Community
15 August, 2025
Coastal paper revealed
A NEW fortnightly paper arrives on the Cassowary Coast next week.
The Observer will be published every second Wednesday from August 20.
The publication sees the return of a regular newspaper since 2020 as owner Carl Portella bucks 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.
Mr 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 overlooked a vast network of cane farms down to the pretty coastal stretch from Flying Fish Point to Cardwell, a tabloid newspaper was returning to “observe”.
He said the Cassowary Coast community was eagerly anticipating the revival of its very own local newspaper.
“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.
“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 6000.
CLN moving
CAIRNS Local News (CLN) is on the move.
As from next week, the entire team will be based in bigger and more convenient offices at unit 1, 268 Mulgrave Rd, Westcourt, near Brown St and next to Petbarn.
It offers more space for the team in the building known as Mayfair House, as well as better access for customers and readers.
More importantly there is plenty of adequate and free car parking available, something that was lacking at the current offices in The Conservatory building between Abbott and Lake streets.
Our phone numbers, email addresses and the website remain the same.
