Ali Bohn, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
After five years, two locations and more than 350 print editions, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper (The Bridge) is officially for sale.
It has been quite the journey for proprietor, Lloyd Polkinghorne and his family, who took over the newspaper in 2016 after making the transition to journalism and reporting from his first passion, farming. It was an incidental transition, however. A brain injury had caused Lloyd to leave the family farm four years prior to taking over the newspaper, at the time undertaking intensive rehabilitation that eventually led him to purchase The Bridge.
It was my pleasure to sit down recently with my boss, just as I had when he first joined The Bridge, to find out why he has decided to sell and what his plans are moving forward.
“When I first took over The Bridge, I wanted to improve the paper on where it was and for it to grow so it could be a voice for the community,” he begins, “to showcase what wonderful assets we have including food producers, businesses, and people and their stories.”
Lloyd speaks from the heart when he expresses how his time at The Bridge has been very rewarding, with the experience giving him the ability to share laughter, joy, tears and sorrow with so many people who welcomed him into their lives and stories.
He says that the business would be best suited to a couple who are interested in continuing what Lloyd considers a great community asset.
“We have had interest from people further afield, but if we went down that track, I think the paper would lose its independence. It’s a great business that is doing very well, which is what enabled us to fund the renovations and provide local employment. We have also introduced the website and online subscriptions, which has really lifted the profile as well.”
So, where to from here? Lloyd is excited to inform readers that he is going back to where his heart lies, and that is on the land.
“I have the opportunity to go back farming with my father, and now my health has improved dramatically, I feel the need to get back to my passion for agriculture. With increasing land prices, I think if I don’t grab the opportunity now, I’ll get priced out of the market. I’d been helping my father on the farm on and off for a while and having the ability to work with him is an opportunity that won’t be around forever. I always admired my father and grandfather for their passion to pass on the farm to the future generation. It was never about their personal benefit, and they viewed themselves as temporary custodians. Both of my daughters have expressed an interest, so it will be good for them as well.”
Reflecting on how far he has come since the accident which took him out of the workforce for four years, Lloyd says the paper has provided him with a creative and community outlet he’d been missing. He has found personal growth and is grateful for the support he has received throughout the experience.
“I’ve made some great friendships and priceless memories. I hope the right buyer for the paper ensures it continues for another 113-plus years. My time at The Bridge and its success wouldn’t have been achieved without the dedication and diversity of the staff in the office. It didn’t feel so much like work, but more of a diverse family; with some banter and tantrums thrown in! Also, the journey from my brain injury to where I find myself now wouldn’t have been possible without the love and support of my wife, Lauren, and two daughters, Claire and Sarah.”
I wonder if that means I’m out of a catering job at the office? Regular home-cooked slices and biscuits were part of my position description when Lloyd first took over. However, he is more than happy to embrace the hot lunchtime meals cooked by his adored grandma, and no doubt fresh scones for afternoon tea.
This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 26 May 2022