Brighton Council in Tasmania has stepped into the breach created by the slow demise of community newspapers. It has become the first Council in Tasmania to release its own community newspaper.
The first edition of the eight page tabloid was distributed free of charge throughout the Municipality in July. Mayor Tony Foster said the newspaper is not a Council newsletter. Rather it has been designed to feature community news that does not make it into mainstream media.
He said the demise of community newspapers is a motivating factor behind the move. “The community has been starved of information about local people and local issues and the only way we believe we can overcome this void is to produce our own news outlet,” he said. “For this reason we believe this newspaper is a model many other Tasmanian Councils may soon follow.”
Council has employed professionals to write and produce the paper, with contributions coming from local residents, business and community groups. Local community group, the Bridgewater/Gagebrook Urban Renewal Project (BURP), which has been highly successful in promoting community pride and work opportunities, has been engaged to sell advertising to support the newspaper’s production.
“This means those who advertise are contributing towards the creation of new job opportunities in the area and towards the community group’s ability to continue to provide a wonderful range of services for our community,” Tony Foster said.
BURP Manager Cris Fitzpatrick said the newspaper has been a boon to the community. “Communities need pride and community news helps to build pride,” she said
Councillor Foster said Council has received positive feedback about the newspaper. “Residents, business people, school and community group representatives have all congratulated Council on its initiative,” he said.
“It’s really heartening to get this kind of support from our community. As a result, I am confident that the newspaper will continue to grow and play an important role in highlighting all the positives about this Municipality, as well as boost the local economy.” The newspaper will be published monthly.
