The Barcoo Independent, published by the Blackall Newspaper Group, is unique in that it is one of Australia’s last operating community owned and run newspapers.
In its present form, the Barcoo Independent began production as a bi-monthly print in 2004 after research indicated a local desire for a newspaper with Blackall news as its sole focus. A band of small, but determined volunteers turned this desire into a reality. In addition to the need of a vehicle for local news, the resuscitation of The Barcoo Independent was also viewed as a means of reinvigorating local pride and feelings of ownership, something that desperately needed in a time of hardship, drought and loss – conditions that the community is still dealing with today.
