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www.southgatearc.org
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The Hon. Sir Allen FairhallThe passing of Allen Fairhall VK2KB closes a chapter in the history of radio in Australia. Living all of his life in the Hunter Valley around Newcastle NSW, he obtained his amateur radio licence at the age of 17 in 1927, which led him to become a commercial broadcasting pioneer in Australia a few years later. He was just an ordinary fellow, from a poor family, who became a high achiever. After finishing high school he was trained as an electrical fitter at the Newcastle dockyard and when the Depression hit throwing many out of work he decided his new career would be radio. His first steps were in 1929 when he began amateur broadcasting of music on Sunday mornings using a gramophone and some borrowed records. In 1931 he established commercial radio station 2KO Newcastle - building
the studio and transmitter himself. With an associate, Harold Pickover,
he became engineer, announcer, disc jockey, copywriter, salesman and everything During the depression he sought out radio amateurs and offered them employment. He recognised there was a pool of people with skills who deserved gainful employment at a time when jobs were extremely hard to get. During World War II, although medical unfit for enlistment, his engineering skills were put to good use with him being in charge of work on radio and radar equipment for the armed services. The Newcastle Broadcasting Company's 2KO became a most successful regional station and he sold his interest in it in 1947. Following a three year term on the Newcastle City Council, he entered Federal Parliament in 1949 as Member for Paterson holding that seat for 20 years. He was Minister for Supply and Minister for Defence. One of his duties was to officially open the Dural facility of the WIA New South Wales Division. It was identified as a valuable resource in terms of being a communications
centre for civil defence. On the eve of the 1969 Federal Election he decided to quit the federal parliament. Always keenly interested in amateur radio on regularly on air and socialising at field days and other gatherings. Allen was very active in moves by the WIA to re-build its status following the legalisation of CB radio in the late 1970s. He was an honorary Life Member of the Wireless Institute of Australia for long term services to amateur wireless and its subsequent development. Sincere condolences to Lady Monica Fairhall, his son Allen and extended family, and to all who had the privilege of knowing this fine Australian. Vale Allen Fairhall VK2KB
Source: Wireless Institute of Australia
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