The Daylesford and District Community News Association, publisher of The Wombat Post, is beginning the search for a new editor following the announcement that long-serving editor Tim Bach will retire from the role at the end of the year. After six years guiding the publication, Tim will remain on the Association’s board, but his departure from day-to-day editorial duties marks a significant transition for the organisation.
The board is encouraging community members to consider stepping into the role or joining the editorial team. As a volunteer position, the editorship is central to maintaining reliable, independent local news and to supporting the ongoing community conversation in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Until a permanent replacement is found, President Hal Swerissen will take on interim editorial responsibilities.
The AGM also confirmed the re-election of the existing board: Hal Swerissen as president, Mark Rak as vice-president and treasurer, and Dudley McArdle as secretary with board members Tim Bach, Robyn Rogers, Raquel Stevens, Julie Higgs and Andrew Gallagher also re-elected.
With around 2,000 weekly readers and more than 4,000 page views, The Wombat Post has become a key platform for sharing local stories, debates and achievements. Over 700 subscribers receive weekly updates.
Members heard that the organisation remains financially strong with 124 financial members and sponsorship from the Community Bank Daylesford and District and from Hepburn Shire Council.
In it’s six years of publication, The Wombat Post, has published almost 3000 stories with 640 stories published in the year to date.
An editorial committee meets weekly to prepare each edition, which goes live every Friday afternoon. Popular topics continue to include local planning issues, local hospitality venues, health services, property market and community events alongside a wide range of regular columns from local writers covering art, nature, gardening, wine, books, weather and local history.
This year the DDCNA has partnered with Daylesford Rotary to deliver the Daylesford Conversations series, which has drawn strong attendance to discussions on Medicare, green hydrogen, tourism, weight loss drugs and local swimming pools. A grant from Australia Post will see the Conversations series expand in the coming year.
As a fully volunteer-run organisation, the News Association relies on the commitment of local people willing to give their time and skills. With the editor position now open, the board hopes that community members who value independent local news will step forward.
Anyone interested in helping to shape the next chapter of The Wombat Post, as editor, committee member or contributor, is encouraged to contact admin@thewombatpost.com.au. New volunteers are vital to the future of The Wombat Post.
