Many in South Australia, and certainly in Adelaide, would be unaware more than 30 newspapers are out there beyond the city limits, keeping country SA residents in touch with their communities and the world.

While newspapers around the world are losing readers to the Internet and other electronic media, country newspapers are standing against the tide as the best and most loved source of local news and information for regional communities around Australia.

They uphold a long and proud tradition of print media.

Their responsibility to the community and their accountability to their readers is immeasurable when compared with the anonymity of the Internet and large media outlets.

Every one of these newspapers’ editors and reporters must face their readers at the supermarket, school and sports field. Every decision they make must have the best interests of the community at heart and they receive constant feedback, good and bad.

Just as the country is renowned for breeding some of our best sports people, businessmen and successful citizens, so its newspapers provide a rigorous education and significant opportunity to young reporters who will go on to work at metropolitan media outlets.

On another note, it was heartening to see the Riverland still full of optimism and determination to overcome its current difficulties and prosper.