The newspaper took a first place, a second place and two third places. Offering his warmest congratulations, Mr Vanstone said rural newspapers often attracted unstructured criticism and so it was on occasions such as this that congratulations should be offered.

“We are proud to have a locally-produced newspaper that wins awards against State-wide

competition,” he said.

The mayor suggested that people should always value having a local newspaper through which people can present the news and views that are important to them and the bodies they represent.

As a newspaper that had provided employment and training, and been a career springboard for many, the newspaper was very much a part of our daily lives.

“Woe-betide the day when we do not have a local newspaper and in this era of technological change and centralisation anything is possible,” he said.