Quill, The Buloke Times
Featuring in local news this month has been the 150th anniversary of this very publication – the “Buloke Times”; however, this remarkable milestone is destined for more than its local audience, and will gain national attention in the very near future.
Amidst the 150th celebrations has been a special visit from ABC Landline journalists, Tim Lee and Andrew Alltree-Williams, covering the history of our humble paper from its first edition as the “Donald Times” on July 29, 1875, right up to its current bi-weekly publication as the “Buloke Times”.
It seems Tim Lee found this to be a story of national interest, not only the long history, but the generational aspect of one family’s committment and dedication to bringing its community a local and relevant newspaper over such an extensive period.
From its first edition in 1875, the paper had operated under the ownership of the Morgan and Letts families, handed down the generations from Godfrey Morgan, to Goff Letts, then Robin Letts (current editor), and now David Letts, the current director, in charge of printing and distribution (and keeping the rest of us in line).
Of particular interest to the visitors from “Landline” was Robin Letts’s contribution, an incredible 76 years – more than half of the paper’s lifespan – since he began in his early days as a football reporter in 1947. He then stepped into the role of editor, following his father, Goff’s death in 1987 and there he remains to this day. Quite incredible for a gentleman of such advanced years.
Tim and Andrew thought so too, and they set about capturing footage of Robin in his natural environment in the hopes of reporting his remarkable journey to the rest of the country. Now, this sounds a simple enough task, but anyone who knows Robin Letts will know of his aversion to being photographed or filmed. In fact, all of the “Buloke Times” staff are far more accustomed to looking through the viewfinder, rather than staring down the lens of a camera. Landline journalists (and editors) had a very tough job indeed. Understanding the importance of the story itself and hoping to shine a light on the “Buloke Times” and its history, staff were “good sports” and did their best to be accommodating of their guests, despite their nervousness.
The afternoon of their arrival, the visiting pair followed Jenny Pollard and me to capture footage of us “on the job” at BCG’s Ag Tech Expo held at Charlton Park. The following day (Thursday), they got amidst the action of print day where it was “all hands on deck” to bring out Friday’s edition, from editing and layout, to folding and distribution. Long term staff member Brian Bayles was also very happy to be called back in from retirement to take them on a journey back in time, explaining the old equipment used in publishing the paper prior to the invention of computers and modern tech.
Andrew and Tim didn’t stick to the “Times” office though, they went to see the big kookaburra and of course had a chat with John McConville.
Later that afternoon David was followed out on his delivery run to Corack then Wycheproof, capturing drone footage to convey the vast distances travelled to bring the community its news.
On Friday, they stopped into the Donald and District Archives which has bound copies of the “Times” right back to 1882, neatly organised and proudly displayed. This visit was of importance in relaying the history captured in the pages of this local paper for a century-and-a-half, proudly displayed and rightly so. Considering the day after print day is relatively quiet, this was the opportunity Tim and Andrew needed to interview Robin and David Letts, and succeeded after much cajoling; this, you will have to wait to air on television to see for yourself.
So last Friday, July 18’s edition of the “Buloke Times” was all brought out under the scrutiny of ABC journalists. Not uncomfortable at all! To be fair, Tim and Andrew are both very nice people, genuine and easy to get along with. Andrew’s asset as a cameraman is an engaging personality which immediately puts you at ease (and then he shoves a camera in your face). He thoroughly enjoyed the energy in the office on print day, helping him reflect on the days he worked in a country newsroom.
Tim Lee sets his subjects up for success, as he says, “If you look good, we look good” and I, for one, will cling to that ideal and pray they can work miracles.
Tim’s interest was in the importance of rural news outlets such as our very own “Buloke Times” and the sustained impact over the past century-and-a-half.
“The local paper is really the heartbeat of the community,” he said. “It’s entertaining, informative, locally relevant and an historical resource.”
“And this one family’s devotion to the journalism through the generations is remarkable,” he added. “It’s a really special story.”
We think so too, and in addition to celebrations within the pages of the “Buloke Times”, we hope readers will tune in to ABC Landline, and continue to enjoy the coverage of this significant milestone in the region’s history. Many thanks to Tim Lee and Andrew Alltree-Williams for your interest, time and patience in telling this story. And many thanks to the community itself, for continued readership, contributions and involvement which make our paper as about as local as it can get; it’s the community’s continued support that keeps it going.
See all the pictures in the issue
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 25 July 2025.
