The Lake Macquarie News has produced its last edition.

For decades, the News has been the strongest community voice dedicated to communities around Lake Macquarie.

We thank you, our loyal clients and more than 50,000 readers, for whom the News has been your connection to the community.

The Lake Macquarie News, published by Cumberland Newspapers, began about 60 years ago, originally as the Belmont-Swansea Gazette.

A merger with the Toronto-based Lake Macquarie Advocate in 1992 saw the birth of the Lake Macquarie News and the area’s only newspaper to exclusively cover the entire region.

Cumberland general manager John Webster paid tribute to the paper’s dedicated staff, who have worked tirelessly in a highly competitive newspaper environment.

“The Lake Macquarie News has bravely sought to hold a financially-viable position in this market, but the time has come to make what is a sad decision,” Mr Webster said.

“This newspaper regularly punched way above its weight. It was outspoken on issues that impacted on its readers and their communities. It wasn’t shy to take their issues to all levels of government.

“It also celebrated the achievements of its residents and the great deeds of individuals and community leaders.”

Mr Webster said the newspaper’s sales staff had, over many years, been closely linked with the business community and contributed immensely to nurturing the prosperity of the local area.

The Central Coast Express Advocate will expand its Wednesday edition north into Wyee Point and Morisset to bring readers news from the local area and from neighbouring Wyong Shire.

Cumberland Newspapers publishes 30 other community newspapers and magazines across Sydney and the Central Coast.

To visit the Central Coast Express Advocate website, click here