Talk about perfect timing! (Editor's Note)

It was a delightful coincidence to jump right back into the swing of things at work just as we were gearing up for the Queensland Country Press Association (QCPA) awards and conference in the vibrant city of Brisbane.

Sure, it came with its fair share of challenges, like finding discreet spots every few hours to pump breast milk (shout-out to all the multitasking supermums out there!).

The highlight of it all? Reconnecting with my amazing colleagues and sharing countless laughs that brought back the feeling of camaraderie. And let's not forget the icing on the cake – our publication scooping up not one, not two, but four prestigious awards! Talk about feeling proud as punch!

But that's not all we gained from the conference. We had the privilege of listening to Queensland Premier, Annastasia Palaszczuk, who reminded us just how important regional newspapers are to our beloved communities. She assured us that the government is committed to keeping those ink-stained pages alive and kicking, ensuring that even the most vulnerable among us have access to vital news. Read more about this on page 7.

Industry expert speakers reignited our passion for doing what we do. They preached the gospel of positive press, urging us to steer clear of clickbait and exaggerated headlines aimed at nothing more than grabbing eyeballs. It was heartwarming to witness a shift in the industry, with more publications focusing on giving readers what they truly desire, instead of playing tricks on them.

It feels fantastic to be a part of an industry that values authenticity and understands the pulse of its audience.

As we embark on this new chapter, we promise to keep the creative juices flowing, delivering news that engages, entertains, and enlightens. We're stoked to have you all by our side as we navigate the ever-evolving world of media, one thrilling story at a time. Stay tuned, folks!

Amanda

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