Fostering enduring friendships
Stories of working in Oz and around the pacific islands
Formed in 1956 the Overseas Telecommunications Veterans Association (OTVA) was founded by a group of like-minded veterans with a desire to maintain valuable friendships forged while working in the telecommunications industry.
Loads of great stories about the history of telecommunications in Australia and the South Pacific.
At last Thursday’s meeting of Vets at Club York i
Peter Burgess has advised that Ross Fenton has passed a
Our Secretary, Will Whyte, received a letter from Bill&
The sad news of Kevin’s passing was received from
Kerry Kearney passed on the sad news that Ted Kearney p
Lorraine Bartels, daughter of Des Kinnersley, has advis
Gregory Sachs has relayed the sad new provided by Carol
Honorine McKertich, Noel’s wife, has with deep so
The OTVA Autumn Reunion was a great success with the fo
Shaun Higgins asked for news of Bill Carter. Neil Yakal
Yashmin Beaumont (President OTVA Melbourne has passed o
Jim Simpson, Graham Hansen, Tim Jensen and Don Koulaouz
Neil Yakalis has advised: Don Withers’ daughter, Clai
Ross Martin has passed on the sad news of David’s
Yashmin Beaumont, President OTVA Melbourne, has advised
John Burdinat advised: Bob Heron passed away on 23rd De
Sad to report to you that our Colleague Charlie Mic
Tony Farrugia has received advice from Leigh Tyl
In attendance were: Allan Hennessy; Ben McGee; Bill Bre
Mary Betts obituary appeared in the Herald today, sourc
Thanks to Trevor Clay for passing on the sad news from
David Solomon has passed on the news of the passing of
The above photo was taken outside of the Paddington Cab
Bruce Boler has passed on the sad news of the passing o
Garry Dunn has provided the sad news of Michael’s une
The following members attended today’s AGM held o
Graham Hanigan passed along the sad news of the passing
Jules Corben has passed on the sad news of Darry
Robert Hall has passed on the sad news of the passing o
Col Sainty’s son Dan advised me today that Col ha
Raoul had worked most of his OTC technical career with
Neil Yakalis has advised of the passing of Bruce Hardim
This news that has been provided by John Hibbard is ver
Paul Naggar advised that he received a call from a mutu
Bill Newman and Ron Beckett have passed on the sad news
David Charrett has pass on via Gregory Sachs the sad ne
Gregory Sachs has passed on the sad news that he has re
Doug MacDonald, son of Gray MacDonald (VK2BTY: T.I, Por
Gregory Sachs and John Mattes have passed on the sad ne
Robert McConchie advised that he had been contacted by
Much loved wife of Tony Stuart a well liked and respect
It is with great sadness that I relay the advice receiv
Paul Mulcahy advised that Julie Yee has passed on the v
Many thanks to Jim Simpson who passed this one for the
1871, 1872 – Australia’s first overseas tel
Phil Tresidder has passed on the sad news that his moth
Glenn McGrath has passed on the sad news that Keith Gur
Paul Weirick , Kevin O’Brien and John McDermott have
Chris Harley advised of the passing of Ernest Bywater E
Keith Gray has advised that Don’s wife, Kathryn,
David Solomon has advised that Colin Reddel passed away
Jim Simpson has relayed the sad news provided by Joy Go
Kevin William Shea passed away on 28.5.2022 age 81
John Barker has advised of the passing of Phil Psaila w
John Bennett has passed on the sad news of the passing
According to Barbara’s daughter, Elizabeth (Libby
John Morrison has provided the sad news of the passing
Among his many achievements Phil’s LinkedIn pr
Wallace Donald provided the following recollection of I
Robert Hall (VIC) has passed on the sad news of the pas
It is with great sadness that I advise you of the passi
Peter Tuckwell has advised: I received an email from my
Richard Faddy has passed on the sad news that Paul Blac
Dave Izatt advised that Paul Crowe passed away from pn
Laurie McIllree has advised the following: I received a
Ross Craig has advised that Charlie Rudd passed away Sa
Geoff’s daughter, Rebecca, has advised the Vets o
Laura, daughter of Duyet (pronounced Dwight), Laura, &a
From: Gregory Sachs A very sad message as received from
Bruce Boler has relayed the sad news of John’s passin
I wanted to let you know the very sad news that Ray Hoa
Keith McCredden has passed on the sad news that he had
Local Christmas Reunions – 2020 2020 has been a d
1987 Yacht Race from Hobart to Perth, in time for the A
Robert Hall (OTVA VIC Branch) has provided the sad news
Richard Vahtrick,has conveyed the sad news that another
It is with sadness that Allan McPherson reports the pas
Allan Hennessy has passed on the sad news of the passin
The daughter of David Wills has passed on with the sa
EFM (Expeditionary Force Messages) were used by members
Kate Schober has been providing care and support for Ge
Born in Sydney, Australia on the 24th December, 1959 To
Bill’s wife, Sue, advised that Bill passed away Sunda
Peter Hitchiner and Bob Murray have passed on the sad n
Michael Grosbard, son of John Grosbard whose last posti
Allan McPherson (ex OTC payroll) has advised that a Her
Wallace Donald has advised of the passing of Margaret R
Southern Sydney Vets Gathering Southern Sydney Veterans
OTVA Western Australia 45th AGM and Luncheon By Kevan B
Visitors welcome Northern Rivers sub branch of the OTVA
2019 Annual Reunion – Sydney OTVA members met up
Unfortunately Les passed away just after 6:00am on Satu
Dave Izatt has passed on the sad news of the death of a
Keith McCredden has been told that Keith Oxley passed a
Born 30th October 1918 Grace Anne Dale commenced work
Paul passed away in Adelaide falling short of his 80th
Robert Hall has advised of the passing of JAMES FES. Ji
Trevor Thatcher has passed on the sad news that Deane p
Wayne Bastow has advised me that his father, Ted, passe
Carlo Cofini worked with Ted Price, Facilities Manger T
Telecommunications Engineering needs recording. AWA Fie
Graeme Hanigan passed on the sad news conveyed to him b
Zeljko worked for OTC/Telstra between 1981 and 1997. Ze
It must be getting contagious! On the back of the advic
Mark has decided to retire after 35 years with Optus wh
Keith McCredden advised at the June AGM that he had rec
After 46 years with OTC & Telstra Noel Sutherland h
Sadly George passed away in the early hours of this mor
Ray was born 24th November 1929. He was 89 years and
John Ebert, one of Mary’s sons, advised that Mary
Age catches up all with us and it finally has for an En
On Sunday 14 April 2019 John Lilley met Mick’s da
Wallace Donald has advised that there was a Death Notic
David Richardson reminded the Committee that George Mal
Denis Chambers – formerly of OTC Melbourne –
Robert James (Bob) Symes passed away peacefully at Delo
The West Australian branch of OTC veterans held their 4
Ned passed away late last night (Sunday 2 December 2018
It is with sadness that I wish to advise that Doug Pete
Grace (formerly known as) Anne commenced work at O.T.C.
Brian was well liked and respected by all of those who
John Barker has advised of the passing of Michael Deben
WHERE: Red Room, Level 1, Club York (99OnYork), 99 Yo
12 hardy individuals ventured out to the Carss Park Caf
It is with much sadness that I pass on the news that Gr
Elgin Brown passed away last week and her Memorial serv
John’s daughter, Margaret, passed on the sad news
I rang Barry in February 2018 to seek his permission to
On 22nd September 1918 direct wireless messages from En
David Munro has advised Paul Weirick that Fred James pa
Bill Breeze has provided the following extract from pag
Moreton Telegraph Station History Although as early as
John’s son, Glen, has informed me that his father pas
From John Marosszeky: I just wanted to share with other
From Peter Bull: Following on from the reference to Coc
Gerry Serrao was contacted by Robert Michell [Ex OTC Br
I took a run out along Badgery’s Creek Rd a couple of
Ken has been battling cancer but it finally won. His fa
I took a run out along Badgery’s Creek Rd a couple of
I phoned Brian Woods a couple of days ago, for the firs
On Christmas Day 25 December 2017 Noel Chapman turned 8
Each year a group of Engineers get together at the Oaks
Laurie McIlree’s daughter visited teh site on 27
Allan McPherson has advised of the passing of ERIC COCK
A pre-Christmas social gathering was organised by Greg
Phil Hiscox has provided us this morning with the sad n
Peter Tuckwell has advised of the passing of yet anothe
Malcolm Irvine was an OTC trainee/ technician in the ea
Brian’s daughter, Sarah, has passed on the sad ne
Also the Funeral Service for Maisie VAHTRICK, wife of t
The wife of the late “Shelley” (Shelton) de Silva,
Hi Peter Just been advised that Jack passed away back i
Thanks to Glenn McMullen for sharing photos that he too
Peter Dee passed on the sad news of George’s pass
It is with great sadness that I pass on news from Barry
From Laurie McIllree: Attached are a few photos of OTC,
Jim Harte took a few photos during his recent trip to B
Many thanks to Jim Harte for sharing this link that pro
Ted Bastow has advised us of the passing of Doreen Hans
Alan started with OTC (A) in Lonsdale Street Melbourne
Many thanks to John Iacus-Pisco for supplying these:
Fellow Members of the OTVA Bernie and his wife, Evelyn,
It is with great sadness that I relay to you the passin
I did not work in ISTC at Paddington but I did work in
Sandra Smith (nee Beatson) asked: Do you know if Phil C
Subsequent to a question from Sandra Smith (nee Beatson
McCarthy – Gerard Francis Passed away peacefully, sur
Sandra Smith (nee Beatson) was going through her old ph
Sandra Smith (nee Beatson) was going through her old ph
Moree officially opened on 29th March 1968 and official
I think the Subject line says it all. It is with great
Chris Alger has provided the below photo is recognition
Doonside, Bringelly & Paddington OTC stations assis
Peter’s daughter, Jo Carver, advised that Peter p
In 1975 I was transferred as SRO from Townsvilleradio/V
Alex had a Seniority date of 17.2.1943 so that may make
A number of ex OTC work colleagues and partners gathere
I had the rather enviable honour to attend the Australi
Had a great reunion with the ex – Brisbane Radio
The daughter of Maurice (Maurie) Matthysz, Vivienne, ha
I have been reminded by Robin Tuckfield of the near tra
Can you fill in the missing names of this photo taken c
GARRETT, David Mitchell Formerly of Epping Passed away
Morrie O’Connor (MO’C) and Cyril’s so
FROM GARY SAMUELS: It is with sadness that I advise you
Trevor Congratulations on achieving this significant mi
George’s passing has been very trau
Guntis (“Gus”) Berzins reminds us all the way from
Jim began his career in OTC in VIM (Melbourne) as a CRS
From ROBERT BRAND Looks like ThunderStruck Aerospace is
Jeannie worked in the office at Spring Street, Sydney.
Peter John Gorman passed away peacefully with me by his
I am saddened to report to you the passing of another m
11.04.1936 – 09.08.2016 Barry passed away on 9th
McCONNACHIE Alan Alastair Formerly of Sydney and the Ce
Today’s SMH has the death notice of Beryl Frances Mol
A short note to let you know that I am also retiring at
After many years of working at various satellite facili
From Daughter Christine: My father is Alexander Griffit
Bill Jolly found this article.
David Richardson came across this notice in the Obituar
Bill Brown’s son, Gerry, has advised of Bill’s pass
Neil Yakalis and Wendy Volpatti organised an event at t
After 42 years’ working his way to the top of Aus
Paul John Murphy (P J or Spongy) aged 58 passed away on
PAGE ERNEST BARROW 11.1.1927 – 27.3.2016 Page
My Uncle, John Bede Lennon (1920-1981), joined the PMG
Neil Yakalis organised this tour and the pictures prove
Photo courtesy of Peter J Forrester Rear: Andy H
My Dad, Geoff Day, has passed away this morning He was
From left to right – Harry Clay, Dave Stimson, (u
It has taken 10 years and many meetings to put forward
Denis Pickwell wrote: I was just going through some of
Peter Grove wrote: I visited Bribie Island last week at
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Jeff’s sudden an
Many thanks to Trevor Clay for alerting us to this prog
Much loved husband of Ruth. Cherished father of Julie,
The OTVA held its Christmas reunion in the function roo
One of my first field training experiences was at the I
In yesterday’s SMH there was a Death Notice for John
Debra Flaherty, the daughter of William “Ern” Antho
Vi passed away in Moe Victoria. Vi was cremated at the
Joan passed away in the Linacre Hospital Hampton Victor
Ferne passed away at the BUPA Coburg Vic. Beloved wife
I was waiting for the tour guide at King Solomon’s Ca
Many thanks to Charlie Rudd for passing on this referen
Vernon Yen has advised that Kim Ayoub passed away on 10
Keith McCredden and Ted Bastow have alerted me to the p
When Les Ayers spoke to Charlie in early to mid May Cha
Denis Chambers has advised that John Norris passed away
From Derek Walker: I was very saddened to get the news
I am writing to inform you of the death of Phil Harris
It is sad to report that Bruce Collett passed away at 7
This newsletter was supplied by Les Ayers who receives
This newsletter was supplied by Les Ayers. Les receives
This newsletter was supplied by Les Ayers. Les receives
CLICK on the link below the name of the book to downloa
Les Ayers advised Alf Cannell passed away during the
LIFE ON THE OTC COTTESLOE TELEGRAPH CABLE STATION 1952
PREFACE: In the following article published in Spacefli
THE LANDING ON COCOS ISLAND This event is also signif
Robert Hall (VIC OTVA) has provided the following: JACK
The 20 Year Reunion of the OTC Technical Training Schoo
At the moment I am in Spain having a bloody wonderful t
Mick Wood’s family has asked Deane Laws to alert
John Morrison remembered some of the names in th
L to R: Alf Flood, Maurie Matthysz, Nevyl Farrar, Brian
James BAIRSTOW Obituary BAIRSTOW James Percy (Jim): 25.
The below photo was supplied by Arthur Major. Do you kn
Michelle De Vries Robbe has delivered the sad news that
Some of the old MOR staff will have memories of Charlie
Hi Peter, Geof Hipwell sent me your application form. G
OVERSEAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS VETERANS ASSOCIATION ANNU
I have just received the sad news of the passing of “
John Eades has just returned from Central Australia. Wh
Graham Watts posted in ex-OTC Facebook web site &nb
The Northern Rivers sub branch would like to w
From Rob McAulay: It is my sad duty to advise that Darr
From Bob Emanuel: Few would remember Jane Hodson, forme
From Peter Grove: Helen Mirzoian (ex-OTC Public Relatio
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passi
Neil Yakalis organised a trip to the ABC Radio & TV
Fropm Robert Hall, President VIC Branch of the OTVA: It
Coutesy of Noel Sutherland: http://www.submarinecablema
From Joan Warby Cassin: Today on my way out to Bents Ba
Hasler Exchange &nbs
From Carlo Cofini: Hello Friends and Colleagues, It sad
From Alison Archer, Shirley’s daughter: With grea
From Robert Hall, President, Victorian Branch OTVA Hi T
From Anne Kampus (Ulo’s Daughter): Hi. I am wri
From Ron Beckett: Hi Peter, Last week I went to
Robert H Scherf Bob lost his battle with cancer. Friend
It is with great sadness that the family of William Gra
Keith McCredden has provided the following photos: &nbs
The 39th Annual Meeting and Reunion of the WA Veterans
In Nov 1963, almost 50 years ago, the first undersea ph
From Phil Dickson, grandson of Vince Sim: I’ve stumbl
From Henry Cranfield Saturday 27th July 2013 There was
Registered Address
The following RSVPs have been received indicating that
Bob Collins has passed on the sad news of the passing o
From David Tudehope: It is with great sadness that I pa
From Bernie White: Just a note to let you know that Dor
From Allan’s daughter, Lorraine Thomas (nee Ritch
OTVA Newsletter June 2013 2013 NSW AGM Date: Friday
From Peter Burgess: Peter, It is with great sadness tha
It is with deep regret that I advise you of the passing
From: McKnight, Tom I am deeply saddened to announce th
To view 81 photos provided by John Oxley please click o
by Guntis („Gus”) Berzins Background As part of i
From Julia Brooksbank Peter Sadly, I have to inform you
From Robert Hall, President of the Victorian Branch of
From Robert Hall, President Victorian Branch of the OTV
Received from Robert Hall, OTVA Victorian Branch Presid
Dear All With Perth (Gnangara) closing its HF st
The editions of the Contact magasines that are missing
The editions of the Transit magasines that are missing
OTVA Newsletter Mar 2013 Final to view the OTVA Newsle
From Tony Farrugia: On Sunday 3rd March I received a te
From Keith McCredden Regret to advise that Rita Day, wi
From Ed Willingham: I have been in contact with Peter S
It is with deep regret that I advise of the passing of
Provided by Bernie White:
Robert Hall (Hon. Secretary/Treasurer OTVA Melbourne) h
From Allan Hennessy: Des has been living in KINGSCLIFF
Col Kelly had lunch with the group in mid November 2012
From Norm Stagnitta and Colin Kelly (ex-Paddington ITMC
From Peter Bull: 50 of our members attended and enjoyed
A total of 18 turned up for this outing. Our volunteer
From Geoff Larcombe In case you haven’t already h
Info from Kim Hargreaves (Joan’s proud daughter):
OTVA Newsletter Nov 2012 to view the OTVA Newsletter i
From Laurie McIlree: Hi Peter, I took these photos when
From Laurie McIlree: Hi Peter, The attached webs
Hi Peter/Neil… Attached is the catalogue
Denis Humphries was born on 14/5/1930 departed this li
Plays to history at Carnarvon. NBN Co has decided to bu
Peter Burgess and Bruce Boler told Robert Brand that th
THE SECRET SUBMARINE CABLE THAT NEVER EVENTUATED (Cyril
Chas Gregory has advised of the recent passing of his f
Message from Tony Bradney: Ray was not a financial memb
Robert Brand has suggested: There should be a huge cele
Overseas Telecommunications Veterans Newsletter
This story first published in 1974 was discovered by Ro
From Tom Barker: Jo Christoffersen phoned Saturday to a
From Tony Belts & Kevan Bourke: On the morning of A
14 August 2012: Message from Peter Burgess Alison Young
1 How I became involved in Vietnam. I was an engineer w
eLONG DISTANCE BLIND DATE VIA OTC Introduction I was ta
From Kevin O’Brien Attached is a bit of Trivia fr
OVERSEAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS VETERANS ASSOCIATION 56TH A
Date: Wednesday 7th November, 2012 Transport Cost: Seni
From Vernon Yen to Roly Ayo: Roly, We lost Vijay at abo
From Bob Shoemark: G’day Peter The email below me
From Neil Yakalis: I have assisted the City of Melville
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overseas_Telecommunication
Robert Brand has published some very interesting storie
From Robert Hall Hon. Secretary/Treasurer OTVA Me
From Jim Simpson: Memories of another time in space exp
From Kevin Mulcahy & Ted Miles: SILENT KEY
Aloha, Hoping all is well with you. Some exciting devel
Robert told me that the owner has scrapped a lot of the
Overseas Telecommunications Veterans Association NEWSLE
Overseas Telecommunications Veterans Association
From Peter Bull: I have received several reports that
From Carol Jesson Just wanted to notify that my dear hu
From Keith McCredden and Les Ayers Gareth passed away o
The following contribution from Tom Barker elaborates o
Fanning Island (From our Archives) Letter from Desmond
Message from Stephen Shaw: Subject: Don Wade. Date: Mon
To join the OTVA you can simply deposit $10 annual memb
Overseas Telecommunications Veterans Association NEWSLE
Reunion at the Rosella Picnic Area, Nurragingy Reserve,
Message from Les Ayers A bit more sad new I’m afr
Minutes 37th AGM – 22.11.2011 OVERSEAS TELECOMMUN
Paul Black (ex-DCA) organised a reunion of a few of his
The attached phot is supplied by Arthur Major. The atta
OVERSEAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS VETERANS ASSOCIATION 55t
John Eades has supplied the attached photos. Can you na
The below photos were scanned and provided by John Eade
The following photos were provided by John Eades on 6 J
The below has been supplied by Vernon Yen: I received
John Bennett has sent this tribute to his wife, Libby:
Maxwell Smith Lang passed away on 27 August 2010. Max w
Kevin O’Brien found these photos.
Message from Don Charles: Just thought you OTC guys, I
To be held in the York Room at the Bowler’s Club on F
Alf Ricketts passed away last night in hospital at 76 y
Mesage from Paul Horder So much has changed but then so
Fellows, It’s we deep regret that I have to inform
My Dad, Jeffrey Wayne Pace was born 18th February 1960,
Membership of the Overseas Telecommunications Veterans
OVERSEAS TELECOMMUNICATIONS VETERANS ASSOCIATION 55th
Unfortunately Jeff lost his battle with cancer this wee
In 1964 when these pictures were taken John Grosbard wo
Allan Hennessy has advised that Brian Wo
Aircraft Detection Before Radar
As best as I can recall, it was probably during the mid
Registered Address: 805/41 Meredith Street, Bankstown N
Message from Kathy Palmer My father Wessel Johannes Koe
Extract from Daily Telegraph Obituaries NX433176 TAYLOR
Brian commenced with AWA on 14/5/1945 on 48 shillings p
Message from Vernon Yen I spoke Kim today and he is in
Message from Kerry Adams Brian Woods kindly sent me
Registered Address: 805/41 Meredith Street, Bankstown N
From Robert Hall I regret to inform you of the passing
Registered Address: 805/41 Meredith Street BANKSTOWN, 2
From David Neyle Mick Ward rang me this morning to give
Ian Kenneth Reed –Obiturary 17.6.1943 – 21.4.20
No more information at this time.
Tribute from Bernie White: John Newlyn was posted to
Overseas Telecommunications Veterans Association NEWSLE
Message from John Hibbard: I am trying to get informat
I left OTC in 1989 after 20 years service. I had only o
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