The annual event showcases and celebrates regional mastheads but it was difficult to ignore the fact that many community newspapers are currently engaged in a bloody battle for their long-term survival.

In a digital age where readers demand up-to-date news at their fingertips, circulation figures for regional newspapers have nosedived across the globe, not just in Australia.

Mastheads with a year-on-year percentage decline under double digits are looked upon with envy.

Fortunately, it is not all doom and gloom.

Regional journalists are some of the most passionate media professionals around, who take incredible pride in the history behind their mastheads and immersing themselves in the communities they serve.

They relish the opportunity to report on the stories the people who make up the community crave, whether it is a high-profile expose that makes national headlines or a fundraising morning tea at the local kindergarten.

Additionally, regional mastheads have the ability to garner a level of support that escapes their metropolitan counterparts.

This newspaper would not exist were it not for the ongoing support of the people of Katherine.

It is your paper.

It always has been and always will be.

There will continue to be changes for regional journalism, but sharing your stories will remain our privilege, whatever challenges we encounter.