Chaffey acknowledges importance of regional newspapers in parliament

Federal Member for Parkes Jamie Chaffey has acknowledged the important role regional newspapers play in keeping local communities informed.

Mr Chaffey also used his speech to acknowledge recent publishing milestones, including the fifth anniversary of the Gunnedah Times in November last year.

“With the huge changes in the media and communications industry over the past 20 years, it has become harder and harder for local newspapers to survive. I’m proud to say that community journalism is still alive and well in the Parkes electorate,” Mr Chaffey said.

“The Gunnedah Times marked its fifth birthday in November last year after it was established by the owners of the Narrabri Courier.

“The electorate’s own Lucie Peart, who took over the historic Gilgandra Weekly and added a number of other mastheads to the stable, has been a strong advocate for community journalism.

“Lucie was last year awarded life membership of Country Press New South Wales after a record eight years as president.

“There are over 35 publications in my electorate, from the Western Herald in Bourke to the Hillston-Ivanhoe Spectator, the Parkes Phoenix, the Champion-Post, the Dunedoo District Diary and everywhere in between. Thank you for the work that you do.”