Antony Catalano’s ACM launches regional-focused magazine and website
Australian Community Media (ACM) has launched a dedicated website and magazine series which seeks to explore the growth potential in regional Australia.
The magazine launch comes four months after real estate and media mogul Antony Catalano bought the business off its previous owner Nine.
Future Focus launches in partnership with the University of New England and Dell Australia, with the aim to drive discussion about employment, education and lifestyle opportunities in regional areas.
The magazine is being carried in all 14 of ACM’s daily newspapers, including The Canberra Times and Newcastle Herald, as well the agriculture weeklies The Land, Queensland Country Life and Stock and Land in Victoria.
In the introduction of the first edition of the magazine, deputy prime minister and minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development Michael McCormack said regional centres and smaller towns offer many advantages for Australians.
“Clean air. Plenty of space. Wonderful people. Why would you want to live and work anywhere else?,” the introduction reads.
“You are 10 minutes from anywhere in town, which is so important when trying to strike the balance between work and life – it means more time for you and your family and less on congested roads.”
The Future Focus project will use case studies, interviews, profiles, think pieces and analysis by academics, innovators, industry leaders, business groups and government agencies to tell the stories of regional Australia and its future.
Chief executive officer Allen Williams said ACM was a proud advocate for regional Australia as a source of innovation, inspiration and prosperity.
“This project strives to focus attention on the opportunities that abound beyond the big cities, the policies and strategies needed to maximise the potential of regional, rural and suburban Australia and how we make sure prosperity is delivered in a balanced and sustainable way,” Williams said.
“With the support of our launch partners Dell and the University of New England, we are proud to lead this important national conversation.”
The first edition of the magazine features the theme of Planning for Prosperity, with commentary by Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO James Pearson, the Regional Australia Institute’s Liz Ritchie and economic geography professor Phillip O’Neill.
Antony Catalano will be speaking at Mumbrella Publish next week on a panel titled: ‘Making money and sense in regional news: The challenges and opportunities ahead’. Tickets are still available here.
