The Coonabarabran Times has been selected as one of 54 news organisations from across Australia to share in $5 million from the Facebook Australian News Fund. 

The successful application was announced by Meta and The Walkley Foundation on Monday, 1 March, and will allow the Coonabarabran Times to expand their team for 12 months.

The funding is part of a $15 million, three-year investment into the most promising public interest journalism and digital newsroom projects.

The program prioritises applicants with digital publications in regional areas and those who cater more directly for Indigenous communities, women and other under-served audiences.

Coonabarabran Times editor, Kait Britton, said the team was thrilled to learn their project had been approved.

"Like most small businesses, we do a lot with a little at the moment - but this funding will create an opportunity for us to do even more for our community," Mrs Britton said.

"We will be able to have more feet on the ground, meaning more local stories can be unearthed.

"We're excited for this project and can't wait to get started!"

In the coming weeks, the Coonabarabran Times will commence advertising for three positions including an Indigenous affairs reporter, digital content producer and sub-editor. 

For more information, please email editor@coonabarabrantimes.com