Event thanks supporters of local news

The 19 businesses who have made the commitment to be The Redcliffe Peninsula’s 2025 Strategic Partners were celebrated during an event at Tempest restaurant, Scarborough, on February 20.

The event was a chance for the businesses to enjoy networking, understand the value of their support and find out what’s planned for this year’s Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival.

See the photo gallery at the end of this story.

Belinda Boyce who is Director Marketing and Partnerships for The Vine Lab, which publishes Moreton Daily and The Redcliffe Peninsula, said the organisation believed in the power of community.

“We believe in good and ethical journalism, in celebrating community success, and in sharing the stories that bring people together,” she said.

Belinda also explained how community news platforms are also an economic driver.

“The data show us we need to encourage more local spending, while also catering to the large visitor market,” she said.

“Redcliffe is home to 4401 businesses, generating $1.56 billion in sales, yet, only $329.6 million of that spending comes from local residents. The rest is from outside the area.

“Meanwhile, locals are spending $881.4 million elsewhere in Moreton Bay and $702.1 million online.

“That’s why we are here—to connect locals with local businesses, to ensure your brand is seen, and to drive real, tangible economic growth in our community.”

Moreton Daily and The Redcliffe Peninsula Editor in Chief Kylie Knight explained why community journalism is so vital.

“I think it’s more important than ever with so much misinformation and disinformation online, particularly on social media. Readers need local news they can trust, that has been verified and that is objective,” she said.

“An increasing number of readers are discovering we can deliver what they need in print and online.

“But community news is not just about hard news. It’s about people. We have the opportunity to shine a light on the people making a difference in our community – there are so many.”

Kylie said community journalists also had a duty to give the community a voice on the issues that matter to them, in the hope that action will follow from those in a position to make a positive change.

“We are now the go-to source for community news in the City of Moreton Bay and on the Peninsula since the launch of The Redcliffe Peninsula magazine and website,” she said.

“Best of all, and thanks to our supporters, it’s free for our community to read. That ensures it is accessible to everyone, which is vital in times of crisis when people need news they can use.”

See the photo gallery below

Photos by Dominika Lis