The Coolum & North Shore Advertiser was born in Coolum in 1990, under the ownership of Terry King. It soon became a household staple in Coolum where readers could stay up to date on local events, community news, and social and government issues concerning local residents.
The Advertiser is a wholly independently owned newspaper that initially circulated to households between Peregian Beach and Pacific Paradise. In November 2016 under the ownership of publisher Kerry Brown and editor Richard Bruinsma, it was a natural progression to extend circulation into Bli Bli, leading to the current fortnightly distribution of 10,000 papers to homes and businesses across the region.
In May 2018, ownership of the Advertiser passed to publisher Michelle Box and soon after, local Coolum journalist Vanessa Bacon-Hall took the helm as editor. With a small but dedicated team that also includes graphic designer Katie Buckley and paginator Rodney Drew, the Advertiser continues to support local community news and promote local private enterprise.
The Advertiser is a tabloid-style publication (285mm x 405mm) published fortnightly and delivered to all houses and businesses, as well as bulk deliveries at strategic locations. There is something for everyone in the Advertiser with regular features, a free classifieds section selling household bargains, community notices, tide times, council and govt updates, local events, and loads of general local information.
The Advertiser can help you grow your business today – our friendly professional team will do everything from the ad schedule to the artwork or advertorial to make your advertising work for you, and offers digital collaboration to increase traffic via socials and other digital platforms.
Email Michelle today at michelle@coolumadvertiser.com.au or phone 0413 427 439 to discuss advertising packages.
Publisher Michelle Box took the reins of the Coolum Advertiser in June 2018, when a chance conversation opened the door to a new professional challenge. Having worked in administration and office management on the Sunshine Coast since 1992 for various local small businesses, and ready for a change in direction, taking over as owner of the Coolum Advertiser was an exciting chance to be part of a creative team that is wholly focused on the local community and its stories.
Michelle, who has always been a voracious reader of newspapers, jumped in boots first to work on raising the profile of the little local paper, and to expand its reach to new readers.
“I love to work with local business, non-profits, and educational facilities to promote their activities to our readers, and to showcase our beautiful region to visitors.”
When not working, Michelle loves to spend time with family and friends enjoying live music and great food.
Vanessa Hall grew up on the Sunshine Coast and has lived in Coolum for many years. Vanessa was a foundation student at the University of the Sunshine Coast in 1996 and she also completed post graduate study in journalism at the University of Queensland.
Vanessa has worked in many media roles over the years, and community news is where she has been working for most of her career. Vanessa is passionate about the local region and loves being able to tell the stories which make up this beautiful part of Australia.
“Coolum is a special place with so many great people and community groups here. I love getting to know the people here and being able to advocate for our region.”
When not writing Vanessa is likely with her beloved collie at the beach.
Julie is our dynamic Coolum Advertiser advertising sales rep, who relocated to the area from WA 4 years ago where she worked as an executive assistant, photographer, and Margaret River wine rep. Since being in the Coolum area, Julie along with her partner and children, love to make the most of the idyllic local Coolum and Northshore area, enjoying after school swims at the beach, nature walks, and sampling the vast array of dining options on offer.
A meeting with Advertiser publisher Michelle in November of 2022 to discuss photography opportunities for the publication, ended with Julie joining the team as a part-time advertising sales consultant. Julie is as passionate about your business as she is about ours, and she loves nothing better than hashing out a campaign to highlight your local business to your target audience – local readers! She’ll even take a team or business photo during your appointment to use in your advertising campaign to showcase your business to its best advantage.
Katie started with the Coolum Advertiser back in 2016, bringing over 20 years of graphic design and marketing experience. Between raising her children, and in recent years, welcoming two beautiful grandchildren, Katie has been winning print design awards since 2013 – most recently with the winning entry in the 2024 QCPA annual awards for Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement for the Coolum Advertiser. In 2025 against stiff competition from much larger publication houses, Katie placed second for Best Printed House Advertisement, and third for Best Locally Produced Print Advertisement for other independent publications.
”One thing I love about designing is I get to bring a client’s vision to life. Being able to collaborate and create a campaign which captures our readers is what I truly love to do.”