or valley of the nearby Avoca River. Delicensed as a hotel in 1942, the building was restored in the 1990s and currently provides bed and breakfast. The first issue of the local newspaper, the Tribune, was published on 20 May 1876, the founders being H. T. Henningsen and his step-son, R. M. Klunder. In 1925, the business was purchased by Messrs Hogan and Gardiner and then followed other proprietors, Herbert Davies and John S. Richardson, and then, after his death in 1954, his widow, Rena M. Richardson. For many years the Tribune was published twice weekly – Wednesdays and Saturdays – but, during World War II, a shortage of staff and paper necessitated the change to weekly publication. In February 1960, Rena Richardson married William Wood and, in 1961, she sold the Tribune to Ian and Coral Cameron. In 1981, the newspaper was sold by the Camerons to the St. Arnaud Mercury, and the Mercury and Tribune were combined to become the North Central News. Charlton Magistrates' Court closed on 1 January 1983. Demographics Charlton is the second largest town in the Shire of Buloke. At the , its "suburbs and localities" population, which includes some surrounding areas, was 1,095. Government department downsizing in addition to regional economic decline led to the largest percentage decline in population within Victoria between the mid-1980s and the mid-1990s with an estimated 18.3% loss in population. Recent agricultural developments (such as the AWB Limited facilities), a sharp increase in house prices within larger urban areas, in addition to economic recovery, have resulted in a shift towards stabilisation and a subsequent increase in population. However, more than 60% of all local businesses are for sale or remain closed. Economy The economic backbone of Charlton is agriculture and services. Several massive grain silos dominate the town skyline, evidence of the town's rich history in various grains including wheat, canola, oats and barley. Sheep and cattle farming are also prolific with the largest beef feedlot in the state, situated in Yeungroon just south of the town. Recent additions to the region, including an olive farm and winery have diversified the town's agricultural applications. Major employers in the Charlton area are: AWB Limited (Grains) Boral (Quarry - Mostly for road aggregate) Buloke Shire Council (Local Government) Charlton Feedlot (Livestock) Charlton P-12 College, Cluster Centre and Saint Joseph's Primary School (Education) Graincorp (Grains) Lake Marmal Vineyards (Grapes) Timbercorp (Olives)