By starting the Alexandra Standard in 1868, John Whitelaw hoped to record the development of mining, business and ongoing development of the area and because ‘we can clearly foresee that Alexandra and the surrounding districts contain the elements of future greatness, progress, and prosperity’.

It became a weekly newspaper offering, among other things, the opportunity for members of the community to comment on local matters as long as they were not of a ‘scurrilous and personal nature’ and did not comment on religious matters.

Later, in 1885, the Yea Chronicle (originally named the Yea Telegraph) was born to service the Yea community in the same way. Today both papers are owned by the Mott family and are available throughout the shire of Murrindindi and beyond on a weekly basis.

Quotes from first edition of the Alexandra Standard.