The local news subscriptions coming soon to www.stawelltimes.com.au will offer unrestricted around-the-clock online access to all of the local news, sport, opinion and community information produced by the team of Stawell-based journalists led by editor Jessica Grimble.

Full website access will include access to the latest national news and sport, plus lifestyle and travel updates, as well as the option to receive breaking news alerts and regular e-newsletters direct to your inbox.

“We are Stawell’s go-to news source, and have been for 150 years. Over that time our journalism has proven its essential role in the life of our region,” Ms Grimble said.

“With more and more of our readers connecting with us online, the introduction of our local news subscriptions will allow us to boost our online journalism to meet the modern demands of the communities we serve.”

The launch date and details of subscription offers and prices will be announced in coming weeks.

“Through our new subscriptions, we will seek to foster greater community support for our local journalism which we know is deeply valued by our audiences for its essential role in keeping our people informed, entertained and connected,” Ms Grimble said.

“The tremendous growth of our online audience in recent years shows the value our community sees in our journalism.

“By subscribing for online access, readers will be helping the Stawell Times-News continue its mission to deliver the local journalism that our region trusts.”

The refresh last year of www.stawelltimes.com.au paved the way for the introduction of subscriptions.

“Our new site delivers a better reader experience and convenient access to the latest local news via your smartphone, tablet and desktop,” Ms Grimble said.

The Stawell Times-News is part of Fairfax Media’s Australian Community Media (ACM) regional, rural and suburban publishing business – a network of hundreds of newspapers and websites stretching into every state and territory.

Local news subscriptions for digital access are being introduced at ACM’s local news websites in Victoria and Tasmania following the successful launch of subscriptions at local news websites across south-west NSW.