From print to online, some things never change in news

The first ever Western Star lamented the sorry state of communications and clueless bureaucrats in the city. It sounds all too familiar today, writes Jorja McDonnell.

I SPENT the better part of this week reading the first edition of The Western Star while preparing our last printed paper and for those who haven’t opened the archives to peruse, it is a fantastic read.

It details locals’ joy at The Western Star filling a need for local news, the sorry state of communications via the mail service and the cluelessness of politicians in Brisbane as they try to govern the west.

Sounds pretty familiar, right?

One hundred and 45 years on, our readers are still passionate about their local news, we are still reporting on the need for better communications – albeit mobile service and internet – and government? Don’t even get me started.

Your Western Star has always been the advocate for the issues that matter most and I am so proud to have been a part of it for almost two years – 23 months and three days, to be exact.

While I will (sadly) be going out with our final print edition and chasing a new adventure in the west, you should take comfort in the fact local news is staying right here.

As The Western Star moves online, I know that my colleagues will keep reporting on the stories you need to know and the issues that matter most to you.

Roma, you are an incredible community and I sincerely hope my love for our region has shown through in my writing. I feel so privileged to have made my home here.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your stories, your friendships, your endless support, the countless beers at our top-notch pubs and, most importantly, the memories I will cherish forever.

Because I hope this isn’t goodbye forever, I’d rather not end this with such a permanent statement. Instead, I will say see you again soon.

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