Former editor Rhonda Turner took control of the Advocate in the mid-1990s and spent the next eight years at the helm.

She resigned in 2002 after being diagnosed with life threatening brain tumours aged just 53, but came back to work on a temporary basis for another two years.

Nicole Pratley, who held the position of manager at the newspaper from 2000 up until the start of this year, said Ms Turner had a larger-than-life personality.

“She had a great sense of humour,” Ms Pratley said.

“Over my 16 years at the Advocate, she was certainly a big part of my life. She was like a mentor to me.

“I was there the day she got the call [saying she was sick]; it was really tough.

“She will be missed by the community; everyone who knew her knew that she didn’t take any rubbish.

“Rhonda may not have worked with the Advocate the whole time, but she was always very much a part of it.”

Upper Hunter editor Rod Thompson also paid his respects.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t know Rhonda but, from what I’ve heard, she was well-respected within the community,” she said.

“And, she had a terrific sense of humour, which is something I’d appreciate.

“My condolences go out to her family and friends.

“It is always sad to lose someone from the media ‘family’.”