The Hervey Bay Advertiser published its final edition on January 22, bringing to a close an important chapter in Hervey Bay’s local media history. The announcement was made by publisher Malcolm Quinn, who shared the news via the newspaper’s Facebook page.
Mr Quinn said that when News Corp Australia announced in May 2020 it would stop printing and either close or convert around 112 local and regional newspapers as part of a shift to digital-first publishing, there was a strong belief that Hervey Bay still had a clear appetite for a truly local newspaper. That belief proved correct, with the Advertiser serving the community for almost six years and producing close to 150 editions.
During its publication tenure, The Hervey Bay Advertiser was recognised by the Country Press Association as the Best Community Newspaper in Queensland, setting a benchmark for editorial quality and advertising presentation.
The decision to cease publication followed careful consideration of the increasingly difficult operating environment facing regional newspapers. Mr Quinn explained that significant increases in imported paper costs, combined with the continued migration of advertising revenue to digital and social media platforms, placed growing pressure on traditional print publishing models. While a more affordable newspaper stock was later implemented, the collective conclusion was that the future of the Advertiser should not be defined by incremental compromises to quality.
Mr Quinn said the business was not prepared to dilute the standards of presentation that had always underpinned the publication simply to continue printing, noting that continuing in a reduced form would not have reflected what The Hervey Bay Advertiser stood for.
He acknowledged that the newspaper’s success had been built on the support of the local business community, whose advertising made the publication possible, and extended sincere thanks to all businesses that supported the Advertiser during its life.
Tribute was also paid to staff and contributors for the professionalism, expertise and community-minded focus they brought to their roles. Mr Quinn said he was most proud of the newspaper’s ability to tell homegrown stories, highlight issues affecting the wider community, and support numerous charities, not-for-profits, community groups and sporting organisations.
Reflecting on more than 25 years as an independent publisher, Mr Quinn described the conclusion of The Hervey Bay Advertiser in a city he proudly called home as a bittersweet moment, closing with a heartfelt message of thanks to the community.
Chitchat Newspaper. February 2026.