August 30, 2001

Non Executive Directors

Rural Press Limited today announced the retirement of Mr BJ Taplin as a Director from September 30, 2001 and the appointment of Mr PA Roach from October 18, 2001.

The Chairman, Mr JB Fairfax, said Mr Taplin had made a valuable contribution to the Board of Rural Press since his appointment in 1989. He had been Chairman of the Audit Committee and up until recently had been a Director of The Examiner Newspaper Pty Limited, in which the Company has a 60% interest.

Mr Fairfax said Mr Peter Roach is the Chief Executive Officer of Cambooya Pty Limited, a position he took up in June last year. He has served in various accounting positions and was a Partner of Crispin & Jeffery, Chartered Accountants from 1993 to 1999. He was a Member of the Tax Agents Liaison Committee (Chatswood Branch) from 1988 to 1994.

Mr Fairfax said he was looking forward to Mr Roach's contribution to the activities of Rural Press Limited.

For further information contact Mr Barry Stofberg, Company Secretary on (02) 4570 4444.