A long-running magazine that has helped promote local business and foster economic growth on the Sunshine Coast is set to publish its final edition.
Matters Magazine, previously known as Business Matters Magazine, has announced its October issue will be its last.
After 17 years, the decision to bid farewell was made with a heavy heart by the founder and editor-in-chief of the magazine, Vickie Magic, to focus on her health and wellbeing.
Ms Magic has been struggling with the effects of long COVID for about 15 months and she said it was the right decision to close the magazine, although she was open to hearing from anyone who may wish to take over the reins.
Matters Magazine has been a source of business information, education and inspiration, including success stories for entrepreneurs, innovators and enterprises from around the region.
“Over the years, we have had the privilege of sharing so many remarkable stories from the local business community and we have had an absolute ball doing it too,” said Ms Magic, who has owned the magazine for the past 13 years.
“The team at Matters Magazine, including my husband Dranko, who everyone knows from the many events and his personal distribution of the magazines across the Coast, would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Sunshine Coast community for being an integral part of this extraordinary journey.
“The magazine would not have achieved such success without the support and encouragement from its readers, advertisers, contributors and well-wishers.
“However, it is now essential that we step back and that I focus on my own personal wellbeing.
“We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support from our readers, contributors and advertisers throughout this incredible journey.”
Ms Magic’s role in the local business community has led her to be recognised with business awards including Outstanding Business Person of the Year for the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce in 2011, and Winner of Business of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Small Business Awards 2013.
She has also contributed to the community as president of the Sunshine Coast Business Women’s Network from 2014 to 2018, and to create and run three annual Inspire Youth Forums.
The farewell issue of Matters Magazine which will hit the streets on October 1.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
