Community & Business
4 June, 2026
Support sought to keep deliveries rolling
THE Express newspaper is reaching out to the community for assistance as ongoing driver shortages begin to impact newspaper deliveries across parts of the Tablelands.
For many years, The Express has remained committed to ensuring local news reaches communities throughout the region each week. However, like many transport and delivery businesses across Australia, finding reliable drivers has become increasingly difficult.
As a result, deliveries to Herberton and Ravenshoe are currently affected, with the newspaper’s existing transport contractor no longer able to continue those runs due to a shortage of available drivers.
The Express managing editor Carl Portella said the newspaper was hopeful someone within the community may be willing to help keep the service going.
“We know how much the paper means to people in these communities and we are determined to continue getting it there each week,” he said.
“Unfortunately, our contractor has struggled to secure suitable drivers, and we now find ourselves in a position where we are asking the community if anyone may be able to lend a hand – and earn some money at the same time.”
Mr Portella said the role may suit a reliable semi-retired person or someone looking for a small weekly run, provided they are physically capable of transporting newspaper bundles to various outlets.
The delivery run would involve collecting approximately 2000 newspapers from a central Atherton drop-off point each Tuesday or Wednesday and delivering them to designated locations in Herberton and Ravenshoe.
The newspaper will also soon require assistance with deliveries to Millaa Millaa, with the current delivery person expected to step away from the role in the coming weeks.
Future delivery requirements may also extend to additional drop-off points in Yungaburra and Malanda.
“We understand everyone is busy, but even a small amount of help from the right person could make a big difference in keeping local news flowing into these towns,” Mr Portella said.
Anyone interested in assisting can contact Mr Portella by calling 0408 924 312 or email to carl@theexpressnewspaper.com.au
