“The Times” newspaper printed in Donald will turn 150 near the end of this month. While time and space prevent us from going into too much detail, we must at least pay tribute to the founder of the publication, the late Godfrey Morgan, pictured here all those years ago with members of the staff and young family members.

In succeeding years, for reasons of necessity, the newspaper has progressed from being the “Donald Times” to the “Donald Birchip Times” and now the “Buloke Times“.

“Past and Present“, a 113-page publication by the “Donald Times” in June, 1926, contained an historical record of the Donald and district from 1845 to 1925. Included is a detailed history of the “Donald Times” in its first 50 years, beginning with the arrival in Australia of Godfrey Morgan, at the age of about 16 years.

First obtaining a position with the Melbourne “Argus“, he later became associated, in turn, with the Maryborough “Advertiser“, the Moonabel “Pioneer“, and the “Landsborough Times“.

From there, with his wife and family, he found his way to Donald, where, in a small premises at the northern end of the main street, the first edition of the “Donald Times” was printed on July 29, 1875.

For 49 years, the business was conducted by the Morgan family. In 1922, it was sold to its new editor Godfrey (Goff) Letts and foreman Charles E. Chessels, both of whom were at that time members of the “Times” office staff.

Born at Kalgoorlie, Mr Letts was a grandson of the founder of the newspaper, while Mr. Chessels was a native of Shepparton, where he learned his trade as printer and press operator.

At the time of his death, in 1987, at the age of 89, Goff Letts had served 66 years as editor of the “Times“, after having begun his career as a journalist with the “Kalgoorlie Miner” newspaper.

Currently the “Times” staff includes two more members of the Godfrey Morgan newspaper dynasty, great-grandson Robin Letts and great-great-grandson David Letts.

Recently retiring after a highly-valued lifetime career with the “Times” are Donald residents Brian Bayles and Shane O’Shea, while further along the Sunraysia Highway, Simone Christie has followed in the footsteps of her cousin, the late Janet Lee, as indispensable manager of the Birchip office.

With country newspapers being largely dependent upon members of surrounding communities for reports of local events, the “Times” is also most appreciative of the writing and photographic skills of Jenny Pollard of Teddywaddy West, as well as the co-operation of many other contributors.

The “Times” management expresses its heartfelt thanks to all who have been associated with the progress of its bi-weekly publication since 1875.

As today’s issue goes to press, those directly involved in making it possible in most recent times include staff members Patsy Dunstan, Candece Jay, Carmen Bath, Quill McQuilty, Alyssa Walker, Daniel Puentes and racing writer Peter Hibberd.

Which brings us back to the man whose vision made it all possible – the late Godfrey Morgan. No recollections would be complete without references to two of his other great grandsons Ewan Letts and the late Godfrey (Goff) Letts Jnr., whose brilliantly-written editorials featured regularly in the “Times” until this year.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 8 July 2025.