Star News Group was founded by Albert Edward Thomas in 1909 as the Berwick Shire News and Pakenham and Cranbourne Gazette. Star News Group is still owned by the Thomas family and the company is managed by Paul Thomas, a fourth generation family member. The company changed its name to Star News Group on 1 August 2005 to reflect the growth of the company and the diversity of regions that the company covers. There are over 170 people employed directly by Star News Group and another 60 employed by the associated companies.