TODAY marks the return of Harden and Murrumburrah’s historic local newspaper - Harden Murrumburrah Express.
With a long history of over 140 years, the mastheads amalgamated in 1947 but ceased publication April 9, 2020 with the onset of COVID as a printed newspaper.
Following the recent purchase of The Express from Australian Community Media, we are proud to take on the mantle of the masthead. It will be produced by our publishing company Mid West Media along with other Hilltops mastheads.
Having published country newspapers as a family business for over 100 years, we have an acute appreciation of how important a local newspaper is for its community.
Our company believes it runs newspapers in trust for the communities they serve, based on standards set through membership of Country Press New South Wales and Australian Press Council.
Serving Hilltops neighbouring towns newspapers since May 2023, we remain impressed with the region, its development and identity as a leading regional shire and place to live.
Our plan is to deliver local news and information shire wide under the trusted banners of the Harden Murrumburrah Express, Young Witness and Boorowa News.
The Express will feature its own dedicated front page, championing major local stories, and back page focused on sporting stories from the twin towns.
The core of the paper will consist of a range of stories from the Hilltops region, emanating from larger towns to smaller hamlets.
We are under no illusion about the publishing challenges faced in maintaining and further developing newspapers, chronicling current times and the history of these progressive centres.
Working with the local community will involve a focus on contributed news and information, and ensuring space is provided for letters to the editor, community organisation news, schools’ updates, sports and the arts.
Our committed team of journalists and advertising consultants look forward to engaging with the twin towns communities.
Today’s Express is FREE and will remain so for two more weeks before a cover charge applies.
Enjoy the read and we welcome contributions and feedback to the editor Rebecca Hewson, mobile 0436 000 660.
HARTLEY HIGGINS - Publisher