Council welcomes reinstatement of local newspapers

Published on 29 May 2026

Narrabri Shire Council has welcomed the announcement from the Times News Group that it will be reinstating the Narrabri Courier, Wee Waa News and Gunnedah Times.

Thanks to the acquisition of the mastheads by the Times News Group, the Narrabri Shire community will once again be able to access local news, delivered by local journalists.

Mayor Darrell Tiemens said the announcement was a fantastic win for the community.

“Local newspapers and media outlets play a critical role in keeping communities informed and connected.

“For generations The Courier and Wee Waa News served families across Narrabri Shire and beyond – recording the milestones of our towns and districts through momentous events, including wars, droughts and floods.

“It was also an invaluable record of local sport, community celebrations and events, and the loss of community members.

“For decades these newspapers were a community institution, binding our community together and giving us all a shared understand of local events and local issues.

“We welcome and thank the Times News Group taking up the mantle and continuing to invest in our local communities by acquiring these mastheads.

“In an age where we’re seeing a number of local and regional publications closing down, it is incredibly exciting that the Narrabri Courier and Wee Waa News will continue to inform our communities through local on-the-ground journalism.”

“I encourage residents and businesses across the Shire to get behind the new owners and continue to support these publications, so they may continue to evolve and thrive as an important part of our community.”

General Manager Eloise Chaplain said the return of the local mastheads was a welcome boost for local communities.

“Local media have an absolutely critical role in keeping communities informed, connected and engaged.

“The Narrabri Courier and Wee Waa News have long been part of the fabric of our Narrabri Shire community and to see local journalism returning is a fantastic outcome for the community.

“As we did for many years, Council looks forward to working with the Narrabri Courier and Wee Waa News in keeping our community informed and connected around Council news and events.”