Rural Weekly to publish final souvenir edition

The last edition of the Rural Weekly will be published next week and will be a tribute to the product – its staff, columnists and stories.

THIS isn’t a column I thought I would ever have to write.

But next week’s Rural Weekly will certainly be an edition not to miss.

It is unfortunately the final time you will be able to flick through the Rural Weekly’s pages or read our stories online.

News Corp announced at the end of last month, the Rural Weekly would cease to exist after June 26, 2020.

The news has rocked our small, dedicated team, all of whom have been made redundant, but it has also sent shockwaves through our family of newspapers across Queensland and New South Wales, many who will also shut completely or move to only online.

News Corp says the future of journalism is digital.

The Rural Weekly unfortunately was not given the option to continue online only.

So, our final edition, will be a tribute to the Rural Weekly, its staff – former and current, readers, columnists and anyone who has made the product what it is.

Our team is mourning the loss of this great product along with the loss of voice for the farmers and the rural and regional communities it represents.

We thank everyone who has already contacted us to say they are saddened by the news.

They say when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.

I have loved my job at Rural Weekly for the past five years.

We thank anyone who has ever shared their story with us.

We have always made it our mission to support farmers in any way possible.

As a team we have lived and breathed your triumphs and tribulations.

We’ve cried and prayed for rain.

We’ve laughed at the larrikins.

And we’ve felt truly proud when someone in the ag sector has excelled or achieved something great.

This product will always hold a special place in our hearts and so will the stories we have had the privilege to tell.

Anyone is welcome to submit a Letter to the Editor for the final edition, sharing their favourite memories or commentary about the Rural Weekly – we would truly love to hear from you.

Email [e-mail] before Monday, June 22.