The Plains Producer, Online Newspaper

Background of the Plains Producer
Nestled along the banks of River Wakefield lies the small rural town of Balaklava ... and the home of the Plains Producer Newspaper. Located about 100km north of Adelaide in South Australia, Balaklava and surrounding districts have been served by this highly-regarded paper for almost a century.
Since its beginning in 1903, the Plains Producer has seen several changes with the first paper, The Central Advocate, printed in broadsheet size on four pages. Initially owned by James Walker, it was renamed, Wooroora Producer incorporating the Central Advocate and The Hamley Bridge Express. Amy Henstridge became the first female owner in 1926 when she relinquished the Snowtown paper, The Stanley Herald. At this time the paper was changed from a broadsheet publication to a six page tabloid.
In 1940, "Wooroora" was dropped from the name and the paper was simply known as The Producer. The paper closed down during World War II, but resumed in 1946. The business was sold in 1975 and was published by Papers and Publications. It was during this time the paper entered an unfortunate decline due to a distinct lack of interest from proprietors, Papers and Publications. Doug Morrissy and Paul Milnes took over in 1982 but the arrangement only lasted four months.
Roger Manuel purchased the paper in 1983 and immediately set about providing the 12 page tabloid paper with a much-need facelift. He revived it to a 20 page newspaper which, each week, was full of news, photos and local happenings. His wife and current managing editor, Margaret, took over in 1995 after Roger's death and has continued publishing the top quality paper with the same integrity and dedication.
The Plains Producer won BankSA Best newspaper award with circulation under 5,000 in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2000. This award, judged by its peers, is given for high standard in newspaper production. The newspaper is judged against other newspapers in the state with similar circulations. Pictured above, The Plains Producer staff after the anouncement of there last award in March 2001 L-R: Kay Calder, reporter, Luke Spangenberg, photographer, Margaret Manuel, managing editor, Andrew Manuel, layout, and Purdie Barr, reporter. Absent, Cheryl Appleby, advertising and James Manuel, production.
Current circulation is almost 3,000 which covers an increasing area from Snowtown in the north to Virginia in the south as well as Gilbert Valley area.