Members of the Drouin Probus Club were given a behind-the-scenes look at local journalism in action when they toured the Star News Group newsroom last week.
The group visited the Pakenham headquarters for a special tour and presentation led by Group Editor Garry Howe and Online Production Editor Andrew Cantwell.
Mr Howe, who has been a journalist for 43 years and editor of the Pakenham Gazette for the past 26, gave an engaging overview of the company’s history and evolution.
“Our company started in Berwick in 1909 and moved to Pakenham in 1917. We have been headquartered here ever since,” he said.
Mr Howe explained that the company now had 63 newspapers and associated websites, as well as numerous specialist publications, like The Probian, split over three entities – Star News Group (Victoria), SA Today (South Australia) and Today News Group (Queensland).”
Owned and operated by four generations of the same family, Star News Group has grown into a significant media organisation, with 328 staff — over 100 of whom are based in Victoria.
“It’s great that you’ve been able to resurrect historical magazines or newspapers which make a huge difference to the populations in their areas,” Sue Carol (probus member) said.
“To think the company has stayed in the same family for so long is quite amazing. It’s clearly a happy family to have kept it going.
Mr Howe spoke about the dramatic shifts in the industry in recent years, noting that while print remains important, the newsroom now runs with a “digital-first” mindset, publishing stories online as soon as they break.
Guests also enjoyed a guided tour of the newsroom, led by Andrew Cantwell, who explained the editorial and production process from story development to final print. The group had the chance to see journalists and advertising teams at work and get a feel for the fast-paced media environment.
“We wanted to explore different areas and find out what’s going on behind the scenes with these facilities and industries. Thank you very much for taking the time to show us around,” Margaret (another Probus member) said.
“Even though there’s no printing on site, we gained a valuable insight into how it all comes together, which was something we didn’t expect.”
The morning concluded with tea and refreshments, where visitors mingled with staff and asked questions.
Mr Howe welcomed the Drouin Probians and highlighted the privilege of sharing Star News’s strong community focus with such an engaged group.
