The Cape York Weekly serves a unique part of Australia with local news. Image: Region.
Region’s national growth trajectory has accelerated with the acquisition of the Cape York Weekly, serving a fast-growing and unique part of northern Australia.
Editor Matt Nicholls met Region co-CEO Michael McGoogan in Weipa to seal the deal this week.
The acquisition brings Region’s platform tally to six, including Riotact, About Regional, Riotact China, Region Riverina and Region Illawarra. Region also publishes the Region Property Guide.
Region identified Cape York Weekly as its first Queensland acquisition because of the opportunity to expand quality journalism in a unique part of the country.
“There are stories being told here that aren’t being told anywhere else,” Mr McGoogan said, reflecting on strong growth indicators across multiple industries.
“Matt has done a tremendous job with limited resources in a remote region. We want to give him access to a bigger team so he can continue to deliver great journalism for the Cape.
“We see tremendous potential for growth in Cape York and throughout Far North Queensland.”
Matt Nicholls and Michael McGoogan with the Cape York Weekly. Photo: Supplied.
The Cape York Weekly is a free, local newspaper currently delivered by plane to remote communities across the Cape. Mr Nicholls, who worked as a journalist across northern Australia before starting the masthead, says the focus is on community and positivity.
He’s lived in the far North, between Weipa and Cairns, for the past decade and loves the weather and the community.
“I love seeing the joy it brings people to see their face or their child’s face in the media,” he said. “They are usually celebrating achievements. It still gives me a thrill.”
Mr Nicholls will remain as the editor and will run day-to-day operations in Cape York and Far North Queensland with his staff.
“This is terrific news for the Cape because we’re going to see a record level of investment in public interest journalism in our region,” Mr Nicholls said.
“We’re already working on some exciting new features for Cape York Weekly and we’ll continue to give back to the community. I was happy to join Region because I know they want to make the investment and grow our publication.”
Group editor Genevieve Jacobs said the Cape York Weekly would extend and enhance the company’s core mission of serving regional communities with balanced, independent high-quality local news.
“Our recent national Telstra Best of Business Award recognised the work we do building communities,” she said.
“The Region team is excited about extending our reach to areas often ignored by traditional media and addressing local issues that matter deeply to the community.”
Headquartered in Canberra, Region now employs more than 40 staff in the ACT and NSW, publishing six news platforms and 38 social media sites.
Loading ...
