Historical information

The Bacchus Marsh Express was a weekly newspaper first published in July 1866. It was produced in the Victorian town of Bacchus Marsh and was distributed in that township and the surrounding district. The original title was "The Bacchus Marsh Express : and General Advertiser for Ballan, Melton, Myrniong, Blackwood, Gisborne, Egerton and Gordon Districts". There were numerous variations to the name of this newspaper over the next 100 years but it usually retained the word 'Express' as part of its title. In September 2010 the word Express disappeared from the title and it became known as the Moorabool Weekly which then merged with some other newspapers over the next few years. For over 100 years the Crisp family owned or were associated with the production of the Express. By 22 February 1984 Syme Community Newspapers had taken over the Express. This entity was later renamed Fairfax Community Newspapers and continued to publish the Express until the disappearance of the name 'Express' altogether at the begining of September 2010. The last issue with the word 'Express' in the title being published on 31 August 2010.

Significance

This is the first local Bacchus Marsh newspaper that continued to be published over a significant period of time. After beginning July 1866 it continued to be published weekly until the last issue on the 31 August 2010 was published. Nearly all published editions of the Express have been preserved. Issues No.1 and No.2, 7 and 14 July are not extant. The earliest known issue in existence is No.3, 21 July, 1866. Original copies from 21 July 1866 until 31 August 2010 are held by the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society.

Physical description

Bound and unbound newspaper issues, microfilm, and CD-ROM.