JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
The Vine Lab and Matchsticks Pty Ltd
Regarding the future of Moreton Daily
Moreton Daily Founder Shane Newcombe has announced the transition of the platform to Belinda Boyce, effective 1 January 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter for one of Queensland’s most trusted independent community news platforms.
The transition ensures Moreton Daily’s positive storytelling and community-first vision will continue under experienced guidance, with Belinda leading the platform through its next stage of evolution.
Launched in 2019 as part of a COVID-recovery initiative, Moreton Daily began as a Facebook page before expanding into a full digital news and lifestyle platform. Its inaugural campaign, Moreton Bay Tough, became a rallying call for residents to “back locals” and support businesses across the City of Moreton Bay.
Mr Newcombe said the platform has continued to grow from strength to strength, recently surpassing two million views in a 12-month period, a 100% increase on the previous year.
“Moreton Daily was built on the belief that every community has stories worth telling. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, from those early days supporting local businesses during COVID to becoming a trusted voice for our city,” Mr Newcombe said.
“Belinda has been there since day one, helping to shape the platform and its purpose. I’m confident she and the team will continue this mission, keeping Moreton Daily’s heart, community and positivity alive and strong.”
Belinda, who helped launch Moreton Daily in 2019 and has remained closely involved in its development, said she is honoured to continue Shane’s legacy.
“Shane’s vision, commitment and belief in the City of Moreton Bay created something truly special,” Ms Boyce said. “He built a platform that celebrates who we are as a community and gives locals a trusted place to share their stories.”
“His impact on Moreton Daily and the community it serves will continue to be acknowledged and respected, and we are committed to honouring that legacy as the platform evolves. It’s a privilege to continue his work and guide Moreton Daily into its next chapter.”
Moreton Daily will now sit within a broader group of media and marketing ventures, including Veri Health, Splice Marketing and Matchsticks Marketing Agency, co-owned with entrepreneur Ellie Bakker. The group will collaborate to strengthen storytelling, improve operational resourcing and expand opportunities for local businesses.
“This collaboration allows us to deliver high-quality content for readers while giving local businesses meaningful opportunities to share their stories and connect with their audiences,”Ms Boyce said.
What’s changing, and what’s not
Moreton Daily will continue to focus on the City of Moreton Bay, while broadening its content mix to reflect how locals live, work, study and play. This includes more lifestyle stories, community features, business news and relevant updates from surrounding areas when they directly impact the community.
In early 2026, the team will conduct an audience engagement survey to ensure future content reflects what locals value most.
As part of this next phase, The Redcliffe Peninsula magazine will evolve into the Moreton Daily Magazine, a quarterly print publication supported by an expanded digital edition.
The Moreton Daily Magazine will continue to focus on community, lifestyle and business storytelling, with broader distribution across the City of Moreton Bay, providing increased reach and visibility for local businesses and community organisations.
The magazine will complement Moreton Daily’s digital platform, offering advertisers an integrated print and digital opportunity to connect with engaged local audiences.
Community first, always
“What matters most is trust, community spirit and constructive storytelling,” Ms Boyce said. “We believe local media should be unbiased, free from clickbait and sensationalism, and focused on uplifting, positive and forward-thinking stories that bring people together. That commitment will not change.”
Ms Boyce also acknowledged the dedicated Moreton Daily team, past and present, including Kylie Knight and Nick Crockford, thanking them for their commitment to quality storytelling and their contribution to the platform’s growth. She said their hard work and passion will continue to be reflected in Moreton Daily’s future direction.
Some familiar team members, including Lyndsay Lawler, will continue in their roles to support continuity and uphold Moreton Daily’s founding values.
Businesses interested in advertising or partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact Lyndsay Lawler at advertising@moretondaily.com.au or 0448 551 069.
Moreton Daily will continue to offer a broad range of paid opportunities for businesses of all sizes, providing meaningful ways to build visibility and connect with local audiences. This includes digital advertising, sponsored content packages, directory listings, membership programs, strategic partnerships and, subject to the future of the publication, potential advertising within a quarterly magazine.
These options give businesses flexible and impactful ways to share their stories, promote their services, and engage with the community in ways that best support their goals.
Moreton Daily remains a trusted source for independent local news, lifestyle, business andcommunity stories across the City of Moreton Bay.
For more information, please contact:
Belinda Boyce
belinda@matchsticks.com.au
0411 543 356