Suburban newspapers are a major factor in the reading habits of suburban Australia, and are read thoroughly helping readers feel part of their community.

The ever-advancing communication technology means that there has never been a better time for newspapers. And in particular, The Cairns Bulletin.

Cairns residents want to know what is going on in their area and how it affects them and their neighbours. They also want to know how news from outside our area, region, state and world impact them. And they want the information in a form and language they can understand and relate to. There is no other medium that can accomplish this mission any better than the local newspaper.

The secret to our success has been and continues to be knowing who our customers are and what they need from "their" community newspaper.

The knowledge comes from not just being located here, but from having the newspaper managed, written, and distributed independently by people who are a part of the community. We have a large team of contributors and dedicated employees who work in our main facility and several agents and contractors across Cairns.

Cairns residents say we are one their primary source for independent news and information.

During the past decade the city of Cairns has enjoyed a steady population growth of 2% annually, thus our penetration has increased.

What is in the future?

Although we don't foresee the Internet replacing the newspaper, our electronic newspaper is becoming bigger every day. In 2006 we are the first newspaper in Cairns to have an electronic newspaper presence on the Internet with smart online advertising opportunities for local businesses, serving as a portal to drive traffic, build brand awareness and open new markets more effectively.

We anticipate the number of users will double in the very near future.

Research recently completed among people in the marketplace tells us the majority of the readers are satisfied with the newspapers and see them as an integral part of community life.

We have added a new computer system in our news operations to help the editor and reporters spend less time processing news and more time covering and reporting news.

The newspaper is a business that is solely dependent on the local economy. If the community is doing well, the newspaper can do well.

Many of our employees are actively involved in the community, working to improve the quality of life, developing new business and industry, supporting charitable and civic projects and participating in everything from local sport to community strategic plans.

The Cairns Bulletin plans to be an integral part of Cairns for years of growth and opportunity to come.

Sincerely,

Corina Angel-Dzubiel

Managing Editor