The heart and soul of Queanbeyan and district since 1860, The Queanbeyan Age will be revitalised with a smarter, cleaner and more modern design that’s easy to read.

And it will be published on Tuesdays each week instead of Fridays.

The final paid edition of the newspaper will be published this week, on August 5.

The first free edition of the new-look Queanbeyan Age will be published on Tuesday August 16.

Each week’s edition of the new paper will made available at convenient locations around the city. These include Woolworths and Coles supermarkets in Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra, Chemworld in Karabar, BP service station on Lowe Street, Queanbeyan Papershop in Riverside Plaza and at several small supermarkets.

Fairfax Media’s Australian Community Media division announced in March that The Queanbeyan Age would be merged with the Queanbeyan edition of The Chronicle as part of the restructure of its ACT and NSW Southern Inland operations.

The merger of the popular mastheads will provide Queanbeyan readers and advertisers with a proudly local perspective on community news, sport, entertainment, issues and events.

The final Queanbeyan edition of The Chronicle will be published as usual next Tuesday, August 9.

ACT and NSW Southern Inland group managing editor John-Paul Moloney said the appearance and publication day of The Queanbeyan Age would change from August 16, but its commitment to covering council news and community events would not.

“Few newspapers can match The Queanbeyan Age for its length of service to the community and this proud tradition of showcasing Queanbeyan and keeping people connected will continue,” Mr Moloney said.

“This is an exciting evolution for a masthead with such a rich heritage.”

From August 16, The Queanbeyan Age will be produced with a new digital-first publishing system that will also enhance its website.

The site’s web address will become queanbeyanagechronicle.com.au to reflect the merger of the two community titles.

As part of the changes The Queanbeyan Age's shopfront office in Monaro Street will close on Friday, August 5.

From next week, editorial and advertising staff will use The Canberra Times building in Fyshwick as their base.

Group Sales Manager Maree Neale said the introduction of new technology for journalists and sales staff would allow them to be more mobile to meet the needs of audiences and advertisers.

“The way we work is changing so we can meet the changing needs of advertisers who want to connect with our valuable local audiences,” Ms Neale said.

The Queanbeyan Age will continue to publish classified advertisements, including births, deaths and marriages.

To place an ad in the classifieds, simply telephone 6280 2154 or email classifieds@canberratimes.com.au or you can visit The Canberra Times offices at 9 Pirie Street Fyshwick.

The new-look paper will also carry a comprehensive trades and services directory, which has been a popular feature of The Chronicle for many years.

To advertise your business in the trades and services, telephone 6280 2314 or email robert.hossack@fairfaxmedia.com.au

From next week all display advertising enquiries can be made to Maria Sciacca by phoning 6280 2179 or emailing maria.sciacca@fairfaxmedia.com.au

For editorial inquiries contact journalist Kimberley Le Lievre on 6280 2211 or email editor.queanbeyanage@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

The Queanbeyan Age welcomes Letters to the editor, which can be emailed to editor.queanbeyanage@fairfaxmedia.com.au