One Year On & Still Going Strong!

Just over 18 months ago, Mayor Ramon Jayo made a phone call that changed the future of print media in the Hinchinbrook region. His request was simple: “We don’t have a newspaper here anymore; I’ve seen what you’re doing with Burdekin Life Newspaper and I’m calling to see if you’d do the same in our region.” At the time, representatives from Life Publishing Group were on the Sunshine Coast for the Queensland Country Press Awards and, unbeknownst to them, they were about to win Best Free Newspaper in QLD for the Mackay and Whitsunday Life Newspaper. But, despite being thrilled to win on the night, the real prize has always been bigger than awards. The mission of this young, vibrant, independent publishing group is clear: give the community a free voice in print. Every printed newspaper is free to pick up, every online article free to read. No paywalls—just local news, written for and about local people. Life Publishing papers stand apart for their uplifting, positive storytelling, avoiding shock tactics while reporting fairly, respectfully and with kindness. “At the heart of our newspapers is good news,” said Editor-in-Chief Rachael Smith. “We believe that community news should be uplifting; it is there to connect the community, document local history as it happens, and become a source of local pride.” Since launching on Tuesday 26th November 2024, Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper has been dedicated to these core foundations and has, over the last year, ingratiated itself within the community. The path, however, has not always been straightforward. Just 10 weeks after the newspaper launched, the biggest floods in a generation hit the region and the lives of people, businesses, and even the newspaper came to a grinding halt. Hinchinbrook Life’s on-the-ground journalist, Daniel Heggie, was marooned in Forrest Beach, and there was a period where it was almost impossible to get news out. In addition, many local businesses—who are at the heart of bringing the newspaper to the community by booking advertising—were on the point of closure. “It was very scary at the time,” shared Rachael. “We did the only thing we could think of doing to help, and that was to run a special Flood Edition of the newspaper, documenting the disaster as it unfolded. For many residents who did not have power, that first flood edition could have been some of the first footage they had seen of the event.” Over the following weeks, as normality began to return, the newspaper stood strong as a place for people to connect and share stories. “The next few months were a real turning point for us,” explained Rachael. “We were becoming a central part of the community, it felt like a big communal hug was enveloping everyone and we were a part of that.” Another huge milestone for Hinchinbrook Life Newspaper was the official launch event held at the Herbert River Sub-Branch RSL Club. “It was an absolute honour to have the Premier of Queensland and Hinchinbrook local, David Crisafulli, open the event – we invited him on a whim and were beyond ecstatic when he accepted. “Having David endorse the paper was really special, and we are thrilled to receive his ongoing support to this day.” “As we celebrate the completion of our first year, we would like to say a big thank you to everyone in the community – to all the readers for enthusiastically picking up the paper every week, to all our loyal advertisers for choosing to support the paper, and to the Councils and local Chambers for their alliance. “Lastly, I would like to thank our on-the-ground team – Sherie Hensler-Adams for her passion for the community and for working closely with local businesses to deliver advertising with care and kindness. "Also, to our dynamic journalist Victoria Velton, who is everywhere and anywhere taking photos and writing stories. Victoria is diligent and kind, two characteristics I greatly admire. "Thanks also to our broader office team who work behind the scenes every week, and to Trish Jandt and Daniel Heggie, who were a central part of the initial launch team. "We have had a wonderful first year and look forward to many more years to come!"