Today is an historic one for The North West Star as we print our last Friday edition before entering an exciting new chapter.

On Tuesday, September 1, the North West Star print edition begins publishing as a tri-weekly.

In addition, you will also find us posting even more of the region’s breaking news, community news and sport online – in many cases, things that have not been available digitally to our readers previously.

It’s about equipping ourselves better for the modern media landscape, to better serve our readers who prefer a digital presence while ensuring our print readers have a hearty morning’s paper to sink their teeth into.

Put simply, it means the Star can focus on what really matters: our community.

Ask any journalist why they love their job.

Some may say writing, knowing news before everyone else, or perhaps it’s the thrill of an exciting and challenging career.

Above that, it’s the stories and the people.

It’s being able to write the cracking yarns which people care about.

It’s about representing the issues and members of the North West community.

Outgoing editor Brad Thompson said it was for this reason why The North West Star must and will continue to make a difference.

What is clear is our commitment to this community and the fervency with which we’ll continue to serve the people of the North West.

To the dear old Friday newspaper, you’ve served us well over the past 49 years.

But respectfully, we must bid farewell.

For the best is yet to come.