General News
8 September, 2022
Future of local paper deliveries uncertain
Maryborough may soon be without a newspaper delivery service, something that is “unprecedented” according to local delivery operater and NewsXpress owner Ross Forster. The business is currently operating a skeleton staff to deliver newspapers to...

Maryborough may soon be without a newspaper delivery service, something that is “unprecedented” according to local delivery operater and NewsXpress owner Ross Forster.
The business is currently operating a skeleton staff to deliver newspapers to Maryborough residents seven days a week.
If new staff can’t be found soon, Mr Forster said NewsXpress will likely have to cease the service which currently delivers papers — including The Maryborough District Advertiser — to locals each day.
“We’ve been in this newsagency for nearly 20 years and this situation with staff is totally unprecedented,” he said.
“We’re hanging on by our finger-nails at the moment, everyone is working seven days a week with no breaks, we’ve only got two people to deliver and we need three or four.
“There’s been a few stuff ups but thankfully people have been really understanding.”
Mr Forster said traditionally, demand for newspaper delivery has been strong in Maryborough.
“Maryborough has always been a really strong town for newspapers. I saw a printout from The Sun from the 1950s and in the whole of Victoria, including Melbourne, Maryborough was ranked at number four in terms of most newspaper deliveries,” he said.
“Where metropolitan newsagencies have dwindled down to nothing, we’ve stayed strong. It’s certainly reduced, but not terminally. It’s still worthwhile doing.
“We deliver 300-400 copies of some papers every day, and then on Maryborough Addy days (Tuesdays and Fridays) that goes up to around 600-700. That’s just in Maryborough.”
Mr Forster said his situation is a reflection of what’s happening with wide-spread labour shortages currently impacting Australia.
“I don’t think you could talk to any business at the moment that’s not having trouble getting staff,” he said.
“Some say it’s the end result of COVID, but it’s certainly a concern, particularly for small business.”
Mr Forster said deliveries will continue while possible, but will come to an end if his current staff cannot work.
“I desperately don’t want to have to give up home deliveries, more for the fact that we’re an older demographic here who like to get their paper of a morning,” he said.
The Advertiser will keep readers up-to-date with any changes to delivery services.