About Us

The Heartbeat of Hay since 1873

The Riverine Grazier was founded in October 1873, and has published continuously since that time – except a single edition in 2012, hampered by flooding, road closures and town evacuation orders.

As Hay’s only newspaper we publish a weekly hyper-local newspaper, dedicated to our community, and regional news of interest.

We also branch out into the communities of Balranald, Moulamein and Ivanhoe, covering news, sport and events in those smaller townships.

Our circulation map spans most of southern Riverina, but we ship hard copies across Australia each week and have digital subscribers across the globe.

In its long history, The Riverine Grazier has only had five editors; all of them with a financial interest in the business – we’re here for the long haul!

The Grazier was first published in 1873, with John Andrew recorded as its first editor until 1888.

Enter the Johnston dynasty which lasted 107 years: John Johnston OBE until 1939 (51 years); Gavin Senior to 1975 (36 years) and Gavin junior until his untimely death in 1995 (20 years).

The incumbent, Tertia Butcher took over as editor in 1995 (28 years) after joining The Grazier team as journalist in 1991.

In 1902 the Grazier absorbed the Riverina Times, Hay Standard and Journal of Water Conservation.

Back in 1873 the Grazier was located in Lachlan Street, published on a Wednesday and “contained agricultural information, news and advertisements for goods and services in the area”.

The Riverine Grazier is now owned and operated by editor Tertia Butcher, and manager Krista Schade.