2025 In Review
When we first arrived in the region, we were astonished to see a humble little paper still chugging along, supported so wholeheartedly by the local readership and business community.
I had always assumed newspapers were heading the way of the dodo, so discovering the Childers Chitchat at Barnyard Stockfeed in Childers felt like uncovering a hidden treasure from an era that shouldn’t be passing away so rapidly.
I knew at this point that we had made the right decision to call this amazing part of the world home.
Not many Australian towns still have a truly independent newspaper, and flipping through the pages of the Chitchat immediately brought back memories of my childhood — the simple pleasure of reading about a neighbour’s achievements, local events, and little stories that felt alive and personal.
My husband recalls: “I remember my Nan cutting out photos of my uncle from the local newspaper and sticking them to the fridge. My Dad even shamefully framed a picture of me when I was featured for receiving a small music scholarship.”
Sure, there are always newsletters or flyers scattered around town, but nothing compared to holding a fully-fledged newspaper while enjoying a coffee or a quiet weekend.
When the previous owner decided to retire and placed her business for sale in the paper, we worried that this might spell the end of the Chitchat if no one stepped up. That’s when I knew we had to give it a go. It was something rare, something that belonged to the community — and it deserved to be preserved. Before taking over the paper, I often thought about its role in the community. the Chitchat wasn’t just a collection of news and classifieds; it was, at times, a lifeline. Not everyone had adapted to the 21st century, and many more liked to hold on to a piece of nostalgia. Families, seniors, and newcomers alike relied on the paper to stay informed, connected, and entertained. Most importantly, it was free! — a gift to the community made possible by the generosity of local business owners who believed in its value.
… Which brings me to the purpose of this article, to thank the advertisers who have supported us this year.
Our advertisers are the lifeblood of the paper. Without their support, none of this would be possible. You won’t find faceless corporations; they are dedicated local people who care deeply about our region, who want a paper that unites the community, celebrates local achievements, and entertains readers.
From small family-run shops to local charities, advertisers make it possible for everyone to enjoy the Chitchat without opening their wallets. Advertiser contributions promote community events, support local causes, and ensure that the paper remains free and accessible to all.
So we encourage all readers to please support our steadfast sponsors, as they truly have a heart for the region and want to keep independent local news alive.
2025 was a year of growth for Chitchat, from a new name to a new logo, we strive to improve with each new issue. However there is no growth without our readers. Thanks for taking the time to pick up and read this issue of the Chitchat. Readers like you are at the heart of everything we do. The paper impacts many readers from Childers, Woodgate, Bundaberg, Gin Gin, Burrum, Bargara, and most surrounding areas. Many rely on it for classifieds, essential phone numbers, and news about upcoming events. Some tell us that opening a fresh copy of Chitchat has become a small highlight of their monthly routine, a comforting thread that ties them to the wider community and a bygone era.
What we believe truly sets Chitchat apart, however, is it’s independence.
In an era when many newspapers mindlessly repeat the same government press releases or regurgitate stories fed to them by large media monopolies and global think tanks, we take a different path. We don’t rely on government funding, and we do not insert lazy, pre-packaged content. Instead, we report on what matters locally. We celebrate diverse voices, encourage debate, and shine a light on stories that might otherwise be ignored.
We set out to model the advice from those old John West ads — “It’s what you reject that makes you the best!”
With that in mind, we decide to reject being a mouthpiece for power or propaganda. We reject content that doesn’t serve and uplift the community.
We rely on the generosity of our advertisers and readers, not government funding, to keep the paper free. This means that the power of the community, not the dictates of bureaucracy, drives the stories we tell.
What we embrace is genuine, thoughtful, and independent journalism that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Our region is a beautiful part of Australia, and its people are hardworking, community-minded, and proud of their home. The Chitchat Newspaper aims to capture that essence — from local sports and gardening to policing news, human-interest features, and upcoming events.
For over 25 years, it has been a platform for the voices of the region, celebrating achievements, fostering debate, and connecting one another.
As we reflect on another year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude.
Thank you to our advertisers for believing in the paper and supporting the community.
Thank you to our columnists and other community members who contribute to the content of the newspaper every month.
And Thank you to our readers for your loyalty, engagement, and feedback.
Finally, as Christmas approaches, Chitchat wishes everyone a safe and joyful Christmas — filled with laughter, good company, and cherished moments with friends and family.
Stay safe on the roads. We look forward to continuing to bring you the news, stories, and entertainment that make this community so special.
Chitchat Newspaper. December 2025.