Julian Leeser (Berowra, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Genuine local news publications are the lifeblood of my community. Community journalism provides people and organisations with a voice and cultivates the heart of communities as they share stories of success, courage and generosity. From Living Heritage in the north-west to the Monthly Chronicle in the south-east, I'm privileged to have close to 20 of these publications in Berowra. This is a reflection of the local strength of my communities throughout the electorate.

Coronavirus has brought extraordinary challenges for local publications. For some, funding sources have slowed to a trickle. The Bush Telegraph, a publication with its finger on the pulse, has had to reduce its editions from weekly to monthly. The News Corp owned Hornsby Advocate, Hills Shire Times and Northern District Times are now exclusively online. That's a shame because, at times of crisis, communities most turn to their local newspapers for important information, such as where to go for help, and to share stories of grief and joy. It's also these historic moments that future generations will seek to read about in the local newspaper archive.

During COVID-19, publications have been filled with stories of businesses adapting their services, teachers bringing cheer to students during isolation and tips on thriving in quarantine. I want to acknowledge the journalists and staff behind each of our local publications: The Bush Tele; The Dooral Roundup; Galston, Glenorie & Hills Rural Community News; Hawkesbury's Independent Magazine; Hawkesbury Gazette; the four Hello Neighbours magazines; the Hills Independent Magazine; Hills to Hawkesbury; the Monthly Chronicle; Kenthurst Community News; Living Heritage; Hornsby Advocate; Hills Shire Times; and Northern District Times.