A FREE weekly newspaper launches today in Port Macquarie.
Independent media company News Of The Area (NOTA), who operate newspapers across the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions, welcome an eighth community to the fold with the launch of Port Macquarie News Of The Area.
NOTA Director Mick Wright is excited to bring a quality, independent printed news source to the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
“We are strong believers in the value of community news; there are lots of incredible stories to be told here,” he said.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from the community and are very excited about the journey ahead.”
The Port Macquarie NOTA will hit news stands across the region each Friday morning, providing locals with a dedicated source of accurate and entertaining local news and sport.
“We are going to take what we have learnt from operating our seven existing papers, while making the paper as specific to Port Macquarie-Hastings as possible,” said NOTA Group Editor Douglas Connor.
Mr Connor said independent newspapers like NOTA provide a vital platform for public interest journalism in regional areas.
“Newspapers like ours provide a very real voice for communities they operate in,” Mr Connor said.
“We have put together a great team of community-minded people who are passionate about the area and believe in the value of an independent news source for the region.”
The Port Macquarie edition follows on from the successful launch of NOTA newspapers in Camden Haven (2024), Dungog (2024), Gloucester (2024), Nambucca Valley (2021), and the Coffs Coast (2020).
Family-owned and operated, NOTA began producing newspapers in 2014 when husband and wife Mick and Rochelle Wright launched a weekly news publication on the Myall Coast, following the closure of a longstanding local paper.
Ms Wright, who now serves as the company’s General Manager, said the growth of the business shows the strong demand for local newspapers in regional communities.
“There is no doubt regional newspapers like ours provide huge value to communities.
“We have seen over the past five years, in the process of launching multiple newspapers, how high the demand for printed news publications still is.
“A lot of people express to us that their community isn’t complete without a newspaper.
“While it is about the news content, it is also about routine and the connection it brings people to their community.”
Chantelle Ansell serves as NOTA’s Client Account Manager in Port Macquarie and Camden Haven, and has played a pivotal role in the launch of the new edition.
“I am so pleased to have a free newspaper back in town,” she said.
“We missed it and it is really needed.
“A huge thank you to the community for backing us.”
To contact News Of The Area email media@newsofthearea.com.au or call Group Editor Douglas Connor on 0431 487 679.
To access stories for free online, or to view the weekly paper in a digital format, visit https://portmacquarie.newsofthearea.com.au/.
