For 150 years, The Buloke Times has been a staple in the small town of Donald, Victoria, with a population of just 1,500. This remarkable longevity is largely due to the dedication of a single family that has run the newspaper throughout its entire history. At the age of 95, Robin Letts continues to serve as the editor, having been at the helm for more than half of the newspaper’s existence.
“Robin has been here 76 years,” said Quill McQuilty, a journalist at The Buloke Times. “That’s half, over half [the newspaper’s history] that he’s been involved in this paper. That’s just amazing.”
Running a bi-weekly newspaper is no small feat, requiring a seven-day workweek. Robin Letts is deeply involved in the process, from deciding on content to proofreading and occasionally writing editorials. However, he admits that age is catching up with him. “I no longer can read the numbers on the backs of players, which is pretty hard when you’re trying to identify them and write a footy report,” he said.
A Family Legacy in Newsprint
The history of The Buloke Times is intertwined with the Letts family. The newspaper began as The Donald Times in 1875, founded by Godfrey Morgan, who moved to Australia with a letter of introduction from Charles Dickens to report on the gold rush.
“He [Godfrey Morgan] was Dad’s grandfather, so that would make him my great-grandfather and David’s great-great-grandfather,” Robin Letts explained. Robin’s son, David Letts, serves as the general manager, but his responsibilities extend far beyond that title. He is also the principal printer, typesetter, photographer, and journalist. On publication days, he even delivers the freshly printed newspapers to nearby towns.
For the staff at The Buloke Times, versatility is key. “Anyone could be called to grab a camera and go out and take a photo or do a couple of paragraphs or hunt someone down to identify a photograph,” David Letts said.
Decades at the Desk
Family involvement has been crucial to the newspaper’s survival, with newsprint running deep in their DNA. In 1922, G.W.L. “Goff” Letts, Robin’s father, was appointed as editor. He served until his death in 1987, writing his final editorial from his hospital bed.
“It was a lot of fun to have the three of us here,” David Letts recalled, speaking of working alongside his father and grandfather. “It chalked up a lot of years as editor between the two of them.”
Robin Letts began his newspaper career in 1947 at the age of 17. Initially focused on sports reporting, he quickly expanded his coverage to include all essential topics of a local newspaper. “With a pen in his hand he was a giant,” said former employee Brian Bayles, who spent 59 years at the newspaper.
Brian Bayles, now 81 and retired, remarked, “Mind you I don’t think he has ever lifted the bonnet of a car and wouldn’t have the faintest idea of how to change a tyre, but put a pen in his hand and he was very much above average.”
Robin Letts’s passion and commitment continue to inspire. “He runs circles around us. It’s just amazing at his age to still be so driven and dedicated to his job,” colleague Ms. McQuilty said.
Turning the Page After 150 Years
This week, the newspaper celebrated its 150th anniversary with a special commemorative edition and a birthday cake for its staff. The Letts family’s 150 years of continuous ownership now surpasses that of the Fairfax family, who owned the Sydney Herald until 1990.
However, this milestone year also marks the end of the Letts family’s proprietorship. David Letts plans to retire, and no family members are eager to take over. “They’ve all got their own careers and everything else,” he said.
Robin Letts will continue as editor, with discussions ongoing about the newspaper’s future leadership. “His father kept going until the end and I think Robin will just keep going,” David Letts said. “It’s great for him because it keeps his mind active.”
Despite his modesty, Robin Letts acknowledges the importance of his team. “It wouldn’t be without the people I’ve got now,” he said. “And ones that we’ve had through the years. Absolutely wonderful people.”
As The Buloke Times looks to the future, the legacy of the Letts family remains a testament to dedication and resilience in the ever-evolving world of journalism.
