We wish everyone the very best for the festive season and take this opportunity to reflect on a number of events that made 2013 memorable. There were happy occasions when veterans of the Western Australian broadcasting, radio and cinema fraternity could mingle. One such venue has been provided by the Australian Museum of Motion Picture and Television (AMMPT), who not only collect the equipment and memorabilia, but also provide a friendly environment for social contact. The team at WA TV History maintain a close association, whilst also being busy over the previous year researching our history and telling the stories.

Christmas 2013

WA TV History

    Sadly, there has been the passing of a number of old friends, as there has been the passing of analogue PAL TV technology in Australia. There are many wonderful memories that go back over the last half century before digital, widescreen, multichannel and high definition.

• Analogue TV the End of an Era

    Those who witnessed the beginning of television can also remember an earlier period when cinema was king. It was time when radio serials were popular, which required us to listen intently and use our imaginations to conjure up the pictures. As children, little did we anticipate just how far technology would take us. Now the children of today are experiencing a world of mobile entertainment. What a change from standing in a queue to see a movie or standing in a red telephone box, placing a penny in the slot for three minutes of conversation. The few public telephones left now get vandalised with cut cords, jammed coin slots and decorated with graffiti. Not that this did not happen back then, but the red telephone boxes were more plentiful.

    Whilst on the subject of reminiscing. We prepared a video that begins with cinema nostalgia, quickly tracing film from the silent era to the present. It then provides a small sample of home grown Australian comedy from the sound movie era, then through the classics of analogue television. This includes Graham Kennedy, Paul Hogan, Norman Gunston, Max Gillies, Sir Les Patterson and Dickie Knee.

More than 100 years of moving pictures

WA TV History

    This was prepared for the November 20th, 2013, AMMPT Sundowner for members targeted at television and cinema veterans.

    Presentations were given by noted people within the performing arts industries. There was Ivan King, the curator at the WA Museum of Performing Arts, who himself is a noted thespian and historian.

    David Hawkes spoke about the television industry. David is a veteran of radio and television in three states and the founding head of the broadcast department of the WA Academy of Performing Arts.

    The master of ceremonies for the evening was Television and radio News veteran Terry Spence.

    The November 20th Sundowner was also attended by a number of special guests, as the following photos shows. To the left is former TVW managing director Kevin Campbell AM.

    Under Kevin’s watch TVW Enterprises was associated with many production. Kevin was also a chairman of ScreenWest and a number of other bodies, including the Lotteries Commission, which has provided much valued funding not only to charities but also many community endeavours such as AMMPT. To the right can be seen the Justice of the Supreme Court of WA, John McKechnie, with his wife Beth, who is a member of AMMPT. Justice McKechnie previously served as the State’s first Director of Public Prosecutions.

    AMMPT Western Region President John Fuhrmann welcomed guests at the November 20th Sundowner.

    AMMPT’s multitalented Western Region president John Fuhrmann, was not only a noted sporting administrator, but earlier a footy referee and cinema organist. John has an interest (with Ray Clements) in two mighty Wurlitzer organs, that possess all the bells and whistles. One is installed at his home and another at the Karrinyup Community Centre. Most of this instrument came from the former Metro Theatre (1938-1973) in William Street Perth. Prior to it being the Metro, the organ was used in the Regent Theatre (1927-1938), which was located on the same site. A theatre that started life as the Queen’s Hall (1899-1927). Though all these entertainment venues are now gone, the Queen’s Building still exists on the corner of William and Murray Streets in the same architectural style as the original hall.

    Members of the AMMPT executive were also present. National president Ross McDonald, who was there at the earliest days at TVW-7 and later operated Taimac (which provided production facilities and serviced the racing, pacing and greyhound industries with on-course TV, public address and the photo finish).

    Then there was Western Region vice president Ian Stimson, a television and cinema veteran, Secretary Peter Foyster, who has built an outdoor cinema on his property in the hills, his wife Agnes is the Treasurer, Film Librarian Keith Rutherford (who has a home studio and theatre), veteran cinematographer Peter Goodall, then projectionists George Robinson and Bill Gaynor. Cygnet projectionist and Classic Movies Series programmer Jillian Carlson was interstate at the time.

    The cinema fraternity was represented by Roy Mudge (City Theatres, Hoyts, Ace Cinemas, Coastal Cinemas and Rank Organisation), Colin Nicholas (Metro, Greater Union), George and Jane Robinson (Cygnet), Simon Robinson (Luna on SX-Freo, Piccadilly, Luna Leederville, Omni Theatre at City West, Paradiso), Peter Savill (Greater Union, Ace), Barry Goldman (Cygnet, Windsor and Liberty), Lynn Huxtable (Metro, Lido Cottesloe), Ian Stimson (South West Pictures) and Frank Worthington (Ace, FOX and MGM).

    Cinema manager Roy Mudge is the gentleman in the striped red and grey T shirt. Roy had the misfortune to be stuck showing My Fair Lady for its record breaking seasons at the Royal, Piccadilly and Fremantle cinemas. He is a much valued wealth of information on the cinema industry and has kept a remarkable collection of photos which trace the history of cinemas in Perth and Fremantle. Next to Roy is AMMPT member Clive Woodward a noted collector, who is standing next to former TVW Program Manager Graeme Plummer, who has a remarkable collection of Hollywood memorabilia.

    The team responsible for the AMMPT Classics of the Silver Screen at the Cygnet Cinema were also present. Peter and Agnes Foyster, Tony Smith and Gerry Voutsinas. Historian Jack Honniball and committee members with wives Bill and Joan Gaynor (New Oxford), Keith and Jann Rutherford.

    ABC veterans included John Banner, Graham Boyd (also of STW), Ross Haimes, Allan Hullett (former Director of Engineering), Peter Hunt, Warren Jascobs, Kevin Lang, Kim Lesouef (also of STW), Dick Maloney, Dave Melvin, David Medowcroft, Sheraton Dee (also of STW), Alan Thomas, Andy McWhirter (also TVW and STW) and Bruno Zambotti.

    ABW2 veterans Warren Jacobs, Bruno Zambotti (a former Director of Engineering), Allen Thomas, Dave Melvin (who was also one of the Technical Training Department) and Sheridan Dee (who also worked at STW9).

    Seven veterans included Bob Blkiston, Kevin Campbell, Peter and Kerry Dunn (also of STW), Hillary Everard, Bob Finkle (also of STW), Jill Glass, Bob Goodall (also of STW), Peter Goodall (also of ABC), Dene Irvin, Lydell Jobson, Yvonne Joynt, Marion Leyer (also of TEN), Steve Lowe, Keith Mackenzie, Don Martin, Gordon McColl, Ken McKay (also of ABC), Bill Meacham, Luise Nelthorpe, Margaret O’Brien, Tim O’Dea, Jan O’Mara, Graeme Plummer, John Quicke, Jo Rainsford, Andrew Round (also STW), Phil Salinger, Lindsay Smith, Janine Vidot, Geoff Waldock (also STW and TEN), Tiffany Webster (also STW and TEN), Kathy Wilson and Frank Worthington.

    Nine veterans not mentioned so far included Russ Cunneen, Barbara Jorgensen, Robert Penno (also TVW), Denis Robinson and Terry Spence.

    Many of the TVW girls social group were present, which was greatly appreciated.

    On the night a number of the present and former Seven Perth ladies in attendance, included… Hilary Everard, Jill Glass, Lyndell Jobson, Yvonne Joynt, Marion Leyer, Jenny Nelson, Luise Nelthorpe, Margaret O’Brien, Jan O’Mara, Jo Rainford, Janine Vidot, Tiffany Webster, and Kathy Wilson.

    Many of these ladies were present at the last TVW Girls Picnic held on the Matilda Bay Foreshore on Saturday 19th October 2013.

   Also present were Anne and Keith Mackenzie, Marion Leyer and Margaret O’Brien, who was Max Bostock’s secretary 1978 – 1981. Margaret came all the way from Brisbane with Bill Meacham and his wife Margaret.

    A sad note is that former TVW senior News and documentary cameraman Bill Meacham passed away on January 1st, 2014. As Seven’s Janine Vidot reports, “Oh no. That is so sad. I had a lovely chat with Bill in November at the reunion and had sent him an email but not heard back. So very sad to hear of his passing. He was a lovely man.“

    Inaugural TVW News Editor Darcy Farrell sent the following sentiments, “Very sad news. He was showing signs of recovery about ten days ago and last Tuesday I left a message for Margaret and when I didn’t hear back I feared the worst.“

    Here are a couple of images that veteran News cameraman Peter Goodall kindly took at the AMMPT Sundowner on November 20th, 2013.

    They are but tiny fragments of larger photos… fortunately Peter’s camera has very high resolution to enable blow-ups.

    We shall provide a tribute to Bill in the very near future which will cover highlights of his long career in the industry.

    Meanwhile we wish everyone the very best for 2014. There will be some notable birthdays in the coming months which we anticipate reporting on.

Just a reminder that its party time again on November 20th, 2013, for all staff and veterans in the local television and cinema industries.

This promises to be a success as many industry folk have registered to attend.

More can be found at… Lets Party

Formalities will be kept to a minimum, with an emphasis on the socialising aspects.

The master of ceremonies is Terry Spence, with amusing stories and reminiscences provided by David Hawkes and Ivan King.

• Terry Spence was a News Director at STW Channel 9 with a long involvement in radio and television. He is not only a renowned journalist and veteran newsman, but also the author of many books dealing with Western Australia.
• David Hawkes has the distinction of being the Foundation Head of the Department of Media Performance at WAAPA (WA Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University) and a noted broadcaster with the ABC and commercial stations.
• Ivan King is the theatre historian at His Majesty’s and curator for the WA Museum of Performing Arts. Ivan has worked throughout Australia in countless plays, musicals, reviews, pantomimes and television productions. He has also directed and performed for the Western Australian Opera and been a columnist for the Arts West magazine and the author of articles on theatre history for various publications. He has received many awards in appreciation for his work.

At an informal meeting at His Majesty’s Theatre on Thursday 7th November, the organisers and presenters for the Sundowner met to discuss the evenings proceedings and take in the latest exhibit at the WA Museum of Performing Art, titled ‘Ladies of the Chorus’, which runs from 8 July to 10 December, 2013. The display can be found down stairs at His Majesty’s Theatre, 825 Hay St, Perth.

This exhibit takes us back to a bygone era, before television, when the stage was a dominant art form. It gives us a glimpse of the pretty ladies who entertained Perth. The women who supported the big acts that visited our city. The display recognises the vital role these people played in keeping remote and isolated Perth abreast of the current music trends that the common folk loved.

Early Perth cinemas were capable of presenting lavish live stage shows with orchestras, dancers and variety acts. The Ambassadors, Royal, Prince of Wales, Luxor (Tivoli) and Capitol each had stages suited for this purpose. Even His Majesty’s served a dual role as a live theatre and cinema, particularly during the travel restrictions of the war years. Moving picture shows also supplemented Vaudeville performances in Perth, with Vaudeville eventually fading away after the introduction of television. Much as television news killed off the newsreel theatrettes across Australia.

The talent for these shows was sometimes home grown, though the top acts often came from interstate or overseas. Musicians in bands or a solo Wurlitzer organ would accompany the silent movies. The mighty Wurlitzer was able to imitate the instruments of an orchestra and thus capable of replacing an entire band. The organs were only installed in two Perth theatres. the Ambassadors and the Metro.

The introduction of sound movies placed added pressure on the employment opportunities for theatre orchestras, with the cinemas themselves under pressure to embrace the talkies and sound with the increasing popularity of gramophone recordings and radio.

Meanwhile the performers moved from one medium to the other as this transition took place. Singers and musicians were heard entertaining on radio, whilst the serious actors provided the voices for radio drama. There was also a busy Australian film industry, which sadly was overtaken by Hollywood.

Television drama killed off the popular radio serials and quiz shows, where the small screen visuals had a much greater appeal. This thwarted the work opportunities for the many radio actors until Australian television began producing local drama in quantity. This then benefitted a younger generation of actors, as it took time for large scale drama to take off. Meanwhile, the singers and musicians found work in television variety, with Tonight Shows being popular in each State.

The nature of popular entertainment also underwent a transition as tastes changed and the younger generations preferred rock’n roll to the serious music that was dominant in early radio.

The emphasis of the November 20th Sundowner will be social mingling rather than the historical aspects of the industry, though a short video will be presented as a tribute to our home grown comedians who amused audiences in both the cinemas and television.

Australia has been a remarkable fountain of comedic talent, as will be revealed on the night.

This is sure to be a great evening, and hopefully the first of many more to follow if the veterans can get behind the Australian Museum of Motion Picture and Television (AMMPT’s) efforts to commemorate all who have made this possible both locally and nationally.

We’ll endeavour to keep memories alive by the story telling and the collection and display of imagery and artefacts that depict the many ages of our entertainment and information industries.

Many of the videos shown at these AMMPT functions may not find their way onto our web site or the Internet owing to world performing rights issues.

Its party time again on November 20th, 2013, for all staff and veterans in the local television and cinema industries.

    In 2006, the Australian Museum of Motion Picture and Television, commonly referred to as AMMPT, held a function of television and cinema veterans to commemorate 50 years of television in Australia. This was well attended by past and present staff of Perth’s television stations.

    Veterans will also remember the 50th anniversary reunions of TVW and ABW staff in 2009 and 2010.

    This year is the 25th anniversary of NEW Channel 10, and 2015 will be the 50th anniversary of STW Channel 9.

    Now AMMPT is holding another social function on November 20th, 2013, where local television and cinema folk may get together once again to relive old times. This is sure to include many Radio folk too, as the various entertainment forms share much in common.

Lets Party

WA TV History
Wednesday 20th November, 2013 7.00 – 9.00pm

    Sadly some of our friends and colleagues from the earlier celebrations are no longer with us.

    All the more reason to catch up with people with shared experiences, who you don’t get to see very often.

Share old memories and reminisce about the glory days of yesteryear.

    Please register at the WA TV History or the AMMPT web sites, where a link to the form can be found listed below.

    The venue will depend on the number who register, as its possible more may wish to attend that the usual AMMPT hall can accommodate. The 2006 gathering exceeded 400 people, so maybe we’ll get that, or even more if everyone is aware of this special event.

    Please tell all your friends who have worked in the local television and cinema industries.

Formalities will be kept to an absolute minimum.

    There will be memorabilia on show and continuous video an film highlights bubbling away unobtrusively in the background.

This will be an event not to be missed.

    RSVP: to 94479837 or register online at http://ammpt.asn.au/mailcode/AMMPTcontact.htm by 15th November for catering purposes.

    People are probably wondering when the old ABC building in Perth will be cleaned up and made presentable. Veterans who worked there lament its deteriorated state since the ABC vacated, whilst youngsters with no sense of nostalgia most likely want it gone altogether. It looks like many heritage sites, such as the burnt out Guildford Hotel, which is experiencing demolition by neglect. Many abandoned buildings are found attacked by vandals, become home to vagrants, and are smashed and soiled in the process.

    Former staff, performers, guests and visitors will remember the many concert performances, radio plays, informative talks, women’s and children’s sessions, the highly popular evening music programs, with a different theme each night, and the dulcet tones of the announcing fraternity that accompanied each melody. But those tones would turn melancholiac if the radio pioneers could see the place now.

    Few realise what a remarkable building it is inside. It was built in an age when the consideration for the natural acoustics of a room played a very important role in its design. The Basil Kirke Studio was an excellent performance and recording venue with a world wide reputation. It was home to the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra for 45 years. Who performed there as the Western Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, on numerous movies and television scores, for the highly noted Hollywood music score mixer Mal Luker.

    The site has also a wealth of smaller studios, purpose built for chamber music, dramatic performances, and later on, the recording of rock groups and all manner of popular music. The Basil Kirke Studio was often the stage for many large local ABC television productions, the venue for numerous social functions and the tally room on election nights.

For thirty-five years John Juan endeared himself to thousands of Western Australian ABC listeners who warmed to his sentimental signature tunes, There’ll be a Silver Lining, We’ll Meet Again and Up with the Curtain. His most popular programmes were ‘The Breakfast Session’, ‘The Hospital Hour’ and ‘I’ll Pay That One’.

    Then there’s the network studios where live ABC Radio broadcasting emanated from 1960 till 2005. This is where most of the daily output came from, starting with the breakfast session and continuing into the night. Earl Reeve mused that he had a captive audience, as many of his keen followers of country music were those who were incarcerated, writing regularly with requests. Murray Jennings catered for the folk community, which was very strong at that time. The 6WF studio was large enough to accommodate bands, and on at least one occasion a dance group. Peter Harrison provided Jazz for the sophisticates, playing pristine vinyl recordings from his personal collection. Peter Newman kept the golden era of rock alive with his well researched and presented offerings. Each night was different, and they could do things no other radio station in Perth could, because of the remarkable facilities that existed at the former ABC site.

    Concerned veterans have been watching the lack of progress at this site, and anguish for its future. Will it become another white elephant, given over to esoteric pursuits, rather than it be a highly valued resource that continues to be used gainfully and enjoyed by the WA public at large? Or will it lose its character and become another extension of Perth’s cappuccino strips, disguising the glory it once enjoyed?

    As splendid as the performing arts institutions and academies are, most to some point depend on financial handouts. How glorious it would be if the era of grand local productions could find a renaissance through the profitable employment of this presently idle asset. This needs to be considered sooner rather than later, should there be a risk that parts will be whittled away for unrelated purposes. Once the valued infrastructure is gone, its unlikely to ever be rebuilt.

Media City Proposal for the old ABC Site

    In January of 2012, a think tank of people connected to the electronic media was established to formulate a plan for the former ABC Radio studio site in Adelaide Terrace, Perth.

The group consisted of…

• Kevin Campbell (former TVW managing director)
• David Hawkes (first head of WAAPA Broadcasting and ex ABC)
• Richard Rennie (founder of Light and Sound Discovery Centre)
• John Cranfield (co-owner of Zenith Music and Musgroves ex 6IX and historian)
• Jason Jordan (director of West TV)
• Ross Tinney (RT Films and former TVW studio director)
• Trevor Kelly (former ABC engineering)
• Bret Treasure (new media developments)
• Ken McKay (former ABC and TVW operations)

Here is the concept we came up with…

Media City Proposal for old ABC Site

WA TV History
A group of veteran and younger media players met to formulate a proposal on how best to utilise the former ABC Radio studios in Adelaide Terrace Perth for the future.

This is the floor plan for the ground floor of the Radio studios when the ABC was still using the site.

This is how we proposed to utilise the space…

There was also a business plan submitted showing revenue streams and projections.

    The 1.28 hectare former ABC site on Adelaide Terrace has been vacant since the ABC moved to new facilities in East Perth in 2005, after 45 years broadcasting from the old site.

    The ABC commissioned a heritage assessment of their former site, which was completed by The National Trust of Australia (WA) in November 2005.

    Following on from this, a Conservation Management Plan dated March 2007 was intended to guide the ABC, its professional advisers, the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Water Resources, the Heritage Council of Western Australia, the future owners of the place and the City of Perth to assess the impact of proposed change on cultural heritage values and the conservation of the place.

    Interestingly, the office space in the Administration Building was given a higher heritage classification than the actual broadcast studios from which the vast majority of the output came. The currently unkept front garden, was also deemed more important than the broadcast studios.

The ABC left behind working studio equipment, including the remaining original console dating back to 1960.

Remnants of the Adelaide Terrace garden on Saturday 30th August, 2013

Areas deemed worthy of conservation

    One wonders if those who devised the heritage plan ever worked in broadcasting? For they gave no importance to the preserved production studios needing a control room and associated air lock, except for the Basil Kirke Studio. If these studios were to find practical use for recording or rehearsal purposes, then sound isolation needs also to be preserved. Security is also a matter of concern, if anyone can gain unwarranted access when the facility is in use, and disrupt the proceedings.

    Since the ABC left, vandalism is an issue with much damage reported by former ABC staff who were lucky to get in. It seems that vagrants had little problem gaining access too, and their impact on the inside has been most undesirable. Smashed glass to the Basil Kirke control room, collapsed ceiling in the same control room, which should still contain the ABC orchestral audio mixing consoles.

The side lane has been turned into a dirt track and is now only sand and gravel.

    Around 1994, the Kath French Memorial Garden was established at the front of the building to the west of the entrance. An undated metal plaque attached to a boulder states:

This garden is dedicated to the memory of Mrs Kath French AM. (1926 – 1994) A staunch supporter of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and valued friend of the Corporation as Convenor of the ABC National Advisory Council.

    Most of her garden has now been obliterated, replaced by a temporary hut, and its difficult to recognise the plaque and its message.

Areas of Radio Building deemed significant

    You’ll note in the above diagram that everything but the administration building, the production studio floors and the damaged Basil Kirke control room is deemed of little significance. One therefore assumes that the once vital broadcasting areas may be reshaped and put to some other use? Only the dark grey areas above are likely to be kept. If that is the case, then what will happen to the studio equipment left behind? The Quad studio audio mixer left in the television building was bulldozed along with the studio. Our video of the demolition shows the remnants of that in the rubble.

Demolition of ABW Channel 2 Studios in Perth WA

WA TV History
We followed the demolition of the former ABW Channel 2 Television studios in Perth, Western Australia, which are making way for two new apartment buildings. This took place in late 2010 right through to early 2011.

    In 2006, the National Trust sought to purchase the former ABC site in order, among other things, to return the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra (WASO) to its former headquarters.

    This was thwarted when the Howard federal government let the Commonwealth property go to commercial tender.

For Sale sign erected outside the Adelaide Terrace entrance to the former ABC site.

    In December of 2007, the Heritage Council of WA announced that it was placing the site on the State’s interim heritage register, a move supported by the City of Perth. The site was then placed on the State’s permanent heritage register in 2008.

This aerial photo gives an indication how vast the former ABC site was.

This aerial photo identifies the various buildings that covered the whole site.

    The main radio buildings are identified in this aerial view. The studio designations changed from 1960 to 2005. The ones given here are the original studio names.

    This floor plan highlights the studios within the Radio building. The larger ones were used predominantly for program making, rather than continuos live broadcasting. The smaller studios were live program sources used to network metropolitan and regional programs to the listeners. This is where the announcers would present the many popular programs involving recorded music and talks. The 6WF-720 and 6WN-RN studios were busy most of the time, before technology allowed networking from the eastern states without human intervention. This was enabled by better east to west program lines and satellite links and digital delay machines to time shift the programs. These studios were also used for news bulletins until a separate News and Current Affairs building was erected.

    In 2008, despite the National Trust of Australia (WA) and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra seeking to buy the property, it was sold to Ventrade, a Perth-based subsidiary of Singapore company Chuan Hup Holdings, for $37.58 million.

    Ventrade entered a joint venture with local builder Finbar, to erect high rise apartments on the site. A Heritage Agreement was negotiated between the Heritage Council of Western Australia and Finbar Group Limited, which was signed and finalised prior to the issue of the building licence. This was designed to preserve the ABC Radio building and Administration Building, whilst the TV studios were demolished.

    In 2009 a request was submitted to the Council to initiate an amendment to the City Planning Scheme No. 2 (Amendment No. 20) to create a Special Control Area over the former ABC site to facilitate the redevelopment and future subdivision of the site.

    All land that the City of Perth is responsible for is subject to the City of Perth City Planning Scheme No 2.

    At its meeting held on 30 March 2010, the Perth City Council, resolved to adopt Amendment No. 20 which received Ministerial Approval and was gazetted on Friday, 6 August 2010.

    Finbar’s original concept drawing for the heritage listed former ABC Radio and Administrative buildings site.

    The City of Perth, at its meeting held on 24 August 2010, approved the staged redevelopment of the southern portion of the site, with Stages 1 and 2 including three, four storey mixed-use buildings and two residential towers of 24 and 22 stories containing 160 residential apartments.

    Our group then submitted a costed business plan to the developer in 2012, which related to the proposed future use of the Radio studios. This was done after much consultation with the broadcasting, recording, internet and hospitality industries. Our plan was to keep the facilities for activities sympathetic to the original design and purpose of the Radio building. That being the production and broadcast of local programs. Broadcast over community television and through internet streaming. This would involve new and old media, and include new content forms such as computer gaming.

   We considered it important that the proposal be viable and self supporting, rather than a constant drain on public funds. This would be achieved by applying an industry business model that would embrace broadcasting, recording, web activities, streaming internet and studio hire. There would also be educational, history telling, tours, live demonstrations and opportunities for software development of an entertainment nature.

   To add to the heritage nature of the site, it was planned for there to be a significant museum included to not only exhibit Radio and Television equipment over the years, but also illustrate the history of not only the site, but also telecommunications, broadcasting and moving pictures in WA. The educational element would include hands-on activities to stimulate young minds.

    Finbar’s application for Stage 3 involves redeveloping the Adelaide Terrace property in question. This site currently contains the remaining ABC administration and studio facilities which are subject to the Heritage Agreement.

    Approval was sought by Finbar in April 2013, for the construction of a 36 level mixed-use development containing 157 dwellings, three office levels, a café / bar, dining court, entertainment space, and 400 car parking bays, of which 18 bays would be retained for the ABC studios portion.

    The Ground level they proposed, would include a landscaped forecourt to Adelaide Terrace, Café / Wine bar, commercial and residential lobbies, and 11 food tenancies forming a food court, related seating and a performance stage / entertainment space (to be know as the ABC Commissary). An open-sided gallery, or walkway, was proposed as an interface with the retained ABC Studios.

    It is assumed that this walkway would be achieved by demolishing the five broadcast studios facing west, retaining only the four production studios facing east? It would also demolish the old record library area, computer-floored former equipment room known as the Switchroom, and the former Master Control and its associated studio.

    In addition, Finbar also proposed to demolish the former ABC Administration Building, to make way for their new mixed-use development. This would break the Heritage Agreement they had earlier signed.

Finbars modified concept that did not gain approval.

    Finbar proposed retaining the ‘Basil Kirke’ studio as a recording, rehearsal and performance studio, restored in accordance with the requirements of the Heritage Agreement. But in doing this, the other half of the Radio building would be demolished, taking with it much infrastructure that would be useful under our concept. They then proposed gifting what remained of the ABC building to the National Trust or similar community organisation, and subdivide off the land on which the building remnants stand.

    By knocking out vital infrastructure, computer floors, equipment space, cable ducts, control rooms and technical areas, our proposal of making it a home for the community television station West TV would be thwarted. West TV had indicated they would be a potential rent payer, adding to the viability of our submission.

    We proposed running the site along commercial lines, to make it self sufficient, whilst still making it a venue for cash strapped performers and orchestras. We are keen to return local production to WA, where we have first class performing arts academies, but less scope for employment unless they move interstate or overseas. We wish to reverse that trend.

    We don’t see the point of demolishing part of a perfectly good building and facilities just to provide a walkway through a heritage listed property, removing everything in its wake.

    Needless to say, much of their proposed demolition of heritage property will now need a rethink, since their submission was rejected, as detailed in the City of Perth Design Advisory Committee minutes of 18th April 2013.

    The question is, how much has already gone in expectation of this happening? We as people familiar with the building, are no longer privy to whats happening inside the building.

The following video shows what the building was like in 2005. We wonder how much still remains?

Former ABC Site in Perth (1960-2005)

WA TV History
This is a tour in 2005 of the former ABC Radio and TV Studios in Perth, Western Australia, which were used for broadcasting from 1960 until 2005.

    Finbar estimate the value of gifting the facility to The National Trust is worth $8,000,000. One will expect this to have some taxation benefits?

    The remaining four studios would then be set aside in perpetuity for community purposes, thereby conserving some of the original functions. That would leave four studios of varying sizes to either need subsidy, or function as a self sustaining operation.

    We think our proposal involved much more scope for commercial success, than the gutted facility that seems to be envisaged.

    We have seen the Telecommunication Museum stripped from Wireless Hill, the Fremantle History Museum, the Light and Sound Discovery Centre, and the Fremantle Vintage Car Museum all sent packing.

    The former ABC building is an ideal purpose built location to provide Perth with not only a top tourist attraction, provide employment opportunities locally for the performing arts, revitalise local television production in WA, foster education of old and new media, set up an incubator for new telecommunication technology, and inject life back into a heritage building, whilst using it as it was designed.

    We propose to return the site to a bustling hive of activity, with a wide range of activities bubbling away in every available space of the old radio building. Even utilising the former ABC canteen area as a food, drink and social venue, not only for production staff and visitors, but also a meeting place for industry veterans to associate with old friends and colleagues, as well as provide an opportunity to mentor younger participants who are entering the field.

    Unfortunately, what seems obvious to us may be missed in the decision making process, if real estate priorities inhibit us from injecting life back into every square of the heritage listed building, rather than chip away at the structure and make our most meritorious plan unworkable.

    Maybe if the Howard government (in office from 11th March 1996 to 3rd December 2007) had more empathy towards WA heritage earlier in this decade, and the WASO had been allowed to return to its old home, then this situation could have had a totally different outcome.

    It would be interesting to learn what support there is for our proposal in the wider community? Should there be apathy on this issue, then the decision makers may assume that no one cares and that they should let the developer do what they wish.

Adagio Apartments have replaced the ABC TV Studios

Verity James returns to the location where she was once a news reader for ABC Television. Today it’s now the Adagio Apartments. There’s 23 storeys of 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments as well as a sub-penthouse and penthouse. The facilities include a theatrette, pool with BBQ area, spa, sauna, gym, games room, residents lounge, function and meeting rooms.

Related topics…

• New Age Museums can dramatically boost tourism
• Local program needs Vs Central Control
• The end of Local TV… or is it?
• Notion of a 7-2-9-10 Club
• Background to the ABC leaving its former Perth studio site.
• Six Years since last broadcast from former ABC Studios
• Tribute to the former ABC Radio and TV Studios in Perth, Western Australia (1960-2005)
• ABW Channel 2 – 50th Anniversary
• ABW Channel 2 – 50th Anniversary Reunion
• ABC TV Perth Celebrates 50 Years of Television
• ABW2 50 Years Reunion
• ABC Presenters reminisce about the 1960s, 70’s and 80s
• Demolition of ABW Channel 2 Studios in Perth WA
• The 6WF Story – Part 1 of 3
• The 6WF Story – Part 2 of 3
• The 6WF Story – Part 3 of 3
• ABC TV Perth OB activities
• First Australia to UK Satellite Hook-up in 1966
• Pioneering Satellite TV Program Exchange

    A friendly gathering of television veterans and cinema folk was kindly hosted by the Australian Museum of Motion Picture and Television (AMMPT) on Wednesday 21st of August, 2013.

A 51 minute video covering the golden era of TVW was screened on this occasion.

    Gary Carvolth interviewed Sir James Cruthers for this video and Audrey Long narrated the production. The event finished with a session of reminiscing between Gary and Audrey, with Gary telling many amusing yarns. A few of the audience joined in too with stories.

    Audrey’s narration was first class and Gary was at his brilliant best. They certainly helped make the evening a success.

    The AMMPT team led by John Fuhrmann needs to be thanked for making everyone welcome and providing refreshments and snacks for the evening.

The next television and cinema gathering will be on a much grander scale, catering for staff from all stations. Much like the function AMMPT held in 2006 at the Italian Club.

Please reserve November 20th in your calendar, as this is anticipated to be a great social event, devoid of formalities.

    We must also thank Jill Glass and Janine Vidot for their much valued help over the years in assisting us gather photos and old footage from Seven for the video. Sadie Purser and Brad Bergersen have also been pivotal to this quest, with their research for the TVW 50th Anniversary Special, and John Crilly for his 40th Anniversary Special.

    Radio veteran and historian John Cranfield attended with Dianne Rowe, who was a weekend producer at 6PR.

    Ian Stimson was not only a veteran of radio but also television. He currently collects cinema and television equipment, which includes videotape and video cartridge machines, telecine chains, studio cameras and an endless assortment of related paraphernalia.

    Most people present were either veterans of the television or cinema industries, including Derrick Wright and Kim leSoef from the ABC. John Quicke was the Chief Engineer at TVW during the period much expansion took place from the introduction of videotape and colour, to the building of the Perth Entertainment Centre. Former STW Channel 9 Chief Engineer Bob Penno was also present, who pioneered much happening at Nine during the early days, right through to the use of the StumpCam during cricket matches. Phil Salinger who helped install the TVW studios and transmitter, told a story about of his period Technical Directing in the studio. Bert King was responsible for building TVW’s first OB van, that was designed by John Quicke, and used for the 1962 Commonwealth and Empire games at Perry Lakes. Peter Buzzard was not only a Telecine veteran at Seven, but also the inaugural Chief Engineer of 96FM. Allan Smith worked at Seven from the early 1960s in Audio until more recent times as an Engineer. Peter Partridge also has a rich technical history at Seven, working most areas including outside broadcasting and operating and servicing the north west commercial cable TV network for mining communities, set up as a joint enterprise by TVW and STW. Lindsay Smith was also present, who worked on many early productions as an audio operator.

    Former TVW production manager Marion Leyer kindly attended with producer and choreographer friend Brian Smith, who both were responsive over many years for a vast quantity of top shows, with a significant number being staged at the Perth Entertainment Centre. Other production veterans included Richard Ashton and Gordon McColl, who were responsible for producing the video shown on the night..

Photos provided of the evening are courtesy of Peter Goodall and Gordon McColl.

Derrick is an ABC veteran, Ian a pioneer with BTW3 and the Golden West Network, whilst Audrey was a popular personality on both TVW and STW.

    Ross McDonald is national president of the association, and will be remembered as a technical director at TVW, for many of the early shows. Ross went on the form TIAMAC a television facility with a studio for commercial production. The company also serviced the closed circuit television needs for the WA Turf Club, WA Trotting Association and the greyhounds. This included the stewards camera service, the photo finish and public address system.

    Gary told the story of he and Bill Meacham covering the Muhammad Ali fight in Manila between he and Joe Fazier, billed as the Thrilla in Manila. This prize fight was ranked as one of the best in the sport’s history, as Ali described it, “Killa and a Thrilla and a Chilla, when I get that gorilla in Manila.”

    The video presentation was not only narrated by Audrey Long, who will be remembered for appearing on TVW’s Today and Televisit program, but also as the presenter and originator of Shopping Guide. Audrey is a great friend and carer for Coralie Condon, the first lady of WA television. Audrey and Coralie were great friends of the late Lloyd Lawson, who was inaugural program manager at TVW, before moving to STW, where Audrey joined him to present Roundabout.

   There was a good contingent of AMMPT folk present, who offered their hospitality. AMMPT run the Sunday morning nostalgic film screening at the Cygnet Cinema in Como once a month, which they have been doing for many years owing to its great popularity. Peter Foyster, Gerry Voutsinas, Graham Lacey and Tony Smith are but four of many associated with that endeavour. Western Region AMMPT president John Fuhrmann plays the theatre organ for these sessions.

    AMMPT is currently engaged in refurbishing a part of the heritage listed Sunset Hospital as a museum and club facility. Details of this are explained at http://ammpt.asn.au/SightSound/Sight-and-Sound-8.pdf

    Located opposite the AMMPT area at Sunset, is a theatre with stage and cinema protection box, that doubles as a hall. The association is hopeful of using this for future social functions, though the facility is not ready for the public yet, with the State Government to undertake much restoration to the property.

    We were prohibited from uploading the entire “Golden Era of TV at TVW” video to YouTube, owing to an issue over music rights and their belief that some content was owned by Channel Nine.

   To get some of it on YouTube, it required us to trim out all Telethon related musical highlights, Sir James at work, and anywhere music appeared in Seven program highlights, that exceeded a few seconds.

Please find below the nine short segments that YouTube allowed.

The origin of TVW Channel 7 as told by Sir James Cruthers

WA TV History
In 1958, Jim Cruthers was given the task of starting a television station, by West Australian Newspapers managing editor James Macartney, without first having seen a working TV set. He embarked on this quest by visiting the east to witness the new media and find people who could enlighten him.

After a discouraging visit to AWA, he found solace at PYE, where an aged engineer was prepared to advise him on everything he needed to know and also tell him how to go about it.
Jim describes his journey of a newspaper man seeking out information to write a licence application, rather than using these journalistic skills to write a story for the newspaper. No doubt his reporting prowess proved invaluable in following leads and tracking down the vital facts.

The original Newsreaders at TVW Channel 7 as told by Darcy Farrell

WA TV History
Once TVW Channel 7 opened in October 1959, a former newspaper man and first News Editor at the station, Darcy Farrell, tells us about news gathering and bulletin reading of the era, and how the relationship between journalists and the prime minister has changed.

We gain a brief insight into television weather reporting, where bees were observed to gain more reliable information in those early days of meteorological forecasting. The presenting later to be taken over by women, with Trina Brown causing a mild sensation by winking at the camera.

Channel Seven Perth’s Telethon anecdotes by Sir James Cruthers

WA TV History
Telethon’s origins are traced from 1961, when the Lord Mayor’s Appeal for the fire ravaged town of Dwellingup became the first charitable fundraiser on television, to the incredible institution that Telethon is today.

The story of how Dr Christiaan Barnard came to Perth for the 1979 Telethon, and joined with actress Chantal Contouri, to present the Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren song “Goodness Gracious Me”. Unfortunately we can only show the vision of this performance owing to music rights issues.

The Birth of Fat Cat

WA TV History
Sir James Cruthers tells the story of Fat Cat’s origins, whilst Sandy Baker and Keith Geary talk about Fat Cat himself.

The First Channel Seven Christmas Pageant

WA TV History
Sir James Cruthers continually espoused the virtues of localism and the station being part of the community. Many programming innovations resulted, including the first Christmas Pageant in 1972.

Spellbound the television hypnosis show

WA TV History
The ground breaking Spellbound with Martin St James, the Moon Man and hosted by Garry Meadows, was an incredibly popular show, though it was banned in Victoria. Max Bostock explains how not every participant was taken out of the spell before being sent home.

The Perth Entertainment Centre – from Go to Wow!

WA TV History
Major television and arena productions in Western Australia led to the construction of the Perth Entertainment Centre, which enabled increasingly more lavish shows to be mounted in Perth.

Boxing Day national television mishap

WA TV History
Not everything always goes to plan, as witnessed by a brief glimpse of hard core pornography making its way onto our screens on Boxing Day 1979. Not that TVW was to blame, though it did provoke some amusing public responses.

TVW7 in Perth – Brian Treasure, Brian Williams and Max Bostock

WA TV History
The late Brian Treasure is not forgotten, as the late Brian Williams explains the relationship between these two foundation staff members of TVW, and how they were pivotal to the companies success.

Max Bostock reminds us that TVW was like a family, where people worked together as friends during the early pioneering times.

Related stories

• The Sir James Cruthers’ Archive
• Teaser for video on The Golden Era of Television in WA

“The Western Australian TV Pioneer and philanthropist Sir James Cruthers is the subject of the next AMMPT ‘inFocus’ presentation.

On screen, we will see Sir James Cruthers himself, presenting anecdotes about key events from 1959 until his retirement in 1981. Other early TV personalities will add ‘behind the scenes’ stories to enrich the presentation.

Richard Ashton, Gordon McColl and Ken McKay have undertaken a labour of love in researching and organizing the material in this rich vein of WA Television History.

Richard and Gordon were the first studio cameramen at Channel Seven, for the opening night on Friday 16th October, 1959. Each then went on to be studio directors of shows such as “In Perth Tonight”, “Club 7 Teen, “World of Football” and much more. Ken was one of the first videotape operators at Seven, soon after this technology was introduced to WA in 1962.

Please join us on Wednesday 21st August

at the RSL Hall, 1 Fred Bell Parade, St James.

Hall opens at 7.00pm. for a start at 7.30pm

This is an opportunity to gain insight into the halcyon days of television at Perth’s first TV station.

Following the video presentation, there will be an opportunity to mingle with pioneering veterans of the industry, and anticipate an exchange of anecdotes about the era.

In 2006, the Australian Museum of Motion Picture and Television (AMMPT) held a reunion for Perth television staff to commemorate 50 years of TV broadcasting in Australia, since 1956. The function was held at the Italian Club and was attended by veterans from Channels Seven, Two and Nine.

Key speakers included Channel Seven’s former Managing Director Sir James Cruthers and Swan Television’s former Chairman of Directors Dennis Cullity.

Sir James was at that time the patron of AMMPT.

Sir James Cruthers became TVW Channel 7’s first employee and the inaugural general manager in 1958. He prepared the successful application for Perth’s first television station licence. An application typed by Judy Copely, Sir James’ first secretary at TVW. Interestingly, Judy married Gordon McColl, a key member of our history gathering and story telling team.

In 2009, the WA TV History research team were introduced by Keith Bales to Professor Mark Balnaves, who along with Professor Tom O’Regan of the University of Queensland, are writing a biography on Sir James.

Professor Balnaves worked with the Battye Library in establishing the Sir James Cruthers media archive at the State Library of WA, and an exhibition titled, “From Papers to PCs: the story of the media in Western Australia”, conducted at the Library from October 2011 to January 2012.

The research team has been given access to this vast archive, before much of it has been accessioned, and has assisted Professor Balnaves with additional information.

This presentation is a report on some of the material contained in the Archive, with much of the commentary supplied by Sir James himself, and a number of early presenters and executives of TVW.

Can people wishing to attend this free event please alert AMMPT

at: WARegion@ammpt.asn.au

so that they may anticipate the numbers.

AMMPT Meeting Venue

East Victoria Park RSL Hall, Fred Bell Parade, Bentley on the third Wednesday of each month between 7 pm and 10 pm.

    For what is now becoming a regular event, former TVW secretaries and production ladies from the 1960s and 1970s, spent a special day reminiscing on the foreshore at Matilda Bay, on Saturday 20th April.

    Luise Nelthorpe kindly reports that it was a lovely day, and unlike their get together in November last year, the weather stayed perfect and a great picnic was enjoyed by all.

The ladies in attendance were…

Jeannette Smith (nee Ashley) was a secretary working in the Sales Department, Production Department and Newsroom (weekends) from 1971 to 1973.

Lesley Bradford (nee Mills) worked in Publicity from 1969 to 1971 and News from 1974 to the present time as Seven News Unit Manager.

Nola Bradshaw, formerly Bosoni (nee Cressey) was a secretary to Lloyd Lawson and later in 1976 was the secretary to Max Bostock in the Special Projects Department within the Production Department. Nola worked at Seven from 1959 to 1960 then 1962 and 1976 to 1978.

Hilary Everard was the secretary to David Farr, Station Manager, 6IX. Acting secretary to Brian Treasure and assistant secretary to Jim Cruthers, working for TVW Channel 7 and Radio 6IX administration from 1970 to 1973. Hilary also worked on the Miss West Coast beach girl quest and was a singer on “In Perth Tonight”.

Sue Hymus (nee Laurence) worked in Accounts from 1960 to 1962 and 1971 to 1972.

Lyndell Jobson (nee Carter) worked for Bill McKenzie and Graham Plummer in the Program Department from 1970 to 1974.

Yvonne Joynt (nee Garbellini) was the secretary to Sir James Cruthers in Management from 1973 to 1981.

Helen Malloch (nee Boyes) worked in Accounts and Payroll from 1959 to 1962 and from 1975 to 2000.

Sophia McLay (nee Stefanoff) was secretary working with Graeme Plummer, Bill McKenzie and Glenys Gill in Programmes and worked with Jeff Newman in the co ordination of Telethon from 1970 to 1972.

Luise Nelthorpe (nee Borsje) worked for Seven from 1971 to 1976, and was the secretary to TVW’s Chief Executive Officer Max Bostock, part of the production team and also involved in setting up the inaugural Xmas Pageant and Director Gerry Swift’s assistant on “It’s Academic” with Jeff Newman.

Jan O’Mara (formally Finkle) was a Production Assistant from 1967 to 1975.

Jo Rainford worked in Production.

Sue Raynor was the secretary to Ken Kemp in the Supply Department.

Jennie Rimmer was a Telephonist on the TVW switchboard.

Elaine Tranter (nee Hoskins) worked in the Reception area as a Receptionist and weekend switchboard operator. Also conducted the occasional tours of the station between 1969 and 1971.

Luise points out that…

“Several of the girls have to travel quite a distance to attend our picnics which I believe is indicative of how they feel about our group, and we all appreciate it.

“Lesley Bradford supplied a big black tear drop shaped flag thingo with a big red 7 on it, which we set up at our rendezvous area down at the river near UWA so you couldn’t miss us!!

At our last reunion, when the weather was really foul, we all ended up at Yvonne Joynt’s house, and everyone was seated around the lounge room and one by one we all told each other about our lives of the last few years. It was very emotional with a few tears as well as many girls have suffered in different ways and we’d just lost Glenys Gill – and we listened as Marion told us about her husband and his health problems and we all saw the devotion she had for John – it was very moving, even though none of us knew John personally.

I’ve received quite a few emails back from the girls and it’s just cemented our feelings of staying together now that we’ve bonded to support and be there for each other.”

Jan O’Mara explained that…

“Marion spoke of John and his illness at that function, she didn’t attend the last get together in April as it was John’s 76th birthday.”

Following this, Marion and John traveled to Athens and then joined a Mediterranean cruise in May, where sadly John passed away in Marion’s arms.

A full account of this sad happening can be found in our story titled: Tribute to John and Marion Leyer

Our earlier TVW Girls’ story was titled: TVW Girls’ Picnic Foiled by Rain

Sir James Winter Cruthers was the first employee and general manager of TVW Channel Seven when it opened on the 16th October, 1959. He remained the top boss for over twenty years until he retired on 30th June, 1981.

His send off function at the studios was recorded for staff only consumption, at which a number of the office girls and Peter Dean in drag preformed a song and dance routine based on the Mickey Mouse Club opening, a children’s show which TVW broadcast from its earliest days.

With many thanks to Seven Perth, we can now bring you this amusing event, which is sure to bring back many fond memories for not only the ladies involved, but also the staff of that era.

TVW Office Girls Mickey Mouse Routine at Sir James Cruthers’ send off

WA TV History
TVW Office Girls Mickey Mouse Routine at Sir James Cruthers’ send off in 1981.

    The regular gatherings of TVW ladies, is but one of many forms of reunion taking place in the industry. Recently, there was a gathering of inaugural NEW Channel 10 staff to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the station. ABC announcers regularly conduct mingles, which are well attended. The popular Engineering gathering of 2012 attracted former staff from both TVW and STW, of which a number also worked for the ABC on installing the new premises in East Perth. Then there was the earlier News and Operations reunion at the same venue, involving staff who worked for TVW, STW, ABC and NEW at different times.

Various aspects of this desire to socialise were covered in our story Notion of a 7-2-9-10 Club.

    Veterans will remember the 2006 reunion of television staff from channels Seven, Two and Nine, held at the Italian Club, and the associated display and functions at the Perth Town Hall. A comprehensive exhibit was then mounted in 2009 in Fremantle, to commemorate 50 years of TV in WA.

    These were conducted by the Australian Museum of Motion Picture and Television (AMMPT) which has mounted a number of exhibitions over the years to commemorate key events in the respective industries.

    Now AMMPT is investigating the feasibility of conducting a TV and Cinema industry wide gathering in November of this year, to enable colleagues to re-establish old friendships. As well as being a social event, it is likely to feature various memorabilia which should be of great interest. More will be conveyed on this subject as the matter develops.

    As we all age, its now common for us to catch up with people at the increasing number of funerals that are starting to occur. Many are represented by the tributes provided here under the In Memoriam menu option. How much happier the occasion if we can meet regularly in a purely social environment of goodwill and fellowship, remembering all the good times that were had. Its also very therapeutic, as maintaining social contact is judged to be desirable and beneficial to our wellbeing.

Wish to thank Luise Nelthorpe and Hilary Everard for kindly providing the above photos.

Related Stories…

• TVW Engineering Reunion 2012
• News and Operations Reunion 2009
• TVW Girls’ Picnic Foiled by Rain
• The TVW Secretaries – Introduction
• Notion of a 7-2-9-10 Club

    Too often we report the passing of good people who are universally well liked, with attributes everyone would hope for in a husband, father, grandfather, friend and workmate.

    We were saddened to learn from Keith Spice and Kevin Campbell that following a 12 month illness, former TVW Channel Seven Supply Officer Ross Mathews died aged 67.

Keith Spice conveyed the following sentiments…

“He was a good bloke Ross, always had a smile and a friendly g’day for everyone.

I last met him at Peter Dean’s funeral, and although he wasn’t well then, it was the same friendly old bloke we all knew and liked who chatted with us that day. RIP Ross.”

Kevin Campbell, on sending us the below newspaper notices, solemnly observed that …

“Another good TVW man departs us.”

    Before joining TVW in 1977, Ross was operating a fuel agency and shop on Yanchep Beach Road. A route which now provides access to the outermost northern coastal suburbs of Yanchep and Two Rocks, from Wanneroo Road.

    Ross loved working for TVW when he joined Ken Kemp, Ron Long, Ivan Lewis, David Dallimore, Roslyn MacIntosh and Vickie McDonald in the supply department.

    Not only was the department responsible for purchasing and replenishment of vital supplies, but the section was also pivotal to the success of various special events from family fun days to Telethon.

    In 1972, The first ever Swap Meet for Telethon took place at Cannington Oval, to be followed monthly at venues such as Midland Oval, Claremont Showgrounds and the Fremantle Myer’s car park. The Swap Meet notion came from a ‘Time Magazine’ article about California, that was sighted by Ken Kemp, who then encouraged TVW management of the virtues these events have on fund raising.

    The Lions Club of South Perth became involved through a Lion’s member and showman named George Stewart, who was great help as a provider of rides for the popular ‘Hole-in-One’ golf days at TVW. On joining TVW in 1977, Ross Mathews began a twenty year involvement in Swap Meets and Telethon money raising events. Ross was a considerable help with these ventures, until taking over from Ken Kemp, following his retirement in 1983. Prior to this, Alan Shaw helped Ken in these matters.

    Ross stayed with Seven until the highly successful Western Australian broadcaster lost its autonomy following the many ownership changes and the restructuring of the Seven Network. This resulted in not only a scaling back of local production but a shrinking of the local workforce.

    Ross left Seven in 1997 to establish himself in the earthmoving field with four trucks, undertaking such projects as the transport of vital materials for the new Bunbury highway.

    Many will hold fond memories of their time working with Ross. A popular gentleman of fine humour who will be sadly missed.

   Ross passed away at St John of God, Subiaco, after a 12 month battle against lung cancer, which oddly was for a man who never smoked. Ross is survived by his loving wife Kerry, their sons Gerry, Craig and Brett. Daughter-in-law Dian and granddaughters Madeline, Amelia and Helena.

Published in: The West Australian
Monday, 17 June 2013

MATHEWS (Ross Albert):
09.06.1946 – 14.06.2013
Passed away at St John of God Subiaco after a 12 month battle aged 67. A battle which he fought hard until the end. Beloved husband of Kerry, loving father to Gerry, Craig and Brett. Father-in-law of Dian and wonderful Grandpa to Madeline, Amelia and Helena. Special thanks to Dr Tom Van Hagen, Kath, Dr Eng and Dr De Felice for their wonderful care and support.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Dear Ross, happy memories of the good times we shared. We had wonderful times with our 3 sons, grandchildren, family and friends. We were lucky enough to have had beautiful holidays together. The happy memories of the good times I will hold in my heart forever. Rest in Peace Ross, love always Kerry.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Dad, words cannot express how I feel today. I have the greatest memories of our time together.
I love you very much. Rest in Peace, Dad. Love always Gerry.

MATHEWS (Ross):
You have always been the greatest Dad. Words can’t describe how proud I am of you. Your battle is over, you can finally rest in peace. Love always, Craig.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Dad, Grandpa you will be missed but we have so many loving memories that will stay in our hearts forever.
Love you, mate/Grandpa. Brett, Dian, Helena, Madeline and Amelia

MATHEWS (Ross):
In your own words “trust me”. In memory of our dear friend Ross, we’ve had many years of football, holidays, outings and get togethers. You will be sadly missed at these gatherings as we raise a glass to our friend. Love and sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and Dian and his precious granddaughters.
Edwards, Hookham, Smith and Stevens families.

Published in: The West Australian
Tuesday, 18 June 2013

MATHEWS (Ross):
Deepest sympathy to Kerry, Megsy, Gerry and Brett and family on the loss of the best footy coach a kid could have. Thankyou Roscoe for the priceless memories and all the laughs, the good old days at Subi oval and a ride home with Albert. Out of pain and at peace, you’ll be sadly missed mate. Nathan, Aimee and Tommy Langlands.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Farewell to a wonderful brother, a wonderful brother-in-law, and above all a wonderful mate and friend. Condolences to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett, Diane and grandchildren. Les and Pam Mathews.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Our deepest sympathy to Kerry and family in the very sad loss of Ross.
Kaye, Barry and family

MATHEWS (Ross):
Our deepest sympathy to our dear friends Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family on the loss of a great man. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.
Love Sheree, Troy and Trudy, Lana and Mark.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Deepest sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett, Dian, Helena, Madeline and Amelia. Our thoughts are with with you. Love the Neeson family.

MATHEWS (Ross ):
Deepest Sympathy to Kerry and Boys.
Ross’s sense of humour and our annual Dowerin Field Day trips will be sadly missed, RIP buddy. Shane and Tony

MATHEWS (Ross ):
Deepest sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family on the passing of Ross. Such a great bloke and taken way too early. Pottinger family.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Sixty years of wonderful memories of our dear friend Ross. Especially the picnics, bbq’s sport events, holidays, jokes and laughter. Our love and sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family. Terry, Shirley, Daniel, Tracey, Peter and girls.

MATHEWS (Ross ):
Fond memories of happy childhoods spent together. We extend our sympathy to all the family.
From The Froylands

MATHEWS (Ross):
Our thoughts are with Kerry and family. With much love and respect, Syd and Josi Standring.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Happy memories of our time working together. Deepest sympathy to Kerry and family. Our thoughts are with you. Mick, Beau and families.

MATHEWS (Ross):
A great mate to both of us. Sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig and Brett.
Perry and Rusty.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Our sincere condolences to Kerry and family on the passing of Ross. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Keith and Val Sloan and family.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Farewell Ross, we have great memories of junior football, indoor cricket, Eagles (the A team) and many social outings over 30 years. Your sense of humour, jokes and larrikin behaviour will be sadly missed. Our love and deepest sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett, Dian and family. Love from Sandra, Kerry and family.

Published in: The West Australian
Wednesday, 19 June 2013

MATHEWS (Ross):
Ross, you were the consummate family man. Your family were always your first priority. You gave endlessly to them with your love and generosity! Our hearts break for your loss Kerry. Deepest sympathy to you and Gerry, Craig, Brett and Dian and your beautiful granddaughters.
Love Steven, Lian, Samantha and Amy Gates.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Kerry and family. Many fond memories of our times working together. A good man, a funny man and a gentleman gone too soon. From George, Boris, Peter and Jason Radonich and families, also staff of Radonich Earthmoving

MATHEWS (Ross):
Great National Service Mate of Gerry Keating.
Our friendship is unique. Kilometres separated us but the bond is unbreakable. The greatest Mate a man could ever have. Love ya Mate.
Love to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family. Gerry and Marg Keating and family.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Wonderful memories of a lovely man and good friend. Ross will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy and much love to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and Dian and family.
Philip and Ann-Marie.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Our deepest sympathies to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family on your sad loss of Ross.
Ray and Clint Dohmen and families

MATHEWS (Ross):
Love and sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family at this very sad time. Great memories of very good times. Rest in peace Ross.
Love the Mays.

MATHEWS (Ross ):
Sincere sympathies to Kerry and family. Fond memories of Ross and of many happy times spent together. Ron and Anne Newell and family.

MATHEWS (Ross): Uncle Ross, we will miss your sense of humour, the good times we shared and the laughs. Go the Eagles! Rest in peace, love Paul, Nat, Tom, Ben Mathews.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Deepest sympathy to all the family.
Alan and Julie Mathews.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Deepest sympathy to Kerry, Gerry, Craig, Brett and family on your sad loss of Ross. Laurie and Nola. Rest in peace Ross.

MATHEWS (Ross ): To a great brother and friend. You tried so hard to stay with us. The tears we can wipe away, but the memories of you will forever stay.
Love and support to Kerry and boys. Love always from Kay, Vern and family.

Published in: The West Australian
Thursday, 20 June 2013

MATHEWS (Ross):
Deepest sympathy to the Mathews family. Well done swap meet Ross. The Lions Club of South Perth.

MATHEWS (Ross):
Deepest sympathy to Kerry and family. Ross will be truly missed. Simply one of the best.
Love Frank and Sharyn.

Published in: The West Australian
Friday, 21 June 2013

MATHEWS (Ross ):
Ross will be sadly missed by all of us. We are away at present but this doesn’t stop us all remembering the great times gone by. We send our love and condolences to Kerry and all the families. Our thoughts with you at this time. Love Hendo, Joyce, Susan and family.

MATHEWS:
The Funeral Cortege for the late Mr Ross Mathews of Subiaco, formerly of Wanneroo, arrived at the main entrance of KARRAKATTA Cemetery on THURSDAY (20.6.2013) for a Cremation Service that commenced at 12.30pm. A very large number of family, friends and workmates were present, to the extent that the funeral director ran out of cards, which unfortunately makes it difficult for the family to respond to all who kindly attended..

    ABC South West announced from the Bunbury studios, to their loyal listeners through 6BS Busselton, 6WA Wagin, 6BR Bridgetown and 6MJ Manjimup, the sad news that Bill McCutcheon has passed away. Bill was known as the voice of breakfast on ABC radio through the South West of WA for 33 years.

He was an avid fisherman, keen sailor, fierce cricketer and golfer.

    Bill was an institution for many ABC listeners throughout the Great Southern and South West and a friend to many and truly one of God’s gentlemen. He leaves a big hole, but a huge legacy in so many ways, and will be missed.

    Bill passed away peacefully at Mount Hospital Perth WA, on Tuesday 12th June, 2013, in his 72nd year.

    The loving husband of 46 years of Jean (nee Keddie), beloved father of Graeme and Larissa and father-in-law of Tania, and proud and loving grandfather of Cohen.

Bill is also survived by his brother Ron.

Thursday, 20 June 2013

MCCUTCHEON (Bill):
Remembering with gratitude Bill’s invaluable support as ABC Rural Radio reporter for promotion of KDFIG (now Kondinin Group) events in the 70s/80s. His efforts were an integral part of our success. Condolences to his family and former colleagues. Bill Henderson

MCCUTCHEON (Bill):
Respected colleague ABC South West. Thanks for sharing the tea and toast, Bill. Sympathy to Jean and family. Del Ambrosius

Published in: The West Australian

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

MCCUTCHEON GW (Bill):
Fond memories of a respected friend and longstanding ABC rural broadcaster.
Sincere condolences to Jean and family.
Owen and Jennifer Grieve.

MCCUTCHEON (Bill):
Long time volunteer and staunch supporter of the Wagin Woolorama. Will be sadly missed by all. Deepest sympathy to Bills family. From the Committee and Members of The Wagin Agricultural Society.

Published in: The West Australian

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

MCCUTCHEON GW (Bill):
Farewell to a dear and valued friend and respected ABC colleague for over three decades. Sincerest condolences to Jean and family.
Paul and Sue Thompson.

MCCUTCHEON (Bill):
Fond memories of a great workmate gained over my twenty years (1965-85) at ABC Bunbury. Condolences to Jean and family. Susan Gardiner

MCCUTCHEON (Bill):
Condolences to Jean and family on the passing of a wonderful man who put up a good fight. Our thoughts are with you.
George and Kaye Pitman.

Published in: The West Australian

Monday, 17 June 2013

Mc Cutcheon ( Bill):
Bill demonstrated great empathy and genuine understanding of life on the land. Fond memories of the farmers’ friend. Sincere sympathy to Jean and family. Corrigin Farm Improvement Group.

Published in: The West Australian

    Coralie Condon is an actress, writer, composer, producer, presenter, business woman, the Great Dame of Perth theatre and the First Lady of Western Australian Television.

As a special treat, Rick Hearder and friends organised a party for Coralie on Sunday May 19th of May, 2013, to celebrate her 98th birthday.

    The guests included Roz Barr, Brian Card, Sister Anne Carter, Felicity and Richard Cole, Jill Collis (who also entertained on the piano), John Easton, Father Hugh Galloway, Rod and Helen Hall, Brian Harffey, Kevan Johnston and wife Jill Perryman, Max and Norma Kay, Julian and Jane Kozack, Judy and Kon Kozak, Audrey Long (Barnaby) and her sister Joan Grimshaw with her grandson Aaron Stirk, Sally Martin, Gordon McColl, Jeremy Murray, Colin Nichol, Julianna Noonan, Colm O’Doherty and daughter Damien, Sally and Maurie Ogden, Vivian and Gordon Poulton, Michael and Sue Scrutton, Carolyn Tannock (Noble), Colin White and many more.

Coralie Condon’s 98th birthday party

WA TV History
This video only represents a small number of her friends, who were present, as they were spread throughout the house and gardens.

It was a great day enjoyed by all, though sadly a number of the previous years guests missed the event owing to various ailments, as a consequence of the cool weather.

More stories…

• Coralie Condon
• Coralie Condon’s 97th Birthday Party
• Coralie Condon’s Post TVW Reunion Get Together
• Coralie Condon welcomes old colleagues
• Coralie Condon’s contributions to theatre and television in WA