With the 50th anniversary of television in WA fast approaching. Not only are former staff of TVW Channel 7 busy organizing a reunion for Sunday 18th of October, 2009, but another committee of industry pioneers and memorabilia collectors is planning a museum exhibit to commemorate the occasion. This exhibit will cover the last 50 years of television broadcasting from the viewpoint of all stations.

Sadie Purser, the Seven 50th Anniversary program producer, also attends the TVW reunion planning meetings, along with Jill Glass of Seven Promotions. The event is being organized by former staff, for the benefit of past and present staff. The function will not be an official Channel Seven corporate event. It is anticipated that Seven will announce the official events in the near future.

Sadie Purser and Bret Treasure in the TVW board room for one of the monthly reunion planning meetings.

TVW has kindly assisted in making the reunion possible by allowing the studios to be used as a venue and providing catering. The generosity of a number of sponsors will cover all other expenses. The reunion will therefore be free to all who attend.

It needs to be emphasized that all staff, both past and present, are invited to the TVW reunion. Anyone wishing to attend will need to register. The planning committee needs to know how many are coming, and Seven needs to know the number of people to cater for. Attendees also need to abide by various common sense procedures to cover the station regarding occupational health and safety issues. Hence the simple registration formalities.

TVW pioneers remember the family atmosphere in the early days at Seven. Workers would mingle with management in the canteen, and lines of communications were good. Everyone was enthused by the new medium, and keen to explore the many opportunities, as fresh ideas and developments unfolded. The TVW reunion wishes not only to celebrate the many achievements over the decades, but also the team spirit that made this all happen. What better way to commemorate the occasion than in a social atmosphere, sharing a drink and reminiscing with old colleagues, within the former work environment, responsible for so many fond memories. Formalities will be kept to a minimum and Gary Carvolth will be the master of ceremonies.

The reunion is a rank and file affair, where all retirees are treated as equal. Not only have many former management registered, but so have many production, program, news, technical, operational, clerical, sales and support staff. Word is gradually getting out through the media, but word of mouth is important too, as not all veterans have the internet, and can easily miss a published article or radio interview. Your valued help is most appreciated in getting the message out.

AMMPT President Daryl Binning reports that, “AMMPT is seeking assistance of those attending the TVW reunion and others who may be interested in preserving the history of our industry in a tangible form that can be appreciated by future generations. Our exhibition 50 Years of WA TV which will run from October to December needs volunteers who can spend a few hours interacting with the public and meeting with old colleagues at the Fremantle display. Membership is also available to those who have a deeper committment to preserving the heritage of our industry. If you would like to be involved on a casual or more long term basis, please contact our Membership Secretary. Eddie Mills on 9447 4531 or by email edmills@optusnet.net.au Our objectives and newsletters can be found on our web page www.ammpt.asn.au“