The Southern Free Times has been sold and is now part of the Independent Publishing Australia Group. This is fantastic news for the whole region as it ensures the continued success and survival of our independent newspaper. The same friendly faces will continue to provide the high levels of service that you have come to expect since the newspaper was established. Regional newspapers play a crucial role in the community and are a vital link in getting information out to the people that need it. At a time when other publishing businesses are closing newspapers or shutting down editions, it is positive to see that Independent Publishing Australia is continuing to expand and grow its newspapers.