IPSWICH Media has announced it has purchased three longstanding community newspapers and online news services – the Moreton Border News, Ipswich Tribune and The Fassifern Guardian – from the Boonah Newspaper Company.
The sale, which takes effect in early December, marks the end of an era for the Creighton family, who have been at the helm of local news publishing for three generations across almost 60 years
Publishers, Mike and Wendy Creighton, and their son Drew Creighton, who joined them as managing editor five years ago, said it had been a privilege to serve the communities covered by their newspapers.
Wendy added that she was “now happy to hand the baton to Paul, Damian, and their team, who I know will continue the tradition of independent, community-focused journalism.”
Founded in 1901, as The Fassifern Advocate and amalgamating with The Fassifern Guardian in 1909, that newspaper has been a vital voice for the western Scenic Rim communities for more than 124 years.
More recently, the Moreton Border News has served the communities in the western growth corridor around Rosewood for over a quarter of a century and the Ipswich Tribune successfully reached its five year mark in October, this year.
Ipswich Media, owned by Paul Thomas and Damian Morgan, is already publisher of nearby titles including The Beaudesert Times, Ipswich West Moreton Today, and The Lockyer and Somerset Independent.
Paul Thomas, a fourth-generation publisher, said the Creighton family had made “a significant contribution to journalism and the Scenic Rim community over many decades,” and that it was “both a privilege and a responsibility to continue the legacy of these publications, which they have built and nurtured.”
He said Ipswich Media’s commitment was to continue producing strong public-interest journalism and to strengthen the tradition of independent journalism, “which is so vital to regional communities.”
“Independent journalism is critical to a healthy democracy – especially at the local government level – and we are determined to do what we can to keep local news alive in regional Australia.”
In an era where digital disruption and economic pressures have forced the closure of countless regional outlets, the role of independent voices like these has never been more essential. They shine a light on council decisions, environmental issues, and community achievements that might otherwise go unnoticed – fostering accountability and empowering residents to engage meaningfully in their towns.
“By investing in quality reporting and digital innovation, Ipswich Media aims to preserve this heritage,” Paul said.
“It is important to ensure that while adapting for the future, the stories of the Scenic Rim, Ipswich and beyond continue to be told.”