Since launching in September 2024, the Back Country Bulletin app has been delivering quality rural and regional news to Australians across the region.

As the digital extension of The Riverine Grazier—Hay's trusted weekly newspaper founded in 1873—the app represents a bold step into the digital future while maintaining the deep community connections that have defined rural journalism for over 150 years.

A Digital Evolution of Rural Journalism

The Back Country Bulletin app emerged from the rich heritage of The Riverine Grazier, which has been serving the Hay district and broader Riverina region since 1873.

With the parent publication recently taking home prestigious awards from the NSW Country Press Association, including the Best News Story award for investigative journalism, the app carries forward this tradition of excellence in rural reporting.

Over the past eight months, the app has covered the stories that matter most to rural and regional Australians—from local government decisions affecting farming communities to celebrating the achievements of everyday heroes who keep country towns thriving.

The platform has featured everything from major agricultural developments, like the recent $45 million feedlot project approved by Hay Shire Council that will create 147 direct jobs, to heartwarming profiles of community volunteers who form the backbone of rural Australia.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The app's launch in September 2024 marked a significant milestone for rural media, addressing the unique challenge of keeping dispersed communities informed and connected.

Unlike metropolitan news services, the Back Country Bulletin understands that rural news isn't just about what happens in cities—it's about the stories that directly impact farmers, graziers, small business owners, and families living outside Australia's capital cities.

The app has covered diverse topics including agricultural innovations, community events, local government decisions, environmental issues affecting rural areas, business developments in regional centres, and the achievements of rural Australians who often go unrecognised in mainstream media.

Community Connection in the Digital Age

What sets the Back Country Bulletin apart is its commitment to maintaining the personal connection that defines rural journalism.

The app doesn't just report news—it tells the stories of real people facing real challenges and celebrating real victories in rural Australia.

From featuring the work of local volunteers to covering council meetings that determine the future of small towns, the app serves as a vital link between communities spread across vast distances.

The platform has also embraced multimedia storytelling, combining traditional written journalism with photos and interactive features that bring rural stories to life for readers whether they're checking the news over morning coffee on the farm or catching up during a lunch break in town.

Looking Forward: Your Voice Matters

As the Back Country Bulletin app marks eight months of operation, we want to hear from you—our readers who make this digital community possible.

Your feedback will help shape the future of rural Australian journalism and ensure the app continues to serve the needs of country communities.

We Want to Know:

What do you love most about the Back Country Bulletin app?

Which types of stories resonate most with you?

How has the app kept you connected to your community?

What features do you find most valuable?

What would you like to see more of?

Are there specific topics or regions you'd like us to cover more extensively?

What new features would enhance your experience?

How can we better serve your information needs?

How do you use the app?

When and where do you typically check the news?

Do you share stories with friends and family?

What role does the app play in your daily routine?

Join the Conversation

The Back Country Bulletin app exists because rural Australia deserves quality journalism that understands and reflects the unique challenges and triumphs of country life.

As we continue to evolve and grow, your insights will help us ensure that every story we tell, every issue we cover, and every feature we develop serves the communities that are the heart of rural Australia.

Share your thoughts, suggestions, and stories with us.

Whether you're a long-time reader of The Riverine Grazier or discovered us through the app, your voice matters in shaping the future of rural Australian journalism.

Because in the end, the Back Country Bulletin isn't just about delivering news—it's about strengthening the connections that make rural communities resilient, vibrant, and strong.

The Back Country Bulletin app is available for download and continues to bring rural Australian news to your fingertips. Share your feedback and help us build a stronger rural media community.