When we announced last week that the iconic Mudgee Guardian building was going on sale, a large percentage of comments on social media - that I observed at least - were people worried about the heritage status of the Perry Street site and what it might mean for its future owners.
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The Mudgee Guardian building is indeed on the heritage register, because of course this building has played a big role in the history of the town and will continue to indefinitely into the future.
We will still remain in the Mudgee region and will always be focused on the community.
But things change. When I was looking through a collection of old photographs of the building, it was surprising to see that the building had changed in ways you wouldn't expect. One in particular was the windows at the front. In the beginning, they were big, beautiful and shop window-style. In fact that's what they are now.
But some time around the 1960s-70s you can see that they were changed for a time. Imagine windows that are set higher and further off the ground. Small and set high enough you'd maybe have to stand on your toes to see in. It looked terrible in my opinion. But at the time, someone thought it was a great idea.
Read more in opinion: Let the residents of Mudgee own the Theatre
That isn't to say whoever buys it will do any such thing. Working within the confines of the heritage restrictions, you can do whatever you like. This building I'm sitting in right as I'm writing this has so much potential and is situated in an amazing spot in the Mudgee CBD.
We've been lucky to work here for the time that we have and we will remain in the town, in a modern, purpose-built office.
That answers another question many have had, 'does this mean you're closing down?'.
The answer is definitely not. In fact it's the opposite.
Read more in opinion: After a bad couple of weeks, this too shall pass
The Mudgee Guardian has never stopped growing and adjusting to the media world and where other companies have closed down, we're still here. We still produce a print newspaper for the people that enjoy that, and we have one of the biggest social media presences in the Central West.
Whatever comes next will be part of that growth and expansion into the future.
But most importantly, we will still remain in the Mudgee region and will always be focused on the community. That's what has kept us around as long as we have and, with your support, that's what will help us stick around well into the future.
What do you think?
