Gunnedah Shire’s community newspaper since 2020, the Gunnedah Times, will enter a new phase with new owners next week.

Proprietors Ian and Wanda Dunnet OAM have announced the sale of The Courier, the Gunnedah Times, Wee Waa News and the North West Magazine to north-western business group Collective Media Pty Ltd.

The newspapers will continue in their current format and staffing as successful weekly print publications complemented in the future by an expanded digital offering.

The principals of Collective Media, Mark and Susie Slack-Smith, are passionate advocates of printed newspapers in country communities.

“We are committed to maintaining the important role of the mastheads as truly local, printed newspapers,” said Mr Slack-Smith.

“We are proud to continue the local newspaper tradition and build on the foundation of the previous owners, the Dunnet family.”

The change in ownership takes effect on October 1.

“We are delighted that the papers will have a strong future under the ownership of Mark and Susie Slack-Smith,” said Mrs Dunnet.

“We are completely confident the newspapers have an exciting future of growth and innovation under the leadership of the new owners with the support of the fantastic and experienced team members who produce the papers so professionally each week.”

Mark and Susie Slack-Smith see a promising future for North West NSW and its dynamic urban business centres, agriculture and energy industries.

The couple has consistently backed their confidence with significant and ongoing business investment in the NSW north and north west over the years.

“We firmly believe that a great future is in the regions,” said Mr Slack-Smith, who grew up in Moree and nowadays is based in Tamworth.

“Migration from metropolitan to country areas is growing as people increasingly recognise the lifestyle and business opportunities.

“And local newspapers have such an important role to play as part of the fabric of their local communities.”

The new owners plan to engage new technologies in administration and production and look to employing additional staff to further build capacity.

An advertising consultant has joined the Gunnedah Times team and a graphic designer and a sports journalist are to be employed.

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