Courier celebrates 135th year in the community

By Gabriel Garcia

Sep 11, 2023

Going strong: Cobram Courier's Tyson Williams, Karyn Spataro and Gabriel Garcia. Photo by Contributed

The year 1888 was notable for many reasons, a gramophone record was played for the first time, Jack the Ripper terrorised the streets of foggy London, and the Cobram Courier published its first edition.

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On Tuesday, September 12, your weekly newspaper turned 135.

The first Courier was printed the same year that the railway arrived in Cobram.

The paper’s first edition was a mere four pages, including advertisements, and cost 3 pence (2 cents in today’s currency).

The paper wasn’t even named the Cobram Courier. It was known as The Cobram Courier and Yarroweyah, Strathmerton, Katamatite, Burramine and Berrigan News.

Among the news in the first edition were updates on the Nurmurkah Shire Council (which now makes up part of Moira Shire Council), a Praise Your Wife section, along with a column on the sixth annual Yarrawonga Agricultural Society show.

In a stark sign of how times have changed, advertisements from the original paper included one for Levings Bros Undertakers, complete with a small printed image of a horse and cart hearse.

Levings Bros Undertakers no longer exists, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who can remember a horse and cart going down Punt Rd on a regular basis.

Fast forward to 2023, and the Courier is still going strong.

The Courier has branched from traditional printed sheets to become a digital-first paper in which the stories first appear online via the paper’s website or social media.

The current staff make-up comprises Simon Ruppert as Editor, Gabriel Garcia as the primary reporter, Karyn Spataro as receptionist and administrator and Tyson Williams as advertisement representative.

Mr Garcia, who took over the reporting position in October 2022, said that he believed local newspapers such as the Courier provide a crucial service to the community.

“Despite the digital age being a long way from 1888, the Courier has managed to remain relevant through its ability to adapt while ensuring that key tenants of journalism, truth, integrity and accuracy, remain as strong as ever,” he said.

“I hope to continue the great job that was started so many years ago.”

Mr Ruppert has been the editor for several years and couldn’t be prouder.

“It’s amazing that we have been a part of Cobram life for 135 years,” Mr Ruppert said.

“I hope that we can continue our mission to serve the community for many years to come.”