Community
29 July, 2024
Gazette returns to shire
A PRINTED newspaper is returning to the Douglas Shire after four years.
The Douglas Gazette’s first edition is on Wednesday next week (July 31) and initially will be produced fortnightly with the aim of weekly publication in the future.
It will be a sister paper to Cairns Local News and The Express on the Tablelands.
Publisher Carl Portella, who is also involved with Sentinel News in southeast Queensland, said in the lush, tropical heartland of Far North Queensland, where the vibrant greens of the Daintree meet the sparkling blues of the Coral Sea, a familiar voice was set to return.
“The Douglas Shire, a community known for its stunning natural beauty and strong community spirit, is eagerly anticipating the revival of its very own local newspaper,” he said.
“Under the new masthead of the Douglas Gazette, this publication marks a resurgence of local journalism in an area once bereft of its own dedicated news source,” Mr Portella said.
“For years, the region had relied on news from afar, disconnected from the immediate concerns and triumphs of its residents. But now, the Gazette promises to fill that void.”
Mr Portella said he understood the importance of community-driven journalism. “I believe passionately in the power of local news to inform, unite, and empower residents,” he said.
“Every community deserves a voice, which reflects my decision to bring the Gazette back to life. (The previous weekly newspaper was the Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette).
“Local residents have expressed enthusiasm and anticipation at the prospect of having a dedicated newspaper once again.
“From the bustling streets of Port Douglas to the tranquil villages of Mossman and Daintree, people are eager to see their stories told, their voices heard, and their concerns addressed.
“The Gazette will be more than just headlines, it will be a platform for community stories, local events, and issues that matter most to the people of Douglas Shire.”
Nick Dalton will edit the publication, supported by journalists and contributors, including writer Peter Jackson and columnist Gary ‘Gazza’ McIlroy. The first edition will be home delivered free and subsequent editions will be $2.50 at designated outlets throughout Port Douglas, Mossman and the Daintree every second Wednesday.
