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A Lifetime of Achievements Awarded

by Buloke Times

Published March 19, 2026

Some of rural and regional Victoria’s finest editors, photographers and journalists will be recognised at the Rural Press Club of Victoria’s diamond anniversary celebrations later this month, and Donald’s own Robin Letts is one of them.

From an overwhelming number of nominations, Robin was selected as one of nineteen media veterans who will be recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award as the Press club celebrates its 60th anniversary at an event in Melbourne on March 27.

The cohort of current and retired media professionals from across the state will be applauded for their dedication and service to regional journalism and their communities over many years.

Robin’s Achievements
Robin Letts joined the “Buloke Times” staff in 1947 and has served as the newspaper’s Editor and Publisher since 1987. Across more than seven decades – over half of the paper’s lifespan of 150 years – he has been a constant and influential presence in local journalism.

In addition to his work with the “Times”, Robin was the Publicity Officer for the North-Central Football League for over 30 years and has covered local sport throughout his entire career. Remarkably, he continues this commitment to the present day, contributing weekly cricket summaries.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports media, Robin received the V.C.F.L.’s inaugural Media Award in 1982 for his newspaper, television, and radio coverage of country football. He also holds the V.C.F.L. Recognition of Service Medallion. In 2003, Robin was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to the Donald community through his involvement with numerous service and sporting groups, as well as his dedication to the publication of the local newspaper.

Although officially retired, Robin continues to serve as Editor in a voluntary capacity, generously contributing his skills, experience, and institutional knowledge.

Robin’s lifetime of service to the “Buloke Times” and the wider community is truly exceptional and worthy of formal recognition. Journalism and community service are central to Robin’s family legacy. His father, the late G.W. (Goff) Letts – Editor of the “Times” for 66 years – as awarded the MBE in 1974 for his service to journalism and the community.

A notoriously humble man, Robin credits his accomplishments to the many staff
supporting him over the years.
“Also, my father, Goff, and brothers Ewan and Goff, were invaluable to the editorial team,” Robin said. “Their contributions and support for so many years were paramount to the success of the newspaper.”

Other Recipients
The RPCV has now revealled the full list of recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards, which will be officially presented at an afternoon tea in Toorak hosted by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria.

It is interesting to note that award recipients also include Allan Murphy, who was originally from Donald, and Tim Lee from Landline, who visited the “Buloke Times” last year during its 150th anniversary celebrations.

In alphabetical order: Lachlan Bence (“Ballarat Courier”), Greg Best (“Warrnambool Standard”), Yvette Brand (“Warragul & Drouin Gazette”), David Brehaut (“Ballarat Courier”), Brian Clancy (“The Weekly Times”), Peter Collins (“The Warrnambool Standard”), Mark DeBono (ABC Gippsland), Nicole Ferrie (“Bendigo Advertiser”), Peter Fletcher (“The Warrnambool Standard”), Annette Gregson (McPherson Media), Howard Jones (“The Border Mail”), Tim Lee (ABC Landline), Robin Letts (“Buloke Times”), Allan Murphy (“Sunraysia Daily”), Andrew Thomson (“The Warrnambool Standard”), Carolyn Turner (“Warragul & Drouin Gazette”), Sue Wallace (“The Border Mail”), Alison Wynd (“Geelong Advertiser”), and Pamela Zierk-Mahoney (“North East Media”).

“These people have made a significant and lasting impact on our industry and their communities and it’s a privilege to be able to honour them in this way,” RPCV president Kellie Lazzaro said.

The event, on Friday March 27, at the Country Women’s Association headquarters at 3 Lansell road, Toorak, will include a formal presentation ceremony and afternoon tea with light refreshments. Although Robin Letts is unable to attend the event following a fall, his son David will accept the award on his behalf.