The Hunter River Times has announced it will cease publication, with its final edition scheduled for June 26, 2026, marking the end of six years of local reporting across the Hunter region.

In a statement, editor Di Sneddon said the decision was made due to staffing and financial pressures, alongside the departure of publisher Shane Davey from the district to take on a new role.

“This is a very difficult statement to write,” Ms Sneddon said, confirming the publication would shut down following its final issue.

She said the paper had been operating with a very small team, and she was no longer in a position to continue in her role as editor and journalist due to personal circumstances. Even with potential replacement staffing, she said the role would not be financially viable.

Ms Sneddon thanked staff for their dedication over the past six years, as well as contributors from The Coalface for their assistance across the publication’s operations.

She also acknowledged advertisers whose support helped sustain the newspaper, along with Federal Government grants that assisted in keeping the publication financially viable each year.

“Without this government support the project would not have been financially viable,” she said.

The editor also thanked readers and community members who shared their stories and supported the publication.

“I thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” she said.

The closure brings an end to a community newspaper that has provided local coverage, supported businesses, and published grassroots stories across the Hunter region since its launch.