Shock announcement from Gwydir News

July 3, 2019

“Farewell from Gwydir News” titled the shock announcement that the Gwydir News (combining The Bingara Advocate & Warialda Standard) is shutting shop immediately.  The following article written by owner Nancy Capel delivered the news to the community.

‘This week is the last issue of the Gwydir News.

After 33 years in the newspaper business, 23½ of them as owner of the Bingara Advocate, and for the last three years owner of the Warialda Standard, it is time I did something else.

There are two reasons for this. For the past 33 years, apart from Christmas, I have not been able to take a long weekend break. During the past 11 years, while my husband, John ‘Wacka’ Williams, was a Senator, I was unable to attend many of the functions that I should have and would have liked to. My husband also passed up opportunities because I was committed to being here to publish a newspaper each week.

Now that Wacka has retired from politics, we want to do things together, including travel.

The other reason for my leaving the business is that I have been offered a position which suits my circumstances, and which I really want to accept.

Most of the past 23½ years have been enjoyable, and it has been a pleasure to have met and worked with most of the people I have met.

I sincerely thank the publicity officers who have kept me and the community informed about their respective organisations’ activities.

I also thank our regular advertisers, our readers and staff who have worked with me over the years. I especially thank Anne Brien who has been the mainstay of the Bingara office, running the accounts, and taking on the extra work when I purchased the Warialda Standard. She is truly a treasure.

I am also grateful to the Mayors, General Managers, Council staff and Councillors for the assistance they have given me in getting the news out.

If anyone wants to take the Gwydir News over, call me on 0427 241127. It is a viable business, it is just that I would rather spend the rest of my life with my husband.’

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Nancy for all she has given to the community and wish her all the best for the future with husband Wacka.  They deserve the best!