Henry Laurie and William Fairfax established the Warrnambool Standard in 1872. Fairfax was a nephew of William Fairfax, who was involved with the Sydney Morning Herald, which later grew into the Fairfax Company. Fairfax now also David Syme, published of The Age.

The Standard was originally published twice a week, then three times a week, but has been daily newspaper since January 1, 1884. The Standard's average daily circulation averages almost 14,000 weekdays and 18,500 Saturday, with a readership of more than 39,000 people. The circulation area is bounded by Portland, Hamilton, Colac and Port Campbell. Nowadays, The Standard is an integral part of a growing district, keeping thousands up to date with what is happening in the region, the state, the nation and the world.

The newspapers use the latest equipment and techniques to publish each day and also to publish quality magazines including Great Southern Tourist News and Business News. Warrnambool is Victoria's fifth largest provincial city and has a population of about 28,500 and is popular tourist destination, located on the coast 263km west of Melbourne where the Princess Highway meets the Great Ocean Road. Situated in the centre of the fascinating Shipwreck coast, which extends from Cape Otway through the Port Campbell National Park to the historic township of Port Fairy.

Warrnambool is the ideal base for visiting wildlife reserves, forests, farms, waterfalls and one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the world. Warrnambool's beaches are equal to Australia's finest - clean and invigorating. There's plenty of scope for swimming, surfing, yachting and fishing. Beachcombers delight in collecting shells, driftwood, cuttlefish and the occasional seahorse. You can visit the fairy penguins at low tide.

Places to see include Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum, the Historic Shipwreck Coast trail, the wreck of the Loch Ard Peacock, gorges, arches and blowholes, shipwrecks and abundant birdlife and wildlife. Warrnambool also has a comprehensive regional commercial and retail centre, tourism, regional administration, education and health services, dairying, grazing, potato and onion growing, textiles and clothing and dairy processing.

Website: www.standard.net.au