Two Years. Nine Issues. One Very Big Thank You.

Nine issues in, this magazine has become something far bigger than I ever imagined.

It was born from a deep belief that our communities deserved a magazine that genuinely reflected who we are - the businesses that back themselves, the artisans who craft with care, the not-for-profits who quietly show up every day, and the schools, clubs and organisations woven into the fabric of regional life.

For the first eighteen months, Mid-Western Living was created entirely solo - planned, written, designed, coordinated and delivered by one person who simply knew, deep down, the impact a local magazine could have if done properly.

Created to Support Our Region
From the very beginning, Mid-Western Living was built with one clear purpose: to support our region. That intention has shaped every decision along the way - creating space for local stories to be told properly, community initiatives to be shared with pride, and readers to genuinely connect with what’s happening around them.

Collaboration sits at the heart of that vision. By offering different ways to be involved, the magazine remains accessible while staying true to its story-led approach.

Support from partners and sponsors has also enabled us to keep involvement costs down and provide free pages for not-for-profits and local schools.

Every business, organisation or school featured is given space to be seen with intention, context and pride.

The Impact, in Numbers - and in Real Life
Over the past two years, we’ve shared hundreds of local stories, supported hundreds of businesses and community organisations, and welcomed hundreds of thousands of readers through our pages and online platforms. We’ve also doubled our print distribution and seen a 100% increase in online magazine views.

But the moments that matter most aren’t always found in the stats.

They’re in the messages from business owners who tell me a new customer walked through their door after seeing them in the magazine. In the tourists who plan weekends around places they’ve discovered in our pages. In locals trying somewhere new because it felt familiar before they’d even arrived.

That’s the magic of storytelling done well, and our purpose having the impact we intended.

Growing Carefully, With Purpose
Mid-2025 marked an important step, with Cindy joining the magazine a few hours a week to support production. It was a small but meaningful evolution - allowing the magazine to grow while still staying true to its roots.

The introduction of our HOME flip section in Issue 7 was another intentional decision. We didn’t want to be only about hospitality, wine and shopping. HOME has opened the door for more local businesses to connect with locals in a way that feels practical, relevant and grounded in everyday life.

Every quarter, each issue is hand-delivered across the region and beyond, with magazine stands at Club Mudgee, Mudgee Golf Course, The Property Shop, Coles, Aldi, Kandos IGA and Gulgong IGA ensuring strong visibility across the community. And through close partnerships with accommodation providers, the magazine is also placed where visitors stay - inspiring locals and tourists to explore what’s on their doorstep.

Supported by Those Who Believe in Community
Over the past 12 months, sponsorship from Peabody has enabled us to keep rates accessible and affordable for small businesses while allowing us to increase our print run from 4,000 to 6,000 copies per quarter with ambitions to grow even further.

Ongoing support from Squadron Energy, ACEN Australia and ACEREZ has helped fund community pages, local storytelling and not-for-profit coverage that might otherwise go unheard.

Their support doesn’t just sit on a page - it ripples through the region. Ongoing partnerships with mining and renewable energy organisations allow us to strengthen our community focus, ensuring our pages continue to support local stories, organisations and initiatives that matter.

Supporting Businesses Beyond the Page
As the magazine has grown, so too has the way we support local businesses.

In late 2025, we introduced the MWL Biz Club, launching with 10 founding members who were looking for more than just visibility. The Biz Club was created to offer ongoing support through monthly online masterclasses, shared learning and consistent exposure across our platforms - a way to back small businesses not just in print, but behind the scenes as well.

It’s been incredibly rewarding to watch those founding members grow in confidence, clarity and connection, and to see the Biz Club become another layer of support within the Mid-Western Living ecosystem.

Biz Club is open to any business across our region, learn more at: midwesternliving.com.au/bizclub.

Bringing the Community Together, In Real Life
Connection has always sat at the heart of Mid-Western Living, which is why our quarterly launch parties have become such an important part of the magazine’s rhythm.

Held in venues across the region, these events bring together contributors, advertisers, supporters and locals to celebrate each new issue. They’ve grown into relaxed, welcoming networking events - an opportunity to connect face-to-face, build relationships and celebrate the businesses and stories featured in our pages.

Looking Ahead
As Mid-Western Living moves into its next chapter, our focus remains the same - to keep telling local stories well, and to continue growing in ways that genuinely support our region.

Alongside our regular quarterly issues, I’m excited to share that we’ll be launching an annual Wedding Magazine, dedicated to celebrating the region’s wedding industry and the incredible businesses, venues and creatives who bring those moments to life.

I’m grateful to the community that continues to back this publication - by reading it, sharing it, advertising in it and believing in the power of local storytelling.

If you’ve ever thought about being part of these pages, I’d love to welcome you. This magazine exists because of community - and it grows because of it.