By FORMER EDITOR PETER SIMCOCK
Ten years ago when I wrote some words for the Journal’s 140th anniversary I commented that it was easy to wallow in nostalgia, to think that things were better “then”.
It wasn’t the case in 2005 and it’s not true now.
Better, but different. Things certainly are different in 2015, rarely would there have been a decade that encompassed more change in the paper’s fortunes.
Now with new owners and having returned to its traditional format, the Journal has emerged stronger, as vibrant as ever and as committed to its values and community.
I no longer work in the newspaper industry but rarely is there a day that I don’t think of the Journal or of the more than 30 years I spent with former owners Fairfax Community Newspapers.
The many friends I made both from within the Journal and from the wider Dandenong community are a constant reminder of the struggles, laughs and times we spent together.
Anniversaries are times to both look forward and back.
Ten years ago Marg Stork wrote that “I have watched the Journal grow from small beginnings… I hope it never loses its true role, that of a community newspaper.”
Marg reported for the Journal for more than 70 years and with her death in 2014 the community lost a unique asset. I doubt her type will be seen again.
Marg was one “out of the box” but the Journal has long attracted characters and people with an ability to serve the community above and beyond.
Two that spring to mind are former owner Greg Dickson, whom I only knew late in his life, and editor for more than 30 years John Woods with whom I worked.
John, now retired, is still very active and has a keen interest in the Journal and local papers.
Then there are the characters.
Sub editors Peter ‘Deafy’ Stewart, and Jim Bruce, photographers Barry Palmer and Stuart Penberthy, reporters Adam Hankin, Lynne Harper and Phil McLeod, advertising staff Jim Conway, Kristina Leckenby and Georgie McLeod and production workers Allan Clarke, John Handley and John Russell.
All contributed to the mix that was the Journal.
What will the next 10 years bring? There will be more change, new people and fresh ideas.
But I am sure the Journal will still be there, reporting on the events and people of Dandenong and the south east suburbs.
Congratulations to the Journal and its staff on this significant anniversary. May there be many more of them.
