General News
20 August, 2025
Your local paper
New fortnightly publication provides voice for Cassowary Coast
WELCOME to your new local newspaper – The Observer – covering the Cassowary Coast.
Today’s edition sees the return of a regular newspaper missing since 2020 as we buck the trend of disappearing mastheads across Queensland, Australia and the world.
The Observer is the first dedicated news publication in five years after the Innisfail Advocate was discontinued.
Initially it will be produced fortnightly every Wednesday with the aim of becoming a weekly publication in the future.
It is a sister paper to Cairns Local News, The Express on the Tablelands and the Douglas Gazette.
Publisher Carl Portella, who is also involved with Sentinel News in southeast Queensland, said in the lush, coastal heartland of Far North Queensland, where Queensland’s largest mountains overlook a vast network of cane and banana farms down to the pretty coastal stretch from Flying Fish Point to Cardwell, a tabloid newspaper is returning to ‘observe’.
“The Cassowary Coast, a community known for its stunning natural beauty and strong community spirit, is eagerly anticipating the revival of its very own local newspaper,” he said.
“Under the new masthead of The Observer, this publication marks a resurgence of local journalism in an area recently bereft of its own dedicated news source.
“For years, the region had relied on news from afar, disconnected from the immediate concerns and triumphs of its residents. But now, The Observer promises to fill that void.”
Mr Portella said he recognised the importance of community-driven journalism.
“I believe passionately in the power of local news to inform, unite, and empower residents,” he said.
“Every community deserves a voice, which reflects my decision to bring The Observer to life.
“Local residents, business and community and sporting organisations have expressed enthusiasm and anticipation at the prospect of having a dedicated newspaper once again.
“From the bustling streets of Innisfail and Tully to the laidback communities of Miriwinni, Mission Beach and Cardwell, people are eager to see their stories told, their voices heard and their concerns addressed.
“The Observer will be more than just headlines, it will be a platform for community stories, local events.”
Kath Maclean will be in charge of the publication, supported by a dedicated team of journalists and contributors, including reporter Maria Girgenti.
The paper will be available every second Wednesday at designated outlets throughout the Cassowary Coast.
Initially the paper’s circulation will be 5900 copies.
The new masthead will make it easier for readers to access the latest news and features on the go.
“The Observer is news for locals. Stories that affect the people in the coverage area, whether it be politics, business, local events and particularly local people who do extraordinary things in the region,” Mrs Maclean said.
“You won’t see any Townsville, Brisbane, Alice Springs or Mt Isa stories in The Observer. We are unashamedly local,” she said.
“The Observer also hosts a full up-to-the-moment news platform, keeping readers informed on what is important on the Cassowary Coast.
“The Observer has a modern style and layout, more stories, better headlines and better use of photos.
“The masthead is a modern, eye-catching design that represents the paper’s commitment to providing its readers with the latest news and information.
“The design of the publication is bold, fresh and contemporary, and it reflects the paper’s determination to remain at the forefront of the industry.
“We hope you enjoy the first edition and subsequent publications each fortnight as we shine the light on the Cassowary Coast.”
Read More: Innisfail, Mission Beach, Tully, Cardwell