Farewell.

There is a lot about working on Gippslandia that has been quite cool.

Through late 2020-early 2021, a mentor prompted us to be clear on our purpose:
To create connections that inspire the people, businesses and organisations of Gippsland.

“Producing Gippslandia has been a terrific adventure.”

—

Two of the most significant perks we've enjoyed in pursuing this goal - both in the past five years and since Gippslandia's formation in 2016 - are that we've enjoyed many inspiring and informative conversations with passionate Gippslandians, and when there's been an opportunity to assist someone (GERF, local young people, Gippsland farmers, makers, creatives and more) we've had a platform to act from.

There are no bushes to beat around. The next edition of Gippslandia will be our last. It's a move that is not due to a lack of support, passion, or ideas.

After 34 editions, it's a heck of an innings. The theme we're exploring for our last edition is friends and friendship. After all, where would we be without them?! No way could Gippslandia have passionately celebrated our region for nearly nine years without a little help from our friends: the supporters, contributors and readers.

This is not a decision that we've made lightly, especially as we're constantly discussing new ideas and concepts to amplify the many strengths of this region. And, we're so proud of the emerging creatives who got their start with Gippslandia and are now telling such exciting stories. We wanted to keep that door open for them.

As a true community newspaper, written by residents for residents, from celebrating local heroes to highlighting thriving businesses and championing environmental initiatives, we've loved sharing the positive stories that connect our communities.

From cookbooks to pop-up stores, supporting Gippsland leadership programs, raising money for burnt-out fence posts and local businesses impacted by Covid, mentoring budding creatives, encouraging hundreds of people to learn CPR or get their heart health checked, as well as galvanising lunches with the region's best chefs, we've done a fair bit more than just scrawl a few million words across 56,000 pages of newsprint each quarter.

Producing Gippslandia has been a terrific adventure. One we've loved sharing with you.

Before leaving for a well-deserved break, we’re heading out with a “bang” by releasing a Gippslandia book – part retrospective, part manifesto for the region. It’s a celebration featuring the best of the best to have ever graced Gippslandia’s pages. You can secure your copy here.

Thanks for being part of the Gippslandia family x

—

To enjoy more of Josephine's thoughtful ecologically-based artwork, please visit her next exhibition or head to JosephineJakobi.art.

—

Gippslandia - Issue No. 33

Find, Subscribe or Download.

Did you enjoy this article? Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.