POPULAR local media website Moree Online News has been sold, with a new owner taking over the keyboard on July 1.

Michael Phipps, from Moree Digital, has purchased Moree Online News from Bill and Cindy Poulos, who established the news platform in 2024.

Mr Poulos said the sale came after two years of presenting news, sport and information to Moree and district readers.

“We’ve decided to slow down a bit. It’s great the website will keep going, and is staying in local hands – that’s very important,” Mr Poulos said.

“Phippsy has some great ideas he’ll develop over time and add to the website – Moree Online News will get bigger and better under Phippsy’s watch.

“We developed the website not really knowing where it might take us, but the response from readers, not only locally but from across Australia and internationally, has been phenomenal,” he said.

Mr Poulos said generous support from local and corporate advertisers has been instrumental in the website’s overwhelming success.

“The driving force behind Moree Online News has been the advertisers who signed up for the long haul. Without them, the website would not be the success it is, and we encourage readers to support these businesses, knowing they are supporting Moree Online News.

“It is also important to note many of these advertisers, some of which have been with us from day one, will continue their support under the new ownership,” Mr Poulos said.

Since going online on August 22, 2024, Moree Online News has published more than 3000 articles, averaging nearly five stories per day, seven days a week.

Micheal Phipps (right), of Moree Digital, has purchased Moree Online News from Bill and Cindy Poulos.

Mr Phipps said local news and sport will remain at the heart of the platform.

“Over time, we will also grow Moree Online News into a more useful daily information hub, covering jobs, real estate, events, business listings, community notices, road and flood alerts, fuel watch,

schools, sport and practical local updates,” he said.

“This will not happen all at once. We have a staged plan to strengthen the website, improve mobile presentation, grow search visibility, launch a daily newsletter, and build stronger sections that give readers more reasons to return.”

The website already draws thousands of readers each week, and Mr Phipps is confident the ‘reach’ will grow stronger.

“We will work to make Moree Online News easier to find through email, search results, Google News, Apple News and emerging AI-powered discovery tools,” he said.

Mr Poulos said Moree Online News exists to help keep the Moree Plains and wider regions informed, connected and supported.

“Support from local businesses helps make that possible, and we encourage Moree and regional businesses to support Moree Online News through advertising and promotion,” he said.

Mr Phipps said promoting a business through Moree Online News is not just about “buying ad

space”.

“It’s about helping businesses communicate clearly with the people they serve. Even if a business is already busy, staying visible still matters,” he said.

“As Moree Online News grows, there will be more ways for local businesses to connect with the community through local news, sponsored stories and employment listings.

“This support helps fund local journalism to cover more stories, attend more community events, build better local tools, and keep Moree Plains better informed,” Mr Phipps said.

Moree Online News new details, effective from July 1

Address

Social Co House

167-169 Balo Street

Moree NSW 2400

Office Hours

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Phone: 0494 758834

Email

News: [email protected]

Advertising: [email protected]