End of an era with The Courier to publish final edition after 113 years

Narrabri Shire will mark the end of an era in May with the closure of The Courier after 113 years of continuous publication. The Wee Waa News which this year marks its 35th year of publishing will also cease publishing.

The final editions will be published on May 7, 2026.

The decision to cease printing the mastheads comes as a result of the closure of the press site in Tamworth, announced by its operator last week.

The Courier, a multi-award-winning publication, has proudly covered the shire in its entirety since its inception. It has been one of the longest-running independent newspapers in the state.

In addition to the two shire publications, the Gunnedah Times and regional North West Magazine will also cease publication.

For more than a century, The Courier has documented life across the district, reporting on everything from council decisions and agricultural developments to school events, sporting results and personal milestones.

The newspaper’s pages have served as a record of the community’s evolution, capturing both significant events and everyday stories.

In recent years, The Courier has been the most awarded publication in Country Press NSW.

It was awarded Best Paid Newspaper in 2022 and 2023. The newspaper again received Country Press NSW’s highest accolade in 2025.

The Courier has also been consistently recognised by the broader media industry for its coverage of news and sport, photographs, advertisements and advertising features.

“We want to sincerely thank our advertisers, readers and the wider Narrabri Shire community for their support over the past 113 years. Your contributions have been the lifeblood of The Courier, and we are incredibly grateful,” The Courier’s editor Dylan Smith said.

This decision has not been made lightly. It reflects a combination of increasing operational costs and the logistical challenges associated with the closure of the Tamworth press site.

“Our advertisers have backed local journalism through good times and challenging periods, and their support has helped ensure community stories continued to be told,” Mr Smith said. “To our loyal readers, thank you for welcoming The Courier into your homes and lives each week. Your trust and engagement have meant everything to us.

“Narrabri is a strong and connected community, and it has been a privilege to help share its stories, achievements and milestones for more than a century.”