The OTVA Autumn Reunion was a great success with the following OTVA members attending: Ben McGee, Dave Coutts, David Free, Frances Free, Geoff Whale, Greg Martyn, Jim Simpson, Lex Vipond, Mick Callaghan, Neil Yakalis, Orm Butler, Peter Bull, Robin Tuckfield, Shaun Higgins, Tom Barker, Trevor Housley.

The Function Manager of Club York had arranged for us to use the Phillip Room on Level 2 at no cost to the OTVA and for the Zabou Bar & Grill staff to bring our lunch orders upstairs to avoid us have to share space with other patrons of Zabou Bar & Grill. She offered this additional consideration as she was aware of the inconvenience that was caused to the OTVA group that attended the November 23 Reunion when we were crammed into a corner of the Zabou Bar & Grill that made conversation difficult. This was greatly appreciated by those present and made the Autumn Reunion much more enjoyable.

There was plenty to talk about as we had David & Frances Free who had travelled from the UK to visit David’s family in QLD but made time to visit Sydney and attend our luncheon. Frances’ brother has lived in Engadine NSW for over 10 years and she has visited Sydney several times. David had travelled from QLD to work for OTC between 1981 and 1986 primarily in the ITMCs at Paddington and Broadway so there were plenty of stories that centred around people that he knew from those days. After his OTC days David has had several contracts across a variety of industries spread across the UK and US so he regaled us with some of his exploits during his years abroad. David and Frances will be in Sydney for another few days before heading off to QLD to catch up with David’s family. They will be in Australia until May 24. We wished them well during their visit.

Shaun Higgins also attended. Shaun brought with him a lot of stories and memories of his years in NDC and Telstra. Shaun has agreed to make scanned copies of NDC and Telstra magazines available to the OTVA for inclusion in its library where appropriate. Shaun too had some interesting stories that related to his working life and his dealings with international communications.

David Free also actively engaged with Jim Simpson, Lex Vipond and Trevor Housley on the NASA missions and the Australian expertise that made them so successful especially where technological challenges were addressed and overcome by the knowledge and expertise and cooperation of OTC technical personnel.

The table of ex-Paddington and Broadway ITMC staff had multiple interesting conversations going on at the same time making it sometimes difficult to keep across the tread of some of the conversations. Some of these conversation got quite animated at times. Having said that everyone seemed to have a good time and were still there deep in conversation when I left at 2pm to go back to work.

Below: Carlo Viglianti, Peter Bull and Lex Vipond

Below: Geoff Whale, Robin Tuckfield, Orm Butler

Below: Neil Yakalis, Tom Barker, Trevor Housley

Below: Ben McGee, Shaun Higgins

Below: Orm Butler, Dave Coutts, Mick Callaghan

Below: Shaun Higgins, Greg Martyn, Neil Yakalis

The Paddington and Broadway ITMC crew: Mick Callaghan, Ben McGee, Geoff Whale, Greg Martyn, Robin Tuckfield, Orm Butler, Carlo Viglianti, Dave Coutts

Below: Lex Vipond, Frances Free, David Free, Jim Simpson

In attendance were:

Allan Hennessy; Ben McGee; Bill Breeze; Bill Davey; Brian Travis; Carl Viglianti; Col Jones; Dave Coutts; Dean Veverka; Dennis Grant; Gary Beaton; George Woloszuk; Greg Martyn;

Ian McDonald; Jim Simpson; John Eades; Kevin O’Brien; Lex Vipond; Mal Carson; Neil Yakalis; Neville Hainke; Orm Butler; Peter Bull; Robert Brand; Robert Lewis; Robin Tuckfield;

Ross Smith; Tom Barker

Those present were reminded of those who had passed away over the past 12 months and the contributions that they may have had on our lives during and after our years in OTC.

The conversations started immediately people arrived to find out who was who (as some of us have aged more than others). For example: Neville Hainke and Dean Veverka still have their boyish good looks and age does not seem to have harmed them at all. Although Dean told us that he had some crippling back pain while on a working trip to SE Asia on his way to a conference in Europe that necessitated a quick trip home for urgent surgery but he is much better now. Bill Davey and Ray Pow too do not seem to have aged much at least to the point that I was easily able to recognize them.

Those present were happy to see that Tom Barker and Allan Hennessy were not hampered by mobility or health issues and were able to join the social gathering. They both appeared to be well and in good spirits.  Their attendance and contribution to the collective memories and stories was much appreciated by all in attendance.

Stories were told and memories relived as those in attendance recalled their experiences in their OTC years. Much laughter ensued as someone related a particularly interesting or controversial event that had happened OR when someone recalled a ‘remember when (person) did (what)” story that was considered memorable either due to its level of excellence or its larrikinism.

Unfortunately the venue could have been better. We had booked 3 tables of 10 in the Red Room on Level 1 but unfortunately the other booking in the Red Room did not want to share and we were moved at the last minute to the Bistro area which was a bit loud and distracting. Peter Bull extended his apology on behalf of the Committee to those in attendance and promised to do better next year. The Function Manager of Club York and the Bistro Manager also apologized but the situation was apparently unavoidable due to the sensitivity of some of the topics being discussed in the Red Room by the other group which had larger numbers than the OTVA. Having said that, the food was very good as was the service by the wait staff. The general noise of our conversations and occasional raucous laughter may have caused some other patrons to move giving us more room in which to spread out which was welcomed by the majority.

All those in attendance appeared to thoroughly enjoying the event and conversation with many still being there talking well after 3:30pm.

Thanks to Robin Tuckfield who provided name tags to facilitate in those awkward moments when you cannot recall a person’s name.

Thanks to Orm Butler and John Eades for taking the below photos:

Local Christmas Reunions – 2020

2020 has been a different year, particularly with concerns and restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic altering our day to day and normal activities becoming more cautious.

The usual OTVA Christmas Reunion in Sydney, at Club York has not been held due to concerns with people attending and travelling to the city by public transport.

The OTVA Committee decided to hold local events, where members were willing to organise a get together that would be more easily accessible for those members and friends living nearby or happy to travel to.

Sydney Northern Suburbs Reunion

The first Reunion was held on Friday 27 November by the Sydney Northern Beaches and Suburbs group hosted by Orm Butler. Many of the attendees are pictured below

Back row L – R Dennis Grant, John Hibbard Front row L-R Bill Breeze, David Coutts, Dave Stimpson, Peter Trebeck, Alan Michie, Tom Gruzka, Ken Arnold, Bill Davey, Milton Cale, Tom Neeson, Dean Veverka, Orm Butler, Ernie Wan, George Knowles

Orm wrote: We had the function on Friday, and a good turn up of people. Lots of stories exchanged and memories relived. Photo: Orm Butler.

Thanks for the update Orm.

Sydney Central Christmas Luncheon

The second Reunion was held on Wednesday 2 December by the Sydney Central group hosted by Jim Simpson.

A good reunion with old friends from the former OTC Operations, Engineering, CRS/Maritime & Drawing Office represented at a luncheon at Club Five Dock.

Attendees included:
John Bellingham, Paul Cope, Alex Ebert, Greg Edwards, Mike Elliott, Steve Galbraith, Graham Hansen, Dagmar Perumal, Jim Simpson, Karen Wrenall (ex Telstra, Steve Galbraith’s partner),
Neil Yakalis. Photo: Jim Simpson.

Thanks for the update Jim.

Sydney Southside Christmas Luncheon

The third Reunion was held on Thursday 3 December by the Southern Sydney and the Southern Highlands group hosted by Greg Martyn.

Those OTVA Members from Southern Sydney and the Southern Highlands who attended enjoyed lunch at the By the Bay Cafe in Carss Bush Park south of Sydney. With good company, good food, refreshments while many stories were re-told, the veterans celebrated their company and companionship! A good time was had by all.

Attendees included:
Peter Bull, Mick Callaghan, Ross Smith, Darryl Steer, Ray Pow, Brian Travis, Bill Jolly, Gary Beaton, John Vossen, Tom Barker, Greg Martyn, Robin Tuckfield, Rob Askew, Shaune Walsh, David Izatt, Jules Corben and John Eades. Photo: John Eades.

Report by Greg Martyn.

Tweed Valley – Northern Rivers Christmas Party

John Bennett reports on the intrepid fellows of the Tweed Valley enjoying their Christmas Party despite the torrential rain in the area over the last week.

We had our annual xmas party to day [Wed 16th] at the Riverview Hotel Murwillumbah.

We all enjoyed the afternoon, as it was touch and go, with the flooding only receding in the late morning, enough for us to get through to the Riverview.

We all gave a warm welcome to Phil Wall who is visiting from Sydney. Jim Hulme sent apologies, as he would have come from Brisbane, with road closures a big unknown.

Visitors welcome

Any exotc members who may be visiting the area over the holidays are welcome, call John Bennett for details, if you wish to attend Wednesdays at 12.00pm.

OTVA Tweed Valley Christmas Group, (L-R) David Kidd, Paul Close, Alan West, Bill Newman, Phil Wall [antlers], Steve Marshall, Bob Collins, John Bennett, Gary Samuels. Photo: John Bennett

Photos of the reunions are here

Southern Sydney Vets Gathering

Southern Sydney Veterans and former OTC staff have been meeting regularly for over 2 years.

The origin of these Southside Catch-ups can be traced back to the Fuel Crises of the 1970’s when many of the staff at OTC’s Paddington terminal living south of Sydney used to car pool as their rosters permitted. The old cry just after 11 pm was “South Carpool about to leave” as the late leavers would rush to get home.

Venue and time

The Catch-Ups are held on the third Thursday of each month at The Carss Park Cafe in Carss Bush Park near Carwar Ave Carss Park. Carss Park is an idyllic location for a coffee and cake on any Thursday morning.

The get togethers are at 9:30 am with coffee or tea and many Vets having brunch of a muffin or Bacon and Egg Roll. Brunch usually lasts about 90 minutes.

Former OTC staff from the area and visitors are welcome to attend.
More info from Greg Martyn.

L – R; Peter, Gary, Robin, Robert, Lindsay, Vince, Greg, Denis, Greg, Ed, Bill, Ray, Brian [Photo Greg Martyn]

OTVA Western Australia 45th AGM and Luncheon

By Kevan Bourke.

On Tuesday the 19th of November, 2019 President Rod Pernich opened the 45th meeting of the Western Australian OTC Veteran’s and welcomed the Vet’s. There has been a large increase in attendance numbers over the past few years due to relaxing of the eligibility requirements, recruiting efforts and retirements.
A special thank you to Don Charles for his efforts on the recruiting front. The new attendees over recent years are mostly ex OTC staff from the Carnarvon earth station and Aussat/Optus. It’s been a bit sad to see the CRS side of attendees decline as they once made up the majority of members. Due to the large number of people present this year the formal part of the meeting was held in the PITC conference room before moving to the lunchroom for some light refreshments and catch up.

Guest Speaker

Guest Speaker Peter Lalor gave a short presentation on the Exmouth Communication Station where he worked for some time which was very interesting and well received.

Carnarvon SES update

Matt Saunders shared some photos from the early days at OTC’s Carnarvon SES. Many involving trail bike riding.
Denham Dunstall gave a plug for the Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum. They have just obtained two ex-NASA Tracking Station antenna’s which will be installed at the museum. Any other items people know about or have that are suitable for display at the museum would be greatly appreciated, especially anything OTC related.

Some photos from the occasion [Photos by Kevan Bourke]

Members at the 45th OTVA(WA) AGM

Lunch is on

Keith, Mark, Ted, Dave & Tony

Andrew and Joe

Peter, Brendan, Chris

Mark and Andrew

Kevin, Paul and Jim

Ian and Tom

The Next OTVA(WA) AGM is on 17th of November 2020.

Visitors welcome

Northern Rivers sub branch of the OTVA veterans invite any travellers are welcome to join them for lunch and a beer on Wednesday afternoon.

The venue is the Pavilions Hotel. 14 Henry Lawson Drive Terranora 2486 Wednesdays 12.30pm to 3pm.

Like more details?

Contact John Bennett for details.

Steve Gary Bob Bill Gary (visiting) John and Dave enjoying refreshments on 5th Feb 2020

Northern Rivers sub-branch may be known as the Tweed Valley sub-branch.

2019 Annual Reunion – Sydney

OTVA members met up the Christmas Reunion in Sydney at Club York on 28th November 2019. After congregating in the bar area on the 3rd floor they took their seats at one of 5 tables of ten.

Members who had passed away during the last 12 months were remembered with a minute’s silence at the beginning of formal proceedings.

Food and Drinks

A sumptuous lunch buffet had been prepared by the club staff and everyone had a hearty meal washed down by an ale or three. As usual, the king prawns were a hit and for many members formed an entree to the main course, where a there was plenty to choose from. Members visited the adjacent bar which provided a plentiful supply of drinks.

The OTVA subsidised the cost of the meal with more members attending than in the last few years. Members came from far and wide with some folk flying in for the festivities.

Story telling, Catching up

Many a story and memory was shared between the members. A good time was enjoyed by everyone who came along. After the lunch some members continued on downstairs till late afternoon.

Here are a few photos from Sydney OTVA Reunion at Club York. [Photos: Greg Martyn]

Steve, David and Vince posing for the photo

Ross, Keith, Bob and Trevor

Roman, Neil and David

Peter Bull

Kevin, George, Robin, Geoff, Jim, Ben, Phil

Bob, Robert and John

David (walking), David, Bill and Brian

We hope to see you at the Reunion in November 2020!

WHERE:  Red Room, Level 1, Club York (99OnYork), 99 York Street, Sydney

Those present enjoyed the vast array of food that was available along with a beverage or two.

There was lively conversation and many stories from our experiences in bygone years. There were a lot of laughs and a lot of memories of ex-OTC persons both living and passed on.

Many thanks to those who attended and made the luncheon so enjoyable.

ATTENDED

1. Allan Hennessy
2. Bob Anderson
3. David (Dave) Coutts
4. David (Dave) Scott
5. David Waterhouse
6. Dean Veverka
7. Greg Martyn
8. Jim Simpson
9. Mick Callaghan
10. Neville Hainke
11. Orm Butler
12. Peter Bull
13. Robin Tuckfield
14. Steve Percossi
15. Tom Barker
16. Will Whyte
17. Special Guest Appearance from John Currie

12 hardy individuals ventured out to the Carss Park Cafe in Sydney’s southern suburbs for the monthly catch-up organised by Greg Martyn.

They met at the Cafe at 9:30am and had a most enjoyable time laughing and recalling their younger days working for OTC and the antics that they and others got up to during those years.

Robin, Greg and Mick then ventured off to the OTVA Spring Reunion in York St, Sydney for more fun and frivolity.

Fellow Members of the OTVA

WHEN:                 11:00am arrival for an 11:30am start

Thursday 14 June 2018.

WHERE:               ANZAC room

Level 2, 99OnYork (Bowlers Club),

99 York St, Sydney.

The following members attended:

1. Allan Hennessy
2. Bill Jolly
3. Dagmar Perumal
4. David Richardson
5. Ian Thomas
6. Jim Simpson
7. Kevin O’Brien
8. Neil Yakalis
9. Peter Bull
10. Robin Tuckfield
11. Trevor Housley
12. Will Whyte
13. Keith McCredden
14. Greg Martyn
15. Ron Beckett
16. Phill Wall
17. Tom Barker
18. John Eades
19. Mick Callaghan
20. Les Ayers
21. Bob Anderson
22. John Phillips

COULD NOT ATTEND

Ben McGee, Bill Breeze, Bob Dean, Bob Dentskevich, Bob Emanuel, Bob Lions, Brian Collath, Graham Collath, Carlo Cofini, Chas Gregory, Colin Kelly

Dennis Grant, Denis Pickwell, Duyet LE VAN, Garry Hausfeld, Geoff Oldman , Geoff Whale, Graeme Hanigan, Gregg Francis, Guntis Berzins, Jim Hulme

John Bracks, John Taylor, John Wall, Jules Corben, Maree Giddins, Matt Saunders, Mick Quinlan, MO’C, Owen Langley, Paul McCann, Peter Burgess

Peter Rexstraw, Peter Trebeck, Richard Cleave, Rob McAulay, Roger Boyden, Ross Craig, Ross Smith, Steve Frendo, Steve Gray, Ted Bastow,  Tom Neeson

Tony Bradney, Tony Lowther, Tony Stuart, Trevor Clay, Trevor Pike, Trevor Thatcher, Vernon Yen

A one minute silence was held to remember those of our fraternity who passed away in the past 12 months:

1. John Myors (Drawing Office) – Aged 88 Years
2. Owen Harris (Operations Broadway) – Aged 65 Years
3. Ken Howe (OTC Construction) – Aged in his early 80s
4. Eric Cockle (Accounts Branch) – Aged 93 Years
5. Neil Jackson (Operations Paddington) – Aged 77 Years
6. Kim Hopkins (Operations Paddington & Broadway) – Aged 62 Years
7. Malcolm Irvine – Aged 57 Years
8. Brian Brennan (Operations Paddington) – Aged in his early 60s
9. Maisie Vahtrick, wife of teh late Cyril Vahtrick
10. Wife of Sheldon (“Shelley”) De Silva
11. Jack Bowes (Sydney Operating Room) – Aged 88 Years
12. George Kennedy (Senior Engineer, Operations, OTC HO, Sydney) – Aged 80 Years
13. Noel Martin (Manager Schedule Resources, HO, Sydney) – Aged 91 Years
14. Doreen Hansen
15. Alan Harry Amos (Melbourne Operating Room) – Aged 76 Years
16. Bernie White – (Pay Clerk & Administration Officer, Operations Branch) – Aged 93 Years
17. Robert Kraal (Operations Branch) – Aged 73 Years

After the AGM, those present descended to the Red Room on Level 1 for a delicious lunch.