The historic ‘Free Press’ newspaper name has been discontinued after 152 years by its publishers, the North Central Review group controlled by publisher Celina Mott.

The Free Press had a print circulation of just 1000 copies in the Romsey and Lancefield areas in the Macedon Ranges Shire. The newspaper was once Kilmore’s major weekly newspaper.

Its operations became turbulent when then-proprietors, the Smith family, split, with son Bruce starting the North Central Review free newspaper, supported by established publishers, Bob Yeates of East Gippsland, and Walter Mott on Wallan-Whittlesea.

The Mott family, who have been involved in newspaper publishing for five generations, continue in 2022 as sole proprietors. The announcement of the name being discontinued was made in the final issue for 2021. It partly blamed lack of advertising support.

The North Central Review continues to distribute some free copies in the Romsey-Lancefield area, and will have an online presence.