Nigel Felangue was one of the first still photographers at TVW Channel Seven. Joining the company when it was still in its embryonic days at WA Newspapers, before the studios were completed at Tuart Hill.

Nigel took many of the still photographs of Seven’s earliest programs, pioneering staff and presenters.

Fifty years later Nigel, along with the many veterans, attended the TVW reunion on October 18, 2009. If it was not for Nigel’s incredible collection of images and memorabilia, much of the artwork and photos would no longer exist. His keenness for capturing history is demonstrated again by the many fine photos Nigel took at the reunion.

Coralie Condon was the first lady of television in Western Australia. Coralie’s contacts within the theatre fraternity, writing and production skills proved invaluable to the fledgling station. Sir James Cruthers was the first General Manager who along with Brian Treasure and the many hardworking and enthusiastic staff, built the station into a powerhouse of local production. By the time Sir James retired, the company had diversified into many fields from cinemas, radio stations, a lion park, the Perth Entertainment Centre and many other enterprises. The company operated the most popular television station, had a healthy cash flow and paid generous dividends to the shareholders. Carolyn Noble will be remembered as a popular personality who started with the children’s programs and became involved with the woman’s shows and the Logie Award winning Stars of he Future. A hosting role also shared with Trina Brown and Sandy Baker.

Another very popular presenter was Gary Carvolth, who acted as Master of Ceremonies at the TVW Reunion. Gary started with Seven in 1960 and worked with many local, interstate and overseas personalities who appeared on the station. Gary was involved with everything from newreading, children’s and woman’s programs to teenage and night time variety shows.

Audrey Barnaby has enjoyed a close and continuous relationship with Coralie Condon from the 1958 stage production of Coralie’s musical comedy ‘The Good Oil’ to the establishment of the make-up section and on-air presentation for the woman’s programs. It was Audrey who created the successful ‘Shopping Guide’ which continued for many years, later being presented by Stephanie Quinlan.

Darcy Farrell was also pivotal to Perth’s first television station, with responsibility for establishing the newsroom as News Editor. A role that earned TVW many accolades for news coverage and Darcy a high respect for nurturing and fostering many prominent journalists in the field.

TVW’s first appointed on-air personality David Farr was also at the reunion, as was Bill Mather-Brown, the first switchboard operator at seven, who like David started there before the station opened.

Athol Thomas also started at Seven in 1959 and was engaged in a variety of roles from Publicity Officer, News, Discussion Chairman, Golf Commentator to Documentary Producer.

Photos on display at the TVW Reunion which were taken by Nigel Felangue and feature the opening night variety show called ‘Spotlight’

Dance has always been a part of Channel Seven from Reg Whiteman, as part of the Guys and Dolls, in the early ‘Spotlight’ variety shows produced by Coralie Condon to the many children’s shows that relied heavily on the Shirley Halliday Dancers. Most dancers over the years have had a connection with Shirley, including the Channel Seven Dancers and their children, right through to the many Telethons and Channel Seven Christmas Pageants. Noted choreographers to follow Shirley include Kevan Johnston, Danni Harford and Brian Smith.

Film department staff in 1959 included Patricia Boyle, Olive Shearer, Geoff Wallace and Pearl and Carol Davies.

Nigel has kindly provided an extensive range of photos taken at the TVW reunion. We have tried to identify as many people as possible and request your help in making the missing names known. The National Film and Sound Archive is keen to keep a permanent record of the historical information and photos being collected for this web site. Your assistance in making our record of events complete will be greatly appreciated. We think it is important that all worthy participants in the industry be recognised. Feedback can be provided through our contact page. Thanking you in anticipation.

NIGEL’S PHOTO GALLERY