For 150 years, The Buloke Times has been a cornerstone of community news in Donald, a small town of 1,500 in regional Victoria. Throughout its storied history, the newspaper has been run by the Letts family, a testament to their dedication and resilience in the ever-evolving world of journalism.
At the age of 95, editor Robin Letts stands as a living embodiment of this legacy, 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 with The Buloke Times. “That’s just amazing.”
Running a bi-weekly newspaper is no small feat. “It’s seven days a week,” Robin Letts remarked, reflecting on his busy schedule of deciding on content, proofreading, and occasionally writing editorials. Yet, he acknowledges the challenges of aging. “I no longer can read the numbers on the backs of players,” he admitted, a hurdle for a sports reporter.
A Family Legacy in Newsprint
The roots of The Buloke Times trace back to 1875 when it was founded as The Donald Times by Godfrey Morgan, an enterprising young man who arrived in Australia with a letter of introduction from Charles Dickens. “He was Dad’s grandfather, so that would make him my great-grandfather and David’s great-great-grandfather,” Robin Letts explained.
Over the decades, the Letts family has been integral to the paper’s operations. Robin’s son, David Letts, serves as the general manager, a title that scarcely covers his myriad roles, from principal printer to paper boy. On publication days, David delivers the freshly printed newspaper to nearby towns, showcasing the versatility required in small newspaper operations.
Decades at the Desk
Family involvement has been crucial to the newspaper’s survival, with newsprint running deep in their veins. In 1922, G.W.L. “Goff” Letts, Robin’s father, became editor, a position he held until his death in 1987. “He wrote his final editorial just before he died in hospital,” Robin recalled.
Working alongside both his father and grandfather was a unique experience for David Letts. “It was a lot of fun to have the three of us here,” he said, noting the years of editorial leadership shared by his father and grandfather.
Robin Letts’s career began in 1947 at the age of 17, initially focusing on sports reporting. “With a pen in his hand he was a giant,” said former employee Brian Bayles, who spent 59 years at the newspaper. “He runs circles around us,” Ms. McQuilty added, marveling at Robin’s energy and dedication.
Turning the Page After 150 Years
This week, The Buloke Times celebrated its 150th anniversary with a commemorative edition and a staff celebration. The Letts family’s unbroken century-and-a-half proprietorship now surpasses that of the Fairfax family, who lost ownership of the Sydney Morning Herald in 1990.
However, this milestone year marks a turning point. David Letts plans to retire, and no family members are poised to continue the legacy. “They’ve all got their own careers,” he said. Meanwhile, Robin Letts will remain as editor, with discussions underway about the paper’s future leadership.
Despite his modesty, Robin acknowledges the role of his team in the paper’s success. “It wouldn’t be without the people I’ve got now,” he said. As The Buloke Times looks to the future, its legacy of family dedication and community service remains a beacon of local journalism.
