national body Country Press Australia. The Courier stepped up its involvement with the association extensively through former proprietor and manager John Dunnet OAM, who served as president in the 1980s, and was later awarded life membership. John served as president of the national body in the 1990s. Former owners Ian and Wanda Dunnet OAM also maintained a keen involvement in the NSW association, with Wanda serving a long tenure on the executive and council. Both were awarded by the association last year. Wanda was one of the member publishers who played a role in the organisation’s revival almost eight years ago. The association is again thriving and now boasts almost 50 member newspapers.