The Gympie Times
| Company type | Digital newspaper |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media, News publishing |
| Founded | 1867 |
| Founder | Journalists (initial launch) |
| Defunct | 2020-06-26 (print edition) |
| Fate | Print edition discontinued; continues as digital-only |
| Headquarters | Gympie , Australia |
Area served | Gympie region, Queensland, Australia |
| Owner | News Corp Australia |
| Parent | News Regional Media (division of News Corp Australia) |
The Gympie Times operates as a digital newspaper catering to the Gympie region in Queensland, Australia. It is owned by News Corp Australia and was issued in print from Monday through Saturday until its final physical copy was released on 26 June 2020. Since then, it has continued exclusively as an online news outlet.
The publication's distribution extended northward to Tiaro, westward to Kilkivan, and southward reaching Noosa, with weekday circulation averaging 13,200 copies and increasing to 21,600 on Saturdays. Its online presence forms part of the News Regional Media division within News Corp Australia.
History
Following a significant gold discovery at Gympie Creek, The Gympie Times was established. In October 1867, prospector James Nash uncovered valuable gold deposits at Nash's Gully near what is now the Town Hall. This find earned the Queensland government’s reward for the first gold strike within a 100-mile radius of Brisbane and played a crucial role in averting financial collapse. The area was designated Nashville by authorities, triggering a gold rush that attracted miners from across Australia and abroad.
In early 1868, journalists launched the initial newspaper titled the Nashville Times and Mary River Mining Gazette, transporting cumbersome printing machinery by bullock wagon from Ipswich. The first issue was produced despite flooding conditions. Subsequently, Nashville was renamed Gympie, evolving into a thriving city centered on deep-level gold mining operations.
The early 20th century saw a downturn in gold prices, which brought major mining activities to an end. This economic shift led to a focus on dairy farming, cattle production, and railway expansion in the region. More recently, Gympie’s location near Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast has facilitated steady development while preserving its rural atmosphere.
Mirroring many regional newspapers owned by News Corp Australia, The Gympie Times discontinued its print edition in June 2020 to prioritize its digital platform.
Digitisation
The publication has been digitised as part of the Australian Newspapers Digitisation Program managed by the National Library of Australia.