What makes a great local paper?
For as long as I can remember, Wednesday in Pakenham was quite simply Gazette day.
Opening the Pakenham newsagency on a Wednesday morning, my father Ray would stack the Gazette right alongside the Sun newspaper on the front shelves and watch them fly out the door.
The regular customers would take a quick flick through the pages before leaving the shop, which resulted in many short, sharp and insightful conversations with Dad.
The only ones that weren’t too happy on this day of the week were the paperboys whose already packed bags were burdened with the additional load.
But what makes a great local paper?
Finding the right combination of stories is the essential ingredient in creating a great local newspaper and the Gazette has found the perfect balance.
Current affairs, coverage of events, stories of local interest, a touch of gossip and, of course, the best coverage of local sport anywhere in the state has kept the Gazette the perfect partner for my Wednesday morning coffee.
The Pakenham area is indebted to the Thomas family for their long-standing commitment to providing a quality, independent local newspaper for our weekly enjoyment.
Congratulations on reaching 100 years in Pakenham and may there be many more to come.
Brian Paynter, Bass MP.
