Way, WAY back in the late 80’s a handful of disenchanted The Cairns Post staff and contributors changed editorial track and published a new Cairns newspaper specifically catering to the northern beach suburbs communities.
The weekly ‘Northern Beachcomber’ became a reality in 1989 produced by the tiny team of Geoff Cooke (Editor), wife Rhonda Cooke (Reception & Admin), Pam Cooke (Typesetter), journalists Cat Atkins (Lindsay) and later Margo Nugent (Zlotkowski) … with myself producing all the photography. (NB … back in those days I was a shy young pup and all my photographs were published under my by-line ‘Sport ‘n’ Life Pictures’ ! )
For three years the ‘Beachcomber’ … Initially printed in Port Douglas … became an integral part of the beaches community and regularly broke stories regarding the colourful residents of the Cairns northern beach suburbs and anything specific to the area.
A thorn in the side of the Cairns Post until in 1992 News Ltd chose to ‘buy’ the ’Northern Beachcomber’ to nullify the opposition. The Post then ran the ‘Northern Beachcomber’ for a short while before closing it.
I must have known something back in those days as I carefully hoarded TWO copies of each edition in boxes under the house ! Coming across them a little while ago I offered a complete set of the newspaper to the Cairns Historical Society, who gladly snapped them up for historical reference and preservation ! They can now be accessed on request (I believe) at the Cairns Museum in the School of Arts building, corner of Lake and Shields Streets.
Just in time for the upcoming Cairns 150th Anniversary later this year …
Below is a small selection of ‘Northern Beachcomber front covers and back pages featuring some of my favourite images published back in 1989-1992.
Images in Northern Beachcomber publications © Brian Cassey
