As senior citizens and residents of the NSW Mid North Coast region, we are aware that many people of all ages enjoy having hard copy newspapers, books and magazines. While newspapers can be accessed online, not everyone is IT smart. There are still many people who do not even own a computer and/or a mobile phone. Many may continue to choose not to obtain them in the foreseeable future.

Local newspapers provide a vital information network. Keeping local residents informed about local events helps to unite and grow communities. Readers are kept up-to-date with a diverse range of local news, issues, activities, aspirations and much more.

As we all know, the pandemic came about immediately following the fall-out from Australia`s devastating drought, horrific bushfires and destructive floods. Our local journalists are to be commended for the way in which they reported during that frightening time. Under great "front line" pressure themselves, they never failed to provide accurate and timely information so that local communities could be alert to their own safety and the safety of others. Thank you and well done all!

Whether in the business, government, community, or private sectors, many of us rely on the press to get our messages out to the wider community. In turn, the press relies on us to support them with paid advertising. Without economically viable advertising income, local/regional newspapers will struggle to survive and that great community connection could be lost to us all.

To promote our economy and maintain local services, the "shop locally" principle applies not only to local businesses, but also to supporting our local newspapers and other appropriate media outlets. Support them with local advertising if you can.