When you understand the history and vision of its founder, Bernadette Torresan, it’s no surprise the full-colour, coffee-table lifestyle magazine, GO Local Albury Wodonga has grown from strength to strength, employing a team of highly skilled creatives in the region.
The magazine was born of a desire to showcase regional produce, artists and businesses and inspire readers with the stories of local residents who have overcome adversity.
“In 2015 everything went wrong – I was divorced, broke and heart-broken. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, so I went from my job of 10 years as a Sales Manager at Myer to my vision to change print media.”
“My publication offers people a chance to escape from the craziness of everyday life. Enjoy escapism is our motto,” Bernadette said.
She offers you a chance to escape through her particular writing style and layout design.
Bernadette had done it all before. As a journalist, in her early 20’s she launched a magazine for a printing company in her then home town of Griffith.
“I created the concept for GO, then ‘Griffiths’ Own’; I sold it (advertising) and managed it. This publication was ahead of its time and was the first regional lifestyle magazine to be published. As well as the Griffith connection, the name encapsulates my ideal, meaning ‘go for it’…be the best you can be. I want to celebrate everyone who is really having a go.”
The story in the current edition about Felicity Cahill’s sons’ and husband’s significant health issues and how she found the motivation to launch a skincare range is an example of such a celebration. It also includes details of four regional glamping experiences, recipes, art and more inspiring stories.
The Volume Four front cover recently won Silver for photographer Jason Robins, in the Wedding and Portrait Photographers’ International Awards in Las Vegas.
Demand for the magazine has grown since it first hit the news stands in spring 2016 and next month it will be relaunched as a bi-annual publication with the new national magazine on its way.
“I want to keep the regional focus. The original idea was to promote us as a region and now we’ll be able to do that for other regions too,” Bernadette said.
78% of GO Local readers are female and 48% of all readers are aged between 40 and 60 and 39% between 26 and 40 years old.
You can follow Go Local Albury Wodonga on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.