Pages From the Past - Thursday June 7th, 1984

From time to time, The Sentinel will take a look back through the archives to revisit the stories,advertisements, events and familiar faces that helped shape Robinvale and the surrounding regions over the years.

When Newspaper Advertising Was King

A look back at the June 7, 1984 edition of The Sentinel highlights just how much advertising has changed over the past 40 years.

Before social media and online marketing, local newspapers were the main way businesses connected with the community. Pages were filled with bold borders, hand-drawn graphics and detailed advertisements promoting everything from plumbing and electrical work to TV repairs and refrigeration services.

One feature of the edition was The Trade Guide: a full page dedicated to local businesses and tradespeople. In many ways, it served as the 1984 version of an online directory, helping readers quickly find local services.

Another memorable page promoted newspaper advertising itself, with slogans such as “Everybody reads the classifieds!” and “Newspapers are what people like best.” At the time, newspapers were seen as the most effective and affordable way for regional businesses to reach customers.

While advertising today is dominated by digital platforms, these pages offer a reminder of an era when the local newspaper was at the centre of community life and business promotion.

Readers might even spot a few familiar business names from the past and perhaps some that are still operating today. The Sentinel also encourages local businesses to continue utilising print media as a valuable form of advertising, proving that even in a digital age, newspapers remain a trusted and effective way to reach the community.