In 1963, TVW won the Television Society of Australia award for best “Television News Item – MANHUNT”.

There was much public anxiety in Perth in 1963 as serial murderer Eric Edgar Cooke, nicknamed The Night Caller, terrorised the city. A man who had committed 22 violent crimes between 1959 and 1963, eight of which resulted in deaths. In the midst of this public concern, Brian William Robinson aged 23 years, caused the biggest manhunt in WA on February 9, 1963.

On the afternoon of that fateful day, Constable Iles of the Belmont Police Station, attended a disturbance at a house in Epsom Avenue, Belmont on his way home from duty. Robinson had gone berserk during an argument with his father at their home, after he had heard an incest rumour that his mother was also his sister.

As Constable Iles walked up the path to the front door of the house he was shot in the face by a shotgun, fired from a window by Robinson. Iles fell to his knees holding his face, and Robinson ran from the house, jumped the fence, pushing the kneeling Constable Iles over with his foot and then shot him in the head killing him instantly.

Robinson tried to commandeer a car, and when the passenger Andrew McDougall refused to get out, he shot him dead in the back seat of a Goggomobile. Robinson ran down the street jumped into a taxi and forced the driver to drive off, eventually arriving at the Gnangara Pine Plantation, where the taxi bogged.

TVW’s News Editor of the day, Darcy Farrell, explains the circumstances as he introduces this Today Tonight report by Seven’s Alison Fan.

Darcy Farrell introduces Alison Fan’s Today Tonight report

Bob Cribb was an integral part of this history making story.

In Darcy Farrell’s tribute to Bob at- http://watvhistory.com/2009/03/bob-cribb-tribute/ he points out that Bob became quite famous in journalism for his comment and I quote “the man dog killer is holed up in this bush”.

Darcy continued, “In those days comments of that type were deemed to be sub-judice and contempt of court.

Needless to say, both Bob and Seven were both sued for contempt and the defence lawyer, Dr Marian I think it was, used Bob as the scapegoat to try to get an acquittal.

Today, reporters say pretty well what they like. By modern standards Bob’s words on that Sunday at the Gnangara pine plantation were quite mild.

Bob was reporting ad lib for more than three hours using primitive equipment which was the equivalent of flying a tiger moth compared to today’s F 18 jets.

He had to fly by the seat of his pants ad libbing his way through an event of enormous local interest.

Peter Kennedy referred to the manhunt on 720 this morning (the day of Bob’s funeral on December 5th, 2008) when he paid tribute to Bob.

I consider Bob’s on camera performance on that day almost half a century ago was a remarkable effort and few of today’s reporters could emulate it.“

Lindsay Smith stimulated a lot of interest in this subject following his request “Lindsay Smith seeks feedback…” on this site at the web page- http://watvhistory.com/2009/10/lindsay-smith-seeks-feedback-on-hunt-for-murderer-brian-william-robinson-ob/ where former staff members gave their first hand impressions of the above drama.

We wish to thank Seven and Today Tonight for kindly making available Alison Fan’s interview with the late Bob Cribb, and archival coverage of this remarkable event.

Today Tonight, presented by Monika Kos, is a locally produced current affairs and community interest program tailored for Western Australian viewers.

Veteran Channel 7 reporter Alison Fan has had an extraordinary career. She has been tear gassed in California, shot at in riots in San Francisco and covered every major court trial in Western Australia since 1965. Alison is probably most famous for her coverage of the W.A. Inc Royal Commission and the Mickleberg Brothers related Perth Mint gold swindle, a local story that dominated the headlines for three decades.

Patricia Naismith (nee Bolts) – News 1964-1970
Margie Nayler (nee Heweston) – Accounts/News/Film Department 1964-1967
Sally Carvolth (nee Trevorrow) – Accounts 1965-1966
Gwen Storey (nee Andrews) – Management 1964-1974
Jill Norton (nee Korbosky) – Sales 1968-1975

(photo courtesy of Joy Campbell)

Sally Carvolth (nee Trevorrow) – Accounts 1965-1966
Maureen Scorer – Accounts/News 1968-1972
Joyce Nisbet (nee Shepherd) – Continuity 1966-1968
Joy Campbell (nee Heweston) – Secretary Music 1963-1967
Kathie Wilson (nee Gangemi) – Film 1964-1970
Margie Nayler (nee Heweston) – Accounts/News/Film Department 1964-1967
Patricia Naismith (nee Bolts) – News 1964-1970
Patti Rock (nee Nicholas) – Accounts/Production l964-1969

(photo courtesy of Joy Campbell)

PHOTO GALLERY

The TVW Reunion Web Site now features a wrap up of this most successful event… www.tvwreunion.com

I am trying to obtain the recollections from the staff involved in the below story.

Could you please help?

Dates have been checked and I have noticed the 9th December as being incorrect should be 9th February (Saturday). People involved and story line seem to vary.

People involved seem to be Cedric Woods, Colin Gorey, Vic Jones, Don Hanran-Smith, Darcy Farrell, Bob Cribb (Dec), Peter Goodall and Lindsay Smith as all I can remember. Just Hoping…

Feedback kindly provided by Darcy Farrell – TVW News Editor, in control and coordinating of the news coverage…

From: Darcy Farrell

Date: 28 October 2009 11:09:17 AM AWST

Subject: RE: Lindsay Smith seeks feedback

I know a fair bit about it. I won the national news award that year for the coverage. We called it Manhunt. The trophy is up in the boardroom somewhere and the Manhunt item with Eric Walters voicing should be in the Ch 7 files.

In the pic above Jim Healy is on the left talking to John O’Callaghan and Paul Kinna is on the right with Cribbie chatting to me. I need to magnify the guys on the roof but will do and get back to you. Bill and Kev may know.

regards Darcy

Feedback kindly provided by Peter Goodall – Cine Cameraman…

From: “Peter Goodall”

Date: 28 October 2009 5:22:46 PM AWST

Subject: Re: Sad and tragic story

In regard to the “Manhunt” story….I was in the newsroom when the phone rang for me….A good friend called to frantically tell me that someone had gone berserk with a shotgun just down the street from where he lived…….the police were everywhere.I turned to Darcy..told him of what I’d just heard….He said “You’d better go and have a look and call us if there’s anything in it” …..(Most of the people of WA were getting weary of the exploits of Eric Edgar Cookwho’d been terrorising the population for some time and so there was some cynicism about it all….like …”Ahh not again”When I arrived at Epsom Ave in Belmont, there was, as far as the eye could see, dozens and dozens of Swan taxis and police carsdown the whole length of the ave….called back to Darcy…and he sent Don H. Smith with long lens gear to help.The story was that Robinson (?) the villain, after shooting the cop and an innocent passenger in a car who’dstopped to see what had happened…..walked down the ave for 100 meters or so and jumped into the Swan taxi that was parked at the shops….The cabbie sent a “Mayday” message just before the villain seized his taxi…..It seemed all of the Perth taxisheard the call and came to rescue. We ended up in Gnagarra pine plantation to where Robinson had escaped, and spent the night with TVW 4 wheel drive withgenerator and lights on the roof searching for the villain…..continued through to the following afternoon and he waseventually captured in a bush block in Beechboro ?I recall being in the TVW van with “Cribbie” that afternoon and sending a live cross to appeal for any voluteers toassist the police in the hunt….It was crazy with hundreds of people who’d seen the live cross, arriving all armed and readyto be part of the action. It was ridiculous and so bloody dangerous.We all got back to 7 and were elated to have such a great story….Even invited to the board room for champagne.Some crazy memories….mmm!

From: “Robert Penno”

Date: 31 October 2009 8:26:55 PM AWST

Subject: Pennos — TVW reunion

Hi Lynne and Lindsay, Re my recollections of the Robinson fracar…

• I remember that it took place on a Saturday soon after I commenced work with TVW. (1963).
• I was requested to help someone, not really sure, could have been Tom Wagner, put up Pye microwave “links” on the tower at the back of the studios as the International OB van had been deployed to Belmont to cover the shooting. I think it was in Belmont Ave, Belmont.
• The person shot was in a GOGOMOBILE as I recall.
• There was a taxi driver involved somehow as well, cant remember those details as I was not there.
• A couple of times I had to go up the tower and repoint the “link” as the van was heading out towards Gnangara Pine Plantation.

The issue I touched on this morning about the camera tripod sliding off the top of the Inter OB van near Gt Eastern Highway was not connected withn this event. It was a large passenger aircraft that had landing gear problems and someone else, (cant remember who), and I was scrambled out to the airport to cover the incident which never eventuated into much; fortunately. Cant remember when this took place but it would have been in ’63 or ’64. Not sure what you can make of the above!!! Good luck. Bob Penno

From: “Vic Jones”

Date: 30 October 2009 11:54:02 AM AWST

Subject: Robinson

Hi Lindsay I can’t remember much at all other than climbing the tower for the first time and damn near shitting myself… and i guess that’s what has stuck in my mind all these years. I do remember being almost at the top of the tower and I had to reach out with one hand firmly gripping the corner of the tower and the other grappling for the rope holding the link dish which was swaying heavily in the wind….scary stuff (no safety harness) I can’t remember who I was with at the time, but could have been Bert King …worth sending him a note as he was involved with the transmitter in those days. Which day ?? I don’t know …but I think it was an afternoon. CheersVic

From: “Lindsay Smith”

Date: 2 November 2009 8:02:58 AM AWST

Subject: TVW Prepares for an assignment.

I believe the people in the photo as described above are:L.R.Jim Healy John O’Callahan.

On bonnet Colin Gorey.

Standing: Darcy Farrell, Bob Cribb, Paul Kinna.

Top: Ross McDonald, Cedric Woods.

Hope the above info may help.Have Further up dates in the pipe line. Regards Lindsay

From: “Ross McDonald”

Date: 6 November 2009 10:29:39 AM AWST

Subject: Re: Lindsay Smith seeks feedback

Cedric’s report is pretty right, on the Saturday I was TD on a Col Joye show when they come to me a said how quick could you get a Van ready and out to Belmont, when I told them they halted production on the show I was on until another TD could be called in and away we went. We drove out with the generator running so the camera would be ready when we arrived. We arrived before the Police and had pictures up but when the police arrived they requested we didn’t put them to air.

As I was driving I saw the body in the vehicle, unfortunately Colin Gorey didn’t until we had walked up to it with the result that he parted company with what he had in his stomach. We were told that the shooter had gone out to the pine plantation so we headed out. When we arrived it was getting dark so as we had 2, 2Ks mounted on to of the vanI volunteed the police the use of the van provided we were able to take a film camera man with us. Off we went till we got bogged. When we did I was not too impressed becauseI had seen what he was capable of and not being to happy about getting out. When I finally got out, one of the bright detectives on top says are you bogged, I stated what does it look like, get down and push. Apparently, he was some senior in the cop department and Cribby thought it was a big joke me telling him to get down and push.The next day we were back out and trying to guess where he would appear, so we were moving around all different spots. Unfortunately we moved from where we were parked which was where he appeared. We would of had the scoop of the year if we had stopped where we were. I never saw the Bob Cribb doco or what ever it was so if you get a copy I’d like to view it. regards Ross

From: “Colin Gorey”

Date: 29 November 2009 11:05:40 AM AWST

Subject: robinson murders

The following information is a story of my recollections of the Robinson murders.

On a Saturday morning of the 9th February 1963 around 10.30 – 11.00am Bob Cribb came to me in a bit of a frenzy and told me there had been a double murder in Belmont and asked me to get a Nagra tape recorder and go with him to the site.

We arrived at Epsom Ave at the location about opposite Stanton Street.

The area was cordoned off by the Police. Because we were using a black Holden sedan, the constable manning the area believed we were Police and lifted the orange tape and let us through. Bob drove towards the area which was utter chaos. He stopped along side an open topped car I believe to be a Go-Go mobile. A dead body was hanging over the front left hand door with his head in a pool of blood.

Between us and an adjacent house was another body lying on a path, who we found out was a Police Officer who had fronted the suspected killer near the house fence.

Cameraman Peter Goodall had arrived at the scene before us. Pete filmed Bob Cribb making commentary on what he had witnessed, also using the Nagra tape recorder.

What followed is now a bit hazy.

However, 2 or 3 hours later a crew from Channel 7 arrived in a small truck with a generator, lighting equipment and micro wave links which must have been put together in a hurry back at the station.

It was thought by police that after Brian Robinson had killed the person in the car, he took possession of another vehicle passing by and fled the area.

We were later told that Robinson was sighted heading towards the Gnangara pine forest area.

At some stage all of the Channel 7 personnel decided to head towards the pine plantation, probably organised by Darcy Farrell.

On arriving at Gnangara we were not quite sure of what was happening.

My most vivid memory was a high ranking Police officer addressing all of the people, police & civilians and told us of the danger of being there, and if we felt uncomfortable, we were given permission to leave. Bob Cribb looked at me and said “Let’s go!”

So Bob, myself and Lyndsay Smith hopped in the car and went straight back to the station.

The following information is a story of my recollections of the Robinson murders.

On a Saturday morning of the 9th February 1963 around 10.30 – 11.00am Bob Cribb came to me in a bit of a frenzy and told me there had been a double murder in Belmont and asked me to get a Nagra tape recorder and go with him to the site.

We arrived at Epsom Ave at the location about opposite Stanton Street.

The area was cordoned off by the Police. Because we were using a black Holden sedan, the constable manning the area believed we were Police and lifted the orange tape and let us through. Bob drove towards the area which was utter chaos. He stopped along side an open topped car I believe to be a Go-Go mobile. A dead body was hanging over the front left hand door with his head in a pool of blood.

Between us and an adjacent house was another body lying on a path, who we found out was a Police Officer who had fronted the suspected killer near the house fence.

Cameraman Peter Goodall had arrived at the scene before us. Pete filmed Bob Cribb making commentary on what he had witnessed, also using the Nagra tape recorder.

What followed is now a bit hazy.

However, 2 or 3 hours later a crew from Channel 7 arrived in a small truck with a generator, lighting equipment and micro wave links which must have been put together in a hurry back at the station.

It was thought by police that after Brian Robinson had killed the person in the car, he took possession of another vehicle passing by and fled the area.

We were later told that Robinson was sighted heading towards the Gnangara pine forest area.

At some stage all of the Channel 7 personnel decided to head towards the pine plantation, probably organised by Darcy Farrell.

On arriving at Gnangara we were not quite sure of what was happening.

My most vivid memory was a high ranking Police officer addressing all of the people, police & civilians and told us of the danger of being there, and if we felt uncomfortable, we were given permission to leave. Bob Cribb looked at me and said “Let’s go!”

So Bob, myself and Lyndsay Smith hopped in the car and went straight back to the station.

Please check out our follow-up story where TVW’s first News Editor Darcy Farrell introduces an Alison Fan Today Tonight segment, which recapitulates the events in 1963, involving a mass armed public participation in this manhunt. The video features the late Bob Cribb, the policeman who shot the fugitive, others related to these events and archival film of the actual events unfolding.

Peter Harries has kindly provided a number of photos which give a glimpse of some of the behind the scenes action with performers and sponsors, who provided entertainment, food and refreshments free of charge to all attendees at the TVW reunion, held at the Channel Seven studios, Tuart Hill, on Sunday October 18th, 2009.

There was much joy and some tears experienced on this day, as people regained contact with old workmates and caught up with all the news.

Peter is keen to maintain the wonderful sense of camaraderie that we witnessed at the reunion and is willing to be the contact person for all who share the desire to form an industry social club to perpetuate this incredible sense of fellowship and wellbeing. It was also a healing moment for those who suffered as a result of station downsizing, as local production largely ceased and production and presentation activity moved to the east coast.

Please see below for Peter’s contact details…

The Ongoing Social Benefits

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

THE PETER HARRIES’ TVW REUNION PHOTO COLLECTION

The Channel Seven News camera team captured the following images at the TVW reunion, held at the Channel Seven studios, Tuart Hill, on Sunday October 18th, 2009. These were kindly supplied by Seven Promotions Manager Jill Glass, who has been an integral part of the reunion planning process from day one. This site would not exist if it was not for Jill pointing out how useful the Roll Call was when it first appeared on an earlier site. Though TVW is a prominent part of the WA TV History, by virtue of the 50th anniversary of television in Western Australia, we will be extending the coverage to all WA television stations in the near future. For many staff worked at more than one station, with TVW often providing their start in the industry. Many television industry leaders gained their grounding at TVW, including TEN’s chief programming officer, David Mott, who was present for this historic occasion.

NEWS DEPARTMENT’S REUNION PHOTO COLLECTION

Gordon McColl was one of a number who were actively capturing the wonderful moments at the TVW reunion, held at the Channel Seven studios, Tuart Hill, on Sunday October 18th, 2009.

One such moment occurred when three members of the 1960’s Channel Seven Dancers joined Jeff Phillips on the stage, no doubt at the prompting of Johnny Young, to Go Go dance in the style reminiscent of those glorious days.

Past cast members were thoroughly enjoying themselves, yet It was also a poignant reminder of the halcyon days of Club 7 Teen as hosts, crew, producers and directors of this long running teenage music show assembled once again where it all started.

This moment captured the whole 1960’s era of Club 7 Teen for in the large audience was Max Bostock, who produced and directed the Gary Carvolth period of the show. The photo was taken by Gordon McColl who directed the Johnny Young era and the day was stage managed by Keith Mackenzie, who directed Jeff Phillips. Max Bostock, in his capacity of Production Manager, was executive producer of all shows.

Gary Carvolth was master of ceremonies on the day and Johnny Young, was musical host for the reunion with his band The Strangers. Jeff Phillips, who sang on the day, became Club 7 Teen host when John moved to Melbourne.

Robbie Snowden also appeared on the stage to sing a few numbers.

Jan Boyd sent the reunion planners the following message…

GORDON MCCOLL’S PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION

TVW Channel 7 Reunion – Sunday October 18, 2009

The scheduled event start time was 2pm, with a crowd soon accumulating, all eagerly awaiting their entry to the historic Seven studios at Tuart Hill.

Veteran floor manager John Easton was one of the first in the queue, followed by Alan Richards.

John Easton was an early starter

John Easton greets Alan Richards

Geoff Sinclair greets Richard Ashton

Members of the Stargate Actors Academy meet guests with cameras and microphones

The guests begin to file in

Studio One soon filled with veterans seeking out old familiar faces, between checking out the vintage technology and historic photos.

Guests were then directed into Studio Two to see the current day News and Today Tonight sets.

Finally ending up in the canteen area, courtyard stage area and gardens.

Johnny Young and the Strangers were busy entertaining the throng, until each decade of former staff were directed back to Studio One for Group photographs.

It was then back to the canteen for food and refreshments before enjoying the outdoors entertainment, which featured Perth opera singers, Justin and Katherine Freind, who gave John and his band a much earned break to mingle with friends and former colleagues.

Please click on below thumbnails to enter slide show

TVW 7

50 YEARS REUNION

COMMEMORATIVE DVD

To preserve the memories of this once-in-a-lifetime event, Mintox Media has recorded the afternoon’s activities and is producing a DVD for you to purchase. It’s your opportunity to look back on all the special people you met up with (and those you didn’t quite get round to saying hi to).

DVDs are $25 each (including postage and GST). There are TWO ways to order a copy:

Post a cheque for $25 (x number of copies required) to:

Mintox Media

5A Hunston Street

Balcatta WA 6021

* Please include your name and address in the envelope so we know where to send it.

OR

Email russell.brown@mintoxmedia.com.au, stating your name, address and how many copies you require, and we will reply with Online Banking details for you to deposit the relevant amount.

The DVD will be edited with the help of your favourite Breakfast host Johnny Young on the 6IX BIG Breakfast, as well as Keith Mackenzie and Ken McKay. Discs will be ready for delivery within one month after the event.

www.mintoxmedia.com.au

ABN: 99 174 848 257