Charlotte Varcoe
AS history month kicks off this week, it provides a good time to sit back, reflect and look at long-lasting moments across the region.
The Border Watch recently celebrated its 162nd birthday providing a long-lasting and rich journalism history continuing to hold its title as the oldest country newspaper in the state.
Throughout the years, newspapers have kept a record of important events and provided information for the community while maintaining a quality standard.
It was on April 26 1861 when The Border Watch first hit the stands of those in Mount Gambier/Berrin and its surrounds.
Owned, managed and edited by Janet Laurie who moved from Portland with her two sons Andrew and James, the newspaper was soon born.
Ms Laurie travelled by bullock train from Portland to Mount Gambier/Berrin carrying Columbian Press and handset type cases.
In 1863 Ms Laurie approached John Watson who was teaching at Naracoorte at the time, approaching him to partner with her in the newspaper business.
After Ms Laurie returned to Blackwater, her son Andrew and Mr Watson became the owners of the newspaper.
Mr Watson was the editor for 62 years until his death at 91 in 1925.
He was also the first Mount Gambier/Berrin Mayor in 1876 and served a second term in 1900.
It was not until 1925 when Mr Watson’s son John R Watson took over as editor and held it until 1941.
From there, Mr Laurie’s son Clarrie took over as editor in 1941 and held the position until Stewart Kieselback was appointed in 1955.
The Border Watch purchased The South Eastern Times in 2006 and The Penola Pennant in 1978.
It was not until 1999 when Allen Scott took over as sole owner of The Border Watch which remained in the Scott’s Group of Companies until 2020.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Border Watch announced its closure much to the dismay of staff and locals alike.
On August 20, 2020 what was expected to be the final edition of the historical newspaper hit the stands and the following day, staff walked out of the iconic building for the final time.
It was not until October 16, 2020 where The Border Watch came back and has been standing firm ever since.
Since reopening, The Border Watch has resumed its Friday editions, bringing back both The South Eastern Times and The Penola Pennant while also introducing a Tuesday edition.
More recently, The Naracoorte Herald and The Border Chronicle came under The Border Watch banner with regional editor Elisabeth Champion welcoming the newest editions.
