Steve Worner has sadly advised the passing of Bryan Dunne.
Bryan was a much liked TVW News cameraman from 1969 to 1988, a period that experienced the transition from film cameras to electronic news gathering (ENG).
“Bryan – known as ‘BD’ around his colleagues – had served in both the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian Army prior to his working at TVW. He was the last survivor of that generation of TVW cameramen that included Digby Milner, Tom Hall, Lu Belci, Stan Jeffery, Matt Williams and Peter Makowski.”
Other noted cameramen included Bill Meacham, Peter Goodall, Don Hanran-Smith, Alex McPhee, Brad Pearce, Steve Thompson, Roger Dowling, Gordon McColl and Ian McLean.
Steve explains that,
“Bryan had a great memory for facts and names and when I had a yack with him at the TVW reunion back in 2009, his mind was still sharp as a tack, and he pointed out to me that he still carried a notebook and pen in his shirt pocket.”
“I’ve attached a picture of Bryan in his army days, in Vietnam – this pic is in the Australian War Memorial’s collection. As Bryan was an army photographer. The AWM has many photographs that he took, but very few that include him!”
“The other pic is of BD at the TVW reunion in 2009.”
Former TVW Head Cameraman Bill Meacham kindly reminded us that…
“One of Bryan Dunne’s great capabilities was if he had to cover a sound on film story and had no journalist with him he would set up his CP 16, place the ‘talking head’ in a position close to his camera, switch on and walk in and do the interview..great job done and a great fellow was our Bryan.”
David Hemingway remembers working with Bryan when Prince Charles came to town in 1979,
“The company had just bought the first ENG camera’s connected to a ‘portable’ BCN tape machine that weighed about 20kilos! I had to lug this machine behind Bryan on Cottesloe Beach (it was the time that Perth bikini model Jane Priest kissed Charlie).
I was only 19 then but it just about killed Bryan who, thanks to his beer belly, didn’t move too fast at the best of times!
He was an ‘old school’ film man and wasn’t too happy about using the new fangled ENG camera which was much heavier than the old Arri film cameras.”
The RCA TK76 was the first self-contained portable News video camera used by TVW. Manufactured in the USA in 1976
BCN 20 Hand held VTR recorder
Prince Charlie’s famous kiss
WA TV History
The Prince Charles beach kiss was captured by Seven News cameraman Bryan Dunne using an RCA TK76 camera with David Hemingway recording the video signal on a ‘portable’ BCN videotape machine.
TVW’s first News Editor Darcy Farrell remembers Bryan capturing the beach kiss affair…
“It wasn’t all that impromptu. Leading Daily News journo Hugh Schmidt put Jane up to it and he made sure there was sufficient media on hand at Cott to get the pics.
Hugh was brilliant at organising news ‘stunts’. The pic went around the world and gave Jane a place in WA folklore.”
Janet Prance (Gill) kindly provided this added insight…
The event definitely happened at North Cottesloe. Jane was one of the models working for me on behalf of the Department of Industrial Development in Fashion Parades for Western Australian fashion manufactures and designers, at the Royal Show that year. She came in to the dressing room, with the story of how it all happened!
The latest I know of Jane, is she is doing very well as an artist in NSW. I think there was an article on her as an artist in the Women’s Weekly, back a couple of years or so.
Courtesy of ‘Australian Women’s Weekly’ – Page 14, April 4th, 1979
Darcy Farrell also remembers Bryan Dunne as an outstanding human being working in a profession which was always demanding.
“Bryan never lost sight of the fact that he was, first, a responsible and caring member of the human race and a devout family man.”
“He had qualities to which we all aspire.”
Former TVW managing director Kevin Campbell said that,
“Bryan was a great guy who just got on with what he had to do & he delivered.
A great employee & team man that any company should welcome.”
Former TVW journalist Greg Milner fondly remembers,
“Good old Bryan, I worked closely with him for years and years. One of the world’s gentlemen.”
Jenny Alford of Seven News said that it is,
“So sad – I remember Bryan well, a lovely guy, one of the last of the original cameos.”
Bryan Rupert DUNNE (18/6/1928 – 3/4/2013)
Bryan Dunne passed away peacefully at Brightwater, Mandurah at 1.00pm on 3.4.2013.
Devoted husband of Ailsa (dec) 26.8.2010. Much adored father, grandfather and friend.
The Cremation Service was conducted on THURSDAY (11.4.2013) at FREMANTLE Cemetery.
Friday, 5 April 2013
DUNNE (Bryan):
Crossed the Bar 3.4.13 Long serving member NAA Mandurah. Sincere sympathy to all the family. President, Committee and Members NAA Mandurah.
DUNNE (Bryan):
Fond memories of Bryan now at peace with Ailsa. Deepest sympathy and love to his family.
Bob (dec) and Gwenda Taylor and family.
A gentleman.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
DUNNE (Bryan):
Fond memories of years slipped away.
Brian and Sue Burke.
DUNNE (Bryan):
It is with personal sadness that we extend our deepest sympathy to Bryan’s family. Our friend of many years whose company we always enjoyed. So many wonderful memories. Norma and Bob Manners.
DUNNE (Bryan Rupert):
Farewell to our much loved uncle. We have some wonderful memories and photos of special times past. Sincere sympathies to all the family. May he now rest in peace.
Roslyn, John and family.
Monday, 8 April 2013
DUNNE (Bryan ): My very special dad, there are so many wonderful memories of our lives together. I was lucky to have you as a father. Always in our hearts LuLu, JF, Luka and Tishan
DUNNE (Bryan):
The Ancient Mariners express their sincere condolence to Bryan’s family in the loss of their beloved father. RIP.
DUNNE (Bryan):
Treasured memories of my great mate Bryan. We shared 64 years of a wonderful friendship. We shared our last handshake on Tuesday. You will be forever missed. Heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Keith and Doris Farringdon
DUNNE (Bryan):
Crossed the bar 3.4.13. Foundation Member of F.A.A.A.WA. Sincere sympathy to Leanne and family. Members of the Fleet Air Arm Assoc. WA
Tuesday, 9 April 2013
DUNNE (Bryan):
A gentleman, a loving dad who lived an amazing life. The memories will live through your photos and films. Love always, Bev, Gary, Amy and Callan. xxx
DUNNE (Bryan ): Peace at last for our much loved Dad and Poppa. Always a wise word and a warm hug. Leanne, Amber, Jade and Stuart.
Condolences to Alison and her extended family. A sad loss of your loving dad & poppa. He obviously loved all you very much. I remember him sitting amongst you all at family gatherings soaking up the joy that brought him like an insatiable sponge! Leonie & Eva
~ Leonie Wight, Perth, Western Australia
Fondest Memories of Good Times Past, RIP Bryan. Sincerely Bill & Evelyn Weatherill & Family.
~ Evelyn Weatherill, Bunbury, Western Australia
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
DUNNE (Bryan ): Loving memories of a wonderful Uncle who valued family connections so greatly. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Love from Judy, John and family
