By Kyra Gillespie
The Gazette celebrated 100 years of production in Pakenham June last year with a centenary edition highlighting major events that occurred in the township over the past century.
Speaking to key historical figures, the souvenir edition explored how the Gazette’s proprietors saw the challenges of the past century, as well as the current and future hurdles for print media in a changing digital landscape.
Containing the original 1917 issue, readers can see the major growth of the Cardinia Shire from its small bush town beginnings to the busy, vibrant region as we know it today.
From small beginnings and four generations of the Thomas family later, what remains steadfast over the years is the Gazette’s presence at the forefront of royal visits, bushfires, council amalgamations, stories about local people doing extraordinary things or simply people doing things for their community and neighbours.
Around that time, the Thomas family sold the old office in at 100 Main Street.
Before it changed hands, third generation proprietors Ian and Dorothy Thomas and long-time production manager Malcolm McQualter toured the old building and share their memories with current editor Garry Howe.
