Dr Gwenda Beed Davey, Chair Melbourne Friends of the National Film and Sound Archive hosted Susan-Gaye Anderson’s talk on early Melbourne television.
Her talk cited the 1950s Royal Commission to establish Australia’s need for television resulting in one national channel and two commercial stations.
Just in time for the Melbourne Olympic Games, Channel 7 undertook the Games coverage with three television cameras on the back of a truck.
Thrown in at the deep end, Susan-Gaye was part of Melbourne TV from the beginning.
Her mother answered an advertisement for Susan-Gaye to audition for a job with the first commercial station, Channel 7.
Sue auditioned, not knowing what television, nor the job, was about until she received a letter two weeks later asking her to go to the television station.
The Frigidaire Show was her first gig. These were the days of people watching black and white screenings through neighbours’ or shop windows.
Susan-Gaye moved to a long-lasting career with Channel 9. On The Astor Show performers mimed popular songs such as Debbie Reynolds’ hits. Her career flowed onto years on The Tarax Show and years as a presenter. These shows were all live.
She illustrated the naivety and courage of a cohesive team of entertainers, producers, writers and technicians learning on the job and adapting to a pioneering medium.
Susan-Gaye modestly apologised for the supporting slide presentation as most pictures captured her own image. It was her mother’s collection which filmed many early, recognisable TV stars.
It represents a valuable, historical record. Susan-Gaye explained that much priceless footage has been destroyed and funding is needed to restore recoverable, archival material. NFSA’s contribution is immense.
Susan-Gaye presented an incisive but comprehensive homage to early broadcasting technology providing a unique context to the phenomenon of media technology today.
Her talk was presented at the Liardet Community Centre, Port Melbourne.

• Sherryn Danaher