Some very positive things have come to the fore this year, with 2009 being the 50th anniversary of television in Western Australia.

It has given cause for many people to catch up with old friends and colleagues who shared their working life in the industry.

There have been a number of enjoyable get togethers as a result, and many intimate lunch groups reminiscing in the same way.

The stories and photos kindly contributed by the many participants and the Roll-Call information has brought back memories of happy events and the names of people not seen for many years.

Countless people share a common history and enjoyed each others company both socially and in the work place.

Numerous factors have caused people to drift apart, now with the passage of years, more time is available to rekindle those fond friendships.

Contact A Colleague

We have introduced a simple social networking facility with the TVW Reunion Attendees web page. Now you can initiate contact with a long lost workmate. Your privacy has been maintained, as this feature will not divulge your email address, phone details or postal and residential address.

Just click on the person’s name, and if they use the internet, it will present you with a form to send them a message. It’s as simple as that.

We anticipate adding similar Roll-Calls and articles on all local stations, once our pledge to AMMPT expires… to not duplicate their exhibit contents on the web, until their October to December 2009 exhibition is over.

Next year is ABW Channel 2’s 50th anniversary and STW Channel 9’s 45th.

Many people were employed at more than one station. It’s not uncommon to have worked for two of the local stations, others worked for three, whilst some even worked for all four.

List of present or former TVW staff who have registered for the TVW reunion.

Keeping The Momentum Going

How nice if we can perpetuate what’s now happening. We’ve been talking to the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) about a permanent home for the history resources we’re gathering. So if everyone who has contributed is happy with the concept, we’ll make our web page information and videos available to this national institution.

We do need to preserve our broadcasting heritage as a legacy for future generations. Particularly for research purposes by academics, students, program makers and the public.

It would also be nice to have some structure in place to keep our work going once we become too aged and frail. Idealistically a body represented by people from the industry who share the same passion. This site is presently run by a few dedicated enthusiasts, but a more long term option may require an association. In the ideal world, one represented by people who are held in high esteem and have demonstrated their leadership and management skills within the industry. A noble and prestigious group we would all be proud to be associated with.

The Ongoing Social Benefits

Dr Peter Harries is keen to form a social club to perpetuate the reunion party mood by encouraging more and far ranging get togethers.

Peter is keen to hear from all in the industry to gauge the level of enthusiasm.

If you are interested, please call Peter on (08) 9446-1640 -or- 0408 935 679

Peter is ideal to conduct this feasibility study, firstly being well known, and secondly he has considerable experience in the television and nightclub fields… http://peterharries.com.au/tv-community.html

Peter conducted considerable research into our local television industry for his thesis entitled: “From Local ‘Live’ Production Houses to Relay Stations: A History of Commercial Television in Perth, Western Australia 1958-1990″

These photos shows Gordon McColl taking a snap of Peter with his degree, and the photo appendix associated with his PhD thesis, which contains a vast quantity of photos of all stations with detailed descriptions.

Peter has kindly offered to make the long version of his research available for display on the WA TV History web site… which is something we’re very excited about… having had the pleasure to read it in full.

Here is a glimpse of some of Peter Harries and Kelly Green’s performances. Peter individually and with Kelly, appeared on many of Seven’s Today, Children’s, Celebrity Challenge, Miss West Coast, Telethon and night time variety shows.