Don Dorrigo Gazette, the last Australian newspaper to be printed using the letterpress method, has ceased operation after running for more than 110 years.
The newspaper, which was owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Michael and Jade English, was servicing the NSW mid-north coastal town of Dorrigo since the 1910s but has now ceased to operate because of the digital age taking over and mechanical failures.
In the last issue of the paper, which was republished on the paper’s Facebook page, Michael and Jade wrote that the growth of digital, in addition to mechanical-related issues of the machines used to print the paper, led to the decision to end its operations.
“Around five years ago, the Heidelberg printing press had some gears break. We devised a way to continue printing with the inking unit not working for over five weeks until new gears could be manufactured,” Michael and Jade wrote in the issue.
“It was also in this five-week period that we were told we had to find a new newspaper supplier, which we luckily did. We didn’t miss an issue during this stressful time.
“Unfortunately, on Friday 30 June, the intertype (typesetting machine) broke. After changing a few parts, it was back in operation but with a limited capacity and could keep up with limited production. Later in the day, there were more issues with the ejector mechanism failing completely.
“We have made the decision to make this the final edition as we’re not prepared to get an engineer from interstate.
“In a changing world with internet and social media, we cannot compete. This has been a killer of many other newspapers that have closed, and some moved to digital-only versions. Within 10 years, there likely won’t be any newspapers printed.
“Social media platforms such as Facebook, Gumtree and eBay mean that individuals and businesses can advertise with minimal or no cost at all. In a growing technological world, most individuals prefer to use electronic communication methods rather than the paper form.
“Other issues faced over the years have been obtaining ink – we’ve had three suppliers in the last 16 years. In one edition, you may have noticed pages a blue shiny tinge as a delayed ink order caused us to use a mixture of black/blue to continue printing.
“Newsprint supply has also been a struggle to obtain; also using several suppliers moving from newsprint to more of a butcher’s paper. Luckily, we found a regular supplier (the Paper Boys) in Coffs Harbour who have been great in keeping us in supply.”
The Heidelberg cylinder printing press that was used to print the Don Dorrigo Gazette will be relocated to the Penrith Printing Museum where it will continue to operate as a working press.
The Dorrigo Museum has been offered the intertype machine and other items for display.
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