The Triangle newspaper was started by June McMaster Yabsley in 1954. It was printed by the Northern Star and covered the districts of Coraki, Woodburn, Evans Head & Broadwater. It was a free 4-page tabloid distributed every Thursday covering local news, sports, community events, meetings, and social gossip.
Locals newspapers like these were invaluable to small communities. As the towns started to grow, so did the businesses and the need to advertise.
“Chit Chat” by Belinda was a popular column and although the lack of privacy may seem strange by today’s standards, the social gossip facilitated community engagement and neighbourly support.
Community groups like the Red Cross and CWA were not lacking volunteers as people felt more connected. This type of communication was integral to the smooth functioning of village life.
In 1959 June handed over control to Jean Hartam-Bayes and photographs began to be included. It continued to be well supported by local businesses with well-designed and informative advertising. By 1965 it had increased to 8 pages and switched to being distributed on Wednesdays, increasing its area to Ballina and Byron Bay. It was still “PRICELESS” as the cover stated.
By the early 1970s, the publication had moved up to Casino with the local representative being Dorothy Robson.
The bumper 24 page March 1974 issue is the last one we have been able to locate.
If anyone finds any copies of the Triangle in their family heirloom shoebox or cupboard, PLEASE get in touch by email.
During 2021, approximately 80 editions were digitised and then the dedicated Transcription Team spent thousands of hours turning the scans into readable text. What evolved was a 1000+ page document which can be easily searched for family name references or subject investigation. For instance, the evolution of the ambulance station and the politics around the Evans Head Reserve have been extracted.
This information is NOT available on TROVE as they (usually) don’t accept “newer” publications (after 1950s).
Family historians and researchers can download a pdf copy of the transcription (7mb download).
If, after searching your family name you would like to read the corresponding page scan, please email admin@coraki.town with the date/page details. A small research fee may be applicable for multiple requests.
Weddings from 1965 to 1973
General photos
Debutante Balls
