General News
26 November, 2025
Observer to go weekly in January
THE Observer Cassowary Coast is expanding to a weekly publication early in the new year.
As from 21 January, The Observer will be published every Wednesday.
It also has a new editor, Nick Dalton, who is also editor of Cairns Local News and Douglas Gazette. Kath Maclean remains with the organisation in a senior sales executive role.
Paper managing director Carl Portella said since the introduction of “our new local newspaper, The Observer to the Cassowary Coast, we have been overwhelmed by the support shown by local communities, including Innisfail, Tully, Mission Beach, South Johnstone, El Arish and Cardwell”.
“Readers, community groups and local businesses have welcomed us, backed us and made it clear that reliable local news still matters here. That support has played a major role in the decision we’re announcing today,” he said.
“From 21 January 2026, The Observer will move from a fortnightly publication to a weekly newspaper.
“This is an exciting step for the Cassowary Coast. A weekly edition means we can report on local issues, council updates, sport, community events, weather impacts and public-interest stories with the timeliness the region deserves.
“In a fast-moving community like ours, two weeks can feel too long – important stories risk losing momentum and local achievements deserve to be recognised closer to when they happen.
“Publishing weekly keeps the community better informed and more connected.
“As a business, this shift also strengthens the sustainability of the paper. A weekly cycle allows our team to plan content more efficiently, maintain consistent workloads for our journalists and offer local businesses more regular advertising opportunities.
“More advertising choice supports stronger reporting – and that ultimately benefits the whole community.
“We’re proud of the role The Observer has already begun to play in the Cassowary Coast and we’re committed to growing with you.
“Thank you for the support you’ve shown us in these first five months. We’re excited for this next chapter and look forward to delivering your news every week.”
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