The first official issue of Sunraysia Daily was published on Saturday, October 16, 1920 — a 16-page broadsheet newspaper — which followed four trial issues on October 2, 5, 7 and 9, 1920.
The newspaper incorporated The Cultivator, The Mildura Telegraph and the Merbein Irrigationist, which were bought out by the visionary Clement John DeGaris.
That first edition admitted it had many shortcomings, “but none remediable and none (it may be promised) that will not be remedied, if humanly possible, within the next few weeks”.
C. J. DeGaris, who described the paper he wanted for Mildura as a first-class paper for first-class people, is perhaps more famous as organising the competition which eventually came up with the “Sunraysia” title to describe the district.
The main front page story 100 years ago was an interview with a Dr W. J. Cameron, who relinquished his position as Shire of Mildura health officer after 17 years in the post.
Dr Cameron told Sunraysia Daily the greatest issue facing Mildura was the need for a thorough sewerage system.
He also urged residents to clean up their own backyards.
“This carelessness on the part of the municipality and the households was a menace to the public health and should be remedied,” Dr Cameron said.
He was also appalled by the stench caused by the keeping of too many chooks in too small a backyard.
The newspaper included other sections covering “Products and Prices”, “Sports and Athletics”, “Sunraysia Day by Day”, “Religious Life in Sunraysia” and “Women’s Art and Interests”.
Among other news items in the first edition included:
A GATHERING at the Mildura Club where women were allowed entrance to see where their men “often conducted business”.
A PREVIEW of a Mildura versus Hopetoun match with Father Ryan in charge of the game to be followed by a “musical smoke social with a first class supper and ample beverages of hard and soft variety”.
A FIRE brigade scheme of four bell rings to inform fire-fighters of the destination of fires in the north, south, east and west.
Sunraysia Daily has continued to evolve with the community almost from the very beginning, yet continues to enlighten, entertain and educate, both in a print and now with an online presence.
Ross Lanyon, managing director of Sunraysia Publishing Co. Pty Ltd, the company that trades as Sunraysia Daily, said there had always been a member of the Lanyon family involved in the publication over the century, beginning with his great grandfather James.
Mr Lanyon said the newspaper had enjoyed much support from advertisers and loyal readers over the 100-year journey.
