THE sale of the Hamilton Spectator and Portland Observer mastheads has been confirmed in a statement (see below), with the contract set to be finalised next week.

Prominent community figures responded to the news, with Wannon MP, Dan Tehan putting his thoughts on public record.

“I was pleased to be able to recognise Richard and Nola Beks and the Spectator Partnership in Parliament for continuing the newspaper legacy since 1859,” he said.

“Country newspapers are the heart and soul of our communities, in many ways, like our volunteers. They keep us connected.

“The newspapers keep us informed of ongoing campaigning around critical issues such as lack of funding to maintain our roads and for childcare; they recognise the wonderful contributions of our selfless volunteer groups; and they keep us up to date on local football, netball, cricket, golf and other sporting news.

“How many young children have delighted in seeing their own photo or that of a loved one in the paper?

“It’s wonderful to hear that the Hamilton Spectator (and) Portland Observer … have been sold and will continue.”

Southern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Dennis Heslin said the Council had been “really concerned on how to fill the void without the Spec, we understand the important role a local paper plays in keeping people engaged.”

“I just know how relieved many people will be,” he said.

“The continuation of The Spectator from a community engagement point of view is fantastic news for the entire community.”

Western District Chamber president, Darcy Walker said from local business point of view it was important to have local news and content.

He said it gives businesses that important ability to connect with local customers.

“It’s a vital source of information for the whole region really,” Mr Walker said.

“It’s a record of our region – over many years it has recorded the history of Hamiton and district and it’s important to see that maintained.

“It will be great to see that it continues.”

Lowan MP, Emma Kealy said, “that is such good news”.

“It’s a huge relief to the community that the trusted Hamilton Spectator will continue to deliver important coverage of local news and important milestones,” she said.

“This will give a lot of confidence to the community who were seeing the possible demise of the local paper.

“It shows we have a bright future ahead.”

Casterton News has been sold separately to editor, Kristy McDonald and Western District Farmer has been sold to Western District Newspapers, based in Camperdown.

SA Today Pty Ltd to Acquire Hamilton Spectator and Portland Observer Mastheads

A CONTRACT has been signed for the sale of the Hamilton Spectator and Portland Observer mastheads, two of Victoria's most historic regional newspapers, to SA Today Pty Ltd, centred on Mount Gambier and owned by experienced newspaper publishers Paul Thomas and Damian Morgan.

The sale is set to be completed on December 20, 2024.

The transaction marks a significant new chapter for the mastheads, which have served their communities with dedication for generations. While all current staff will be made redundant by the current owners and the presses fall silent on December 21, the new proprietors intend to offer positions to some existing team members who wish to continue working with these vital publications.

Speaking about the acquisition, Paul Thomas said, "These newspapers are cornerstones of their communities, and we are honoured to take on the responsibility of ensuring their future. Our aim is to rejuvenate these mastheads, grow their reach, and continue delivering quality, public-interest journalism that serves the people of Hamilton and Portland with integrity and passion."

Damian Morgan added, "We see enormous potential in these newspapers and are excited to invest in their future. Local journalism is crucial to a vibrant democracy, and we are committed to maintaining the traditions of these publications while adapting them for the digital age. Our goal is to strengthen their connection to their communities and make them even more relevant to their readers."

Hamilton Spectator Partnership publisher, Richard Beks, who has overseen the newspapers for more than half a century, said the completion of the sale will usher in a new era for these newspapers, ensuring their vital role in supporting their communities continues for years to come.

After a break, the new-look papers are expected to hit the streets as weeklies starting February 2025 and printed in Adelaide.