General News
15 June, 2022
Mortlake Men’s Shed meets Mortlake Dispatch
MEMBERS of the Mortlake Men’s Shed visited Western District Newspapers last week to get a closer look at the Mortlake Dispatch as it was printed.
MEMBERS of the Mortlake Men’s Shed visited Western District Newspapers last week to get a closer look at the Mortlake Dispatch as it was printed.
As Western District Newspapers is among the few remaining publications in Victoria to continue to support local jobs through on-site printing, tours through its facilities have become a popular social occasion for members of the community.
Western District Newspapers managing editor Stewart Esh offered 15 group members a tour through the press room to discuss the process of printing a newspaper, and what the machinery does through each phase.
Moyne Shire Council social support group leader Dee Humphrey said the men’s group were always on the lookout for local placesto visit.
“A friend had told me the newspaper allows visits, and it’s a fascinating part of our local area,” she said.
“The men love visiting different places in the community."
“Just to watch the paper rolling through the press and all the colours being added, it’s a lot like a home printer but on a very large scale."
“How the paper is all put together was fascinating.”
Mr Esh thanked members of the groupfor visiting.
“Meeting with members of the community we represent is an opportunity for us to connect with our readers, and for them to connect with us,” he said.
“Visitors are fascinated by the machinery used in printing, including our two-story Goss community press, which reminds us how fortunate we are to still be delivering local news after more than 150 years.”
Mortlake Men’s Shed member Ton Vermaas said he was fascinated to learn much of the machinery used in printing has been in usefor decades.
Using older equipment is an intentional decision, as the engineering required for maintenance, repairs or replacement is available locally.
Newer press technology requires the services of specialised technicians, which are less readily available to country areas.
“I worked for a part of my life with computers and printers and I have duplex laser printer, and I’m still amazed at what it can do,” Mr Vermaas said.
“But when you see this; it still works, even the old ones."
“We saw at the old sawmill, the machines are now rusted but they still work."
“It’s the same with beautiful old cars, so I like the old machines.”