Changing of the guard at Tas Country

One of Tasmania’s most respected journalists, Karolin MacGregor, has farewelled colleagues and her beloved Tasmanian Country newspaper for a career change that marks the end of an era in agricultural news reporting.

Today's newspaper is her last and she will be sorely missed.

With trademark blonde hair, boots and a camera slung over her shoulder, Karolin has entered the properties and hearts of countless farmers across the state, gathering information and news every week for the highly respected statewide newspaper.

The past 10 years have been in the role of editor as well as reporter, although she has been writing exclusively for Tasmanian Country for a remarkable 24 years, including riding out a change in media ownership from News Ltd to Font Publishing.

Font Publishing partner Becher Townshend said that whether it’s been a bull sale, a sheep show, an equestrian event, an ag show or industry conference – she’s turned up to talk to people at grass roots level, to get the story behind the story and disseminate valuable information that everyone can relate to and understand.

“Her contribution to agricultural journalism is arguably unmatched in Tasmania, with a body of work that has covered every aspect of life on the land for decades,” he said.

“Karolin might be quietly spoken but she’s always been fiercely determined to offer balanced, factual articles that readers can trust and that is what has made Tasmanian Country so respected and relevant.”

Karolin has decided to take up a position with Biosecurity Tasmania and said that it will allow her to stay connected to many of the people on the land that she has come to know and respect.

“This week sees the closure of a very special and important chapter of my life as I say goodbye to Tas Country after 24 years,” she said.

“There aren’t many people who can say they truly love their job, but I’m one of the lucky ones.”

After starting out as a cadet in her early 20s, Karolin spent 14 years as a journalist with the paper before taking on the editor role and becoming a mentor for many more young journalists starting out.

“During that time, I have seen firsthand what a roller coaster ride working in agriculture can be,” she said.

“Whether its dealing with droughts, fires, floods and market downturns, it never ceases to amaze me just how resilient Tasmanian farmers are.

“Early on in my career I realised how important it was for farmers to have a paper that not only celebrated their successes but also went into bat for them when times were tough.”

Five years ago when Tasmanian Country was threatened with closure she recalled how overwhelming it was to see how much readers valued the paper.

“The calls and messages came thick and fast and the outcry demonstrated how important local news is to the people on the land - and I’m sure that will continue for many years to come.” 

She said that one of the most enjoyable aspects of the job has been visiting beautiful properties that most people never get to see and taking in the stunning scenery of Tasmania.

“The thing I will miss the most, however, are the people,” she said.

“I would like to thank all of our readers and the people who have supported myself and the paper over the years.

“Thanks for the countless cups of tea and homemade scones. Thanks for inviting me into your homes and your farms and for all those chats around the kitchen tables. 

“Thank you for trusting me to share the details of your families and your businesses – it’s been an absolute privilege to be able to tell your stories.”

Another experience journalist who grew up on the land, Lana Best, has been appointed as editor going forward.

Already established as editor of the Northern Courier and a contributor to Tas Country for the past three years, Lana has been a part of the Tasmanian media landscape for nearly 40 years and is equally passionate about community news and telling the stories of the state’s rural sector.

Contact Lana with news and events at Lana.Best@fontpublishing.com.au or M: 0484573 409