TODAY marks the 129th anniversary of the first edition of The South Eastern Times.
An accurate and permanent record of the news and views of Millicent and district has been produced each week ever since shopkeeper Roland Campbell put out the first edition using an old press on July 11, 1891.
The remarkable feat of longevity is tribute to the newspaper’s owners and staff together with the many loyal readers, advertisers and contributors.
A display featuring the first edition of The South Eastern Times and a photographic portrait of Roland Campbell is a permanent fixture at the Millicent National Trust Living Museum.
His brother Donald Campbell ran the paper from 1896-1905.
Over the past 129 years, hundreds of staff have been employed in journalism, sales, administration and printing as 11,146 editions have been published.
Originally known as the Millicent Times, i t was based in George Street near the Somerset Hotel until it moved to the current purpose-built premises in Davenport Street in 1963.
During its entire history, the owners of The South Eastern Times have been South East residents.
For the past 14 years, it has been part of the family-owned Scott Group of Companies.
The South Eastern Times is printed on printing presses in Mount Gambier which also print The Penola Pennant and The Border Watch.
Sister company Millicent Print offers a wide range of commercial printing products.
The South Eastern Times is highly regarded by its peers having won the Country Press Association of South Australia award in its section in five of the past eight years.
