City Libraries, City of Gold Coast

Robinson's Newsagency, corner Dutton and Griffith Streets, Coolangatta, Queensland, circa 1950, Photographer unknown

Robinson's Newsagency, corner Dutton and Griffith Streets, Coolangatta, Queensland, circa 1950

Photographer unknown

Griffith Street is the main business and shopping area in CoolangattaAngus Robinson first came to Coolangatta in 1946 and recognised it as a place with a future. He was in Brisbane when he heard that one of Herbie Byrnes two newsagencies in Coolangatta was on the market and purchased it. The newsagency was almost opposite the railway station. The shop opened from 7 am to 8 pm and on Sunday it would close between 12 noon and 4 pm. The 4 pm Sunday opening would be a busy time with train passengers seeking something to read on the long trip back to Brisbane. 'Robbie', as Angus became known, started at 5 am each morning to do his paper delivery. A short time later he purchased Byrne's second shop located in the Jazzland building and brought his brother Gordon, an ex-Royal Navy man out to run it. The Jazzland shop remained for the next few years until the building was sold to Pennys who did not renew the lease. The business centred around the corner shop. Eventually a wall was removed and the shop extended into the old Orbansens cafe while Orbansens resited next door into the former business house of Charlie Simpson. 'Robbie' disposed of his newsagency in 1970. [Reference source: Peter Winter. Look Back - Tales of Yesteryear, vol. 3, p. 49-50.]