Glasses were raised as the local community filled SPACE gallery to help celebrate the efforts of the Coonabarabran Times team at the launch of wattle 2.0 - their latest publication.

More than 60 people embraced the winter solstice on Thursday, 22 June, turning out to support the second issue of the magazine.

A locally owned and created product, wattle has reached many people across the shire and further afield since its inception in 2022, taking a fresh look at life in the bush and the people who call it home.

Coonabarabran Times and wattle editor, Kait Britton, and managing director, Lynne Estens, and their talented team of writers and photographers have worked tirelessly to produce a product worthy of celebration.

At the official launch of wattle 2.0, Kait shared how the magazine’s success had taken her by surprise.

“When we first created wattle, we knew that we had created a unique, quality publication, but I didn’t realise the impact the magazine would have on the community itself,” she said.

“We never would have envisioned that this little book of local people and local stories would be so embraced by the community - that it would also help to create and reflect a sense of identity and belonging.”

It is clear the magazine hits home for many readers and those involved in its creation.

Everyone has a story to tell and the communities of the Warrumbungle region are not short on stories.

The night began with a warm Welcome to Country from Aunty Maureen Sulter, followed by speeches and a live reading.

Throughout the speeches it was clear how much opportunity the magazine had created.

Sue Brookhouse, who was recently awarded an Order of Australia Medal, and features on the first pages of wattle 2.0, spoke about the opportunities the magazine gave to environmental issues and wildlife awareness.

Jayne Murphy was invited to share excerpts from her wonderful magazine piece “Blue Sky Thinking”, which tells the story of Mendooran cheesemaker, Deb Kiem and the sense of community her little shop has created.

Emily Rouse, who has photographed two cover images for wattle, expressed her gratitude to the team and said the magazine gave her time to explore her passion for photography.

A goodbye was also a part of the celebrations, with two Coonabarabran Times members moving on from the team.

Jayne Murphy, sub-editor, and Emma Harvey, digital content creator, were presented with flowers and gifts and thanked for their contribution to the success of both the Coonabarabran Times and wattle.

It is clear that wattle magazine holds much potential and many are excited to see what the next chapter entails.

A third edition will be dependant on the support received by the community.

After the launch, it appears support is strong. For now, the team of journalists celebrate their achievements and are set to continue producing the weekly paper.

wattle 1.0 and 2.0 are available to purchase at the Coonabarabran Times office, online and local stockists.