STOP PRESS ••• STOP PRESS ••• STOP PRESS

A long time ago... in our wonderful part of the world... I embarked on a new venture, one that has given me enormous pleasure and sense of belonging in such an amazing and wonderful community.

In 1994 The Western Echo first arrived in letterboxes throughout The Gap, Ashgrove, Bardon and Keperra

Over the years I have had the privilege to become acquainted - and often friends - with hundreds of locals who volunteered their time to schools, community groups, clubs and organisations.

There have been many changes over the intervening years – nearly three decades – not least of which are the variety of businesses who have made the area their business-base and very often their home as well.

Over those years, 29 in all, I’ve captured for posterity all the ANZAC Days, Remembrance Days, Santa Sleigh travels, Student Leader induction ceremonies and events at many of the school, GRIPPS concerts and every local Australian Citizenship Ceremony held on Australia Day each year.

It has been a pleasure introducing new businesses and their services or products to the broader community. There have been literally hundreds which have come, some have stayed and prospered, some have moved on to greener pastures.

Capturing the social history of our local suburbs has seen many events, births, marriages, anniversaries as well as the formation of three historical societies.

So it is with a heavy heart and much sadness that I have had to make the hard and difficult task to call it 'time' for the production and delivery of The Western Echo to cease.

This decision has not been taken lightly – I know the supporters and readers, as well as the many clubs and groups will miss having their news and stories get out to the local communities.

I have been fortunate to withstand the demise of printmedia up until now, and overcame and persevered the difficulties presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and the drop off in advertising which resulted as businesses had to virtually close to face-to-face contact with their customers.

Compounding the problem was the advent of social media, where many new and existing businesses, moved to more on-line promotions, and the inability to achieve a thorough distribution.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all readers and supporters of The Western Echo, the wonderful local businesses who continued to support the and national appointments. Ray was a Life Member of the RSL and Vietnam Veterans Association and an Honorary National Vice President of the RSL.

A very impressive record indeed

We Will Remember Him LEST WE FORGET magazine, through difficult times, which allowed printing and distribution costs to be met.

It has been a wonderful 29 years and I have been truly blessed to have the support of so many, particularly my husband Graeme and children Jess and Angus.

My sincerest appreciation to everyone who has contributed towards the success and strong readership of the last local community news magazine in our area. I'm very sad it has to end.

Philippa Wightman OAMowner, editor and publisher The Western Echo