From humble beginnings to a widely recognised community staple, Chitchat Newspaper continues to prove that local stories still matter. Serving communities from farm to coast, this free monthly publication has become a trusted voice across the Wide Bay–Burnett region.
The paper was founded in the late 1990s by Debbie Williamson-Gleich, who launched the original Childers Chitchat as a simple way to keep the communities of Childers and Woodgate connected.
What began as a modest A4 booklet has grown into a full A3 tabloid, now reaching readers across Bargara, Biggenden, Bundaberg, Burrum, Childers, Gayndah, Gin Gin, Hervey Bay, Howard, Moore Park, Torbanlea, Woodgate and surrounding areas.
Today, Chitchat remains the only free-to-read monthly newspaper across Bundaberg and the Wide Bay region. Proudly supported by local businesses, it is distributed to more than 150 pick-up locations from farms and cafés to waiting rooms and kitchen tables, ensuring it reaches the people who live, work and shop in the region.
At its core, Chitchat Newspaper is built on strong community values. It is fiercely loyal to its roots, giving a voice to everyday locals—the butcher, the baker and the bowls club—while seeking out the stories others might overlook.
Rather than simply repeating media releases, the publication focuses on genuine voices, real-life experiences and meaningful local impact. Its mission is to inform, uplift and sometimes challenge, shining a light on stories that reflect truth and integrity, even when they ruffle feathers.
Publisher and Editor Haley Brooke brings a deep understanding of community to the role. With a background as a registered nurse and experience supporting small businesses, she is a passionate advocate for local enterprise and collaboration. Her leadership reflects a clear vision: to grow the newspaper while preserving its purpose and values.
Chitchat Newspaper is also available online each month through its Substack platform, where readers can access the publication free of charge. Selected articles are also published on the Chitchat website, giving readers the opportunity to revisit their favourite stories and stay connected between print editions.
Further strengthening its support for the local economy, Chitchat has introduced the Chitchat Business Directory. This free initiative allows businesses across the region to list their services, making it easier for readers to discover and connect with local operators.
Chitchat is also a powerful platform for local businesses. With no cost barrier for readers, advertisements reach a broader and more engaged audience. Its print-first approach ensures messages are not lost in the noise of digital platforms, offering strong visibility and value for money. For businesses looking to stay top-of-mind in their community, the publication provides an affordable and effective marketing solution.
Community involvement remains central to its success. The paper actively invites submissions including local events, business updates, club news, and human-interest stories, with a monthly deadline of the 12th. This open approach ensures the newspaper continues to reflect the voices and experiences of the region it serves.
As Chitchat continues to grow in both print and online spaces, its promise remains clear—to stay independent, useful, entertaining, and unapologetically local.
“I would just like to say that every month since you have taken over I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Chitchat and every month it just keeps getting better and better. Thank you and Well Done on the great job you are doing.“ – Marguerite P.
“I stumbled across your newspaper in the pocket house bakery while enjoying my
weekly coffee treat. My! Wow! Congratulations on a truly fantastic publication! I used to write and take photos for the Guardian newspaper many years ago when it was published in Bundaberg, so I do have a rough idea of the amount of work you are doing to get this published. I truly take my hat off to your vision and work undertaken to produce
a newspaper that is really about local news!!
It truly has made my week!” – Andrea D.
Chitchat Newspaper – May 2026