Except from local papers. Beyond the crisis: why local papers are vital in our fight for the truthI learnt about my community in those early days through my local paper. But it was probably the 2013 Winmalee bushfires, where my family and 200 others lost their homes, that cemented for me the absolutely vital role local papers play in connecting community and backing community. In 2026, whether it's through their physical or digital presence, local papers are more important than ever. Just as importantly, local journalism creates a sense of place.