Location
Australia
Regional Australian newspapers are recognised as a key communication source for small communities, yet they have experienced recent widespread closures. In early 2021, the closure of the 126-year-old West Wyalong Advocate was announced to the disappointment of the communities surrounding our Cowal Gold Operations.
The team at Cowal saw the loss of the region’s most trusted and vital resource as an opportunity to work closely with community representatives and the Bland Shire to revive the paper under the management of an external, independent body. This revival aimed to strengthen and sustain long-term community, employment, and business connections across the region beyond the life of mine in line with Cowal’s community relations priorities.
After a four-month hiatus, the Advocate successfully recommenced publication in May 2021 underpinned by strong long-term foundations of economic support from Evolution and an independent management committee. This success story featured as an entry in the 2021 NSW Mining HSEC Awards and was recognised for its positive community impact.

