New era in community news

The first edition of a new community newspaper, called Dolphins News, hits the streets this week, covering the Redcliffe peninsula, Deception Bay, Mango Hill, North Lakes and Griffin.

It will be delivered fortnightly to 50,000 households, with a further 5000 copies available from pick-up points in these areas.

Dolphins News is published by Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism (MBRIT) and the name recognises our partnership with the Dolphins Rugby League Club – a stalwart of the community for more than 70 years.

Who’s putting it together?

The editorial team of Kylie Knight, Nick Crockford and Jodie Powell have decades of experience in community journalism and are excited to be serving readers in this community again. Their efforts will be supported by advertising specialist Stacie Davey, who first started working in the industry when she was 15 years old.

Their excitement is shared by MBRIT CEO Shane Newcombe who has answered loud calls for the return of a local paper.

“For months, business owners and community leaders have been phoning, emailing and telling me they need and want a community newspaper,” Mr Newcombe said.

“Even in this digital age, people still want a local paper delivered to their homes which informs them about important local issues and projects, but also tells them about local events and activities.

“A strong community paper also celebrates community heroes and gives locals a voice. We feel privileged to be able to do this for the residents of the Redcliffe peninsula, Deception Bay, Mango Hill, North Lakes and Griffin.”

Where will it be delivered?

Dolphins News will be home-delivered to readers for free. It is the perfect way for businesses to connect with residents in this part of the region.

“In Dolphins News, they can choose from a range of display advertising options as well as our classifieds section,” Ms Davey said.

The paper will always arrive in pristine condition, and stand up to the elements - thanks to its biodegradable wrapping. Readers are asked to take it to retailers that recycle soft plastics.

Dolphins News is produced under the umbrella of MBRIT’s Moreton Daily news service, which provides local news from across the Moreton Bay Region every day. Visit moretondaily.com.au to read each edition online.

Contact us

For more information about advertising in Dolphins News, email [email protected] or phone 0413 056 465.

To contact the editorial team, email [email protected] or phone 0410 097 459.

Community leaders welcome Dolphins News

Moreton Bay Region Mayor Peter Flannery

I welcome this locally-owned paper that the region can call its own. Local news plays an undeniable role for our community members and our local businesses. I think this is a critical investment in the identity of our regional brand, as distinct from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. We are our own news market and we shouldn’t live in the shadows of our neighbours. This is our time to shine.

People love to see stories from their community in the paper, especially our senior residents who still rely on local news to keep informed and may not have access to computers or the internet. I look forward to reading more about our local news like footy comps, eisteddfod results, academic success stories from our local schools and of course more political advocacy to make sure we get our fair share from the state and federal governments. It is great to see MBRIT step up and fill this void, delivering local news to local people right throughout Moreton Bay.

Mango Hill Progress Association President Laurence Christie

To know that a local newspaper will soon be circulating in the Mango Hill and North Lakes communities is a relief given the ‘black hole in local communication’ of recent months, following the closure of the former community newspapers.

Local newspapers are essential to the ability of local groups, schools and local businesses to promote local events/activities and advertise goods and services to the public at a local level. Local papers also provide the opportunity for members of the public to contribute positively to the many community groups of all types, such as progress, sports, arts and many more, which give so much back their local community.

Commerce and Industry Redcliffe Peninsula president Nick Tzimas

It’s fantastic news. The local paper for our community is its heart. It supports the community and brings it together. To see a new local paper starting is absolute gold – everyone is talking about it. People felt that something in their lives had been lost and the new paper is coming to fill that gap. There’s a real need in the community.

Dolphins Chairman Bob Jones

What a great story the Dolphin News is, every local wants the void left by the axing of local newspapers filled, keeping locals up to date on news and events of interest to our region. Coverage of local sports and achievements of our athletes and academic excellence deserve recognition. All the best with this exciting new venture.

BPW North Lakes president Sara Gault

Business and Professional Women (BPW) North Lakes is excited about the arrival of the new community-based local newspaper, Dolphins News. We welcome the chance to showcase what our club can offer the women and girls in the Moreton Bay Region through workshops and events and to highlight the educational bursaries we now offer to the girls in our local high schools and USC Moreton Bay.

Moreton District Crime Prevention Officer-In-Charge Sergeant Sarah Grayson

The launch of the new paper is a great opportunity for the residents of the Moreton Bay Region. It is vital to keep the residents up to date with what is happening in the community and it will be a great opportunity for the police to share important messages and information.

Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce President Brad Flynn

The Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce would like to acknowledge and congratulate MBRIT on the upcoming release of Dolphin News.

With the emergence of digital platforms in recent history, we believe there will always be a place for printed media too. Newspapers have always been an important part of connecting and building communities.

In these unprecedented times when we are looking to reconnect, this is a great step in the right direction. From a business perspective, this provides the return of a missing medium to promote and grow our local businesses, which is good for all in our community.

Federal Member for Petrie, Luke Howarth

Providing local news and information to people that is outside mainstream national media is important. People are telling me they are more aware of the importance of supporting local manufacturing and Australian-made during this COVID-19 because they know buying local helps jobs and employment here. My hope is that this new paper provides information and stories on the many small family-owned businesses, community and sporting groups, and insights from local leaders.