Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. quarterly newsletter

December 2011 UPDATE Vol 19, No. 4 incorporating Background Briefi ng friends of the abc

ABC BOARD AND MANAGEMENT IS DESTROYING THE ABC’S CREATIVE INDEPENDENCE

sought. We are about to lose our utilised. The ABC does not pay state Quentin Dempster specialist expertise in arts coverage. payroll tax or company tax and has a Host of 7.30 NSW, Leaked documents indicate that clear operating cost advantage over the distinguished ABC outsourced programming can be commercials because of this. The ABC journalist very expensive, particularly where does not pay an effi ciency dividend. outside production companies The strategy of the current ABC board have negotiating leverage, which and management is destructive of the Quentin Dempster, presenter of 7.30 consequently leaves the ABC with no ABC’s creative independence. The NSW and courageous spokesperson IP – intellectual property – or archive. only hope we have to restore that for ABC staff, responds to the The ABC has made itself entirely creative independence is through the recently released report of the Senate dependent on the commercial current convergence review where the Inquiry into ABC Television. television production sector adequacy of funding for the broadcaster I’ve read the report and it fi nds that for almost all its non-news can be confronted. the concerns of ABC staff and the programming. Friends about dismantling the skills This is a strategic mistake which base within ABC television production over time will add to our costs. are justifi ed. Neither the MD nor the Director of The distressing aspect of all this is Television produced any rebuttal Inside that the ABC has ignored the inquiry’s evidence to submissions that it fi ndings. As at today’s date (November is demonstrably cheaper to make 24th) we still haven’t seen the three television in-house, given the Update year TV production schedule promised taxpayer investment in the ABC’s by ABC management. studios, sound stages, rehearsal From the President 2 In the meantime redundancies spaces and post-production The enemy within 4 of skilled broadcasters in arts technology around the country. The restructure programming and other areas are being These assets are currently under audience driven or budget driven? 5 Protest to the Board 6 The View 6 Northern Rivers Branch Report into Recent ABC programming decisions 6 Our seminar on national broadcasting will take place on Radio National - Saturday 18 February starting at 2 pm at the Bangalow Bowling Stop The new look for 2012 7 and Sports Club with local MPs Janelle Saffi n (Page electorate) Press! and Justine Elliot (Richmond electorate) in attendance. We will Branch News 8 be looking at the future of both the ABC and SBS and will invite Mike Carlton on the ABC of the attendance by ABC Advisory and ABC Board members. 1960’s 10

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FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM Update Publication Information

Update is published four times a year by Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. (FABC), From the President PO Box 1391 NORTH SYDNEY 2059. Printpost approved PP245059/00002 To become a member phone (02) 9990 0600 or email to he tragic helicopter accident trauma of [email protected] in August which took the covering several or access our website lives of reporter Paul Lockyer, atrocities in www.fabcnsw.org.au. Tpilot Gary Ticehurst and South-East Asia, Extracts from newspapers and other cameraman John Bean served as a including fi rst publications appearing in Update do not reminder of the dangers which are reports from necessarily reflect the views of the part of being a correspondent for the areas devastated members of FABC. ABC, particularly those working in by the tsunami Update is distributed to all members of the world’s trouble spots. We take FABC, as part of the membership fee. in Thailand. Peter Lloyd for granted that, day by day, we Update is also supplied to journalists, (image courtesy of We must Allen & Unwin) politicians and libraries across Australia. will be kept up to date with what It is edited and produced in Sydney but is happening across our nation and never forget contributions are welcome from NSW country throughout the world, but often the personal cost to many ABC and interstate branches. correspondents are working at correspondents in bringing the news Material may be quoted or reproduced considerable personal risk and great to the comfort of our living rooms. from Update provided the source is personal discomfort. Typical was Paul acknowledged and reproduction is sent to MIXED REPORT CARD ON THE 24 the President FABC. Lockyer’s honest and compassionate reporting from fl ood-devastated HOUR NEWS CHANNEL Would you like to receive Update Queensland towns in January 2011, The ABC’s bold venture in establishing magazine electronically? Save the planet's trees and The Friends where he was often fi rst on the scene a 24-hour News Channel without printing and postage costs and read Update thanks to Gary Ticehurst and the any additional funding has provided magazine on your computer. ABC helicopter, with John Bean’s a number of free kicks to the ABC’s Each quarter, when Update is published, you camera close at hand. Each was an critics, including its own MediaWatch will receive an email with a link to the latest outstanding professional in his fi eld. program. Resources are frequently issue (each magazine is around 0.5MB). All three are irreplaceable in the ranks You can try this now by going to our stretched to breaking point, and whilst website at www.fabcnsw.org.au and of the ABC. the concept itself is commendable, clicking on Update. Throughout a summer of do we really need news coverage and If you prefer this delivery option for future unprecedented natural disasters commentary every minute of the day Updates please send an email to the Membership Secretary. across Australia – fl oods in four states, and night? The larger question goes bushfi res and cyclones – ABC staff, well beyond just the News Channel – is Who to write… often working in extreme conditions, the ABC trying to do too much within Anyone seeking basic information about writing to persons of influence might find it provided up-to-date information to a limited budget, placing impossible helpful to go to the FABC NSW website the community. Managing Director demands upon its already stretched www.fabc.org.au where there are some Mark Scott paid tribute to the work resources, both human and material? menu items under "Be Active" leading to All the evidence suggests that it is, and pages of information: >OVJHU0^YP[L[V& of staff in providing an essential >OH[JHU0ZH`& service at both local and national that Friends of the ABC must continue levels with outstanding dedication to advocate for a signifi cant increase in FABC (NSW) Executive Committee and professionalism. Such a service is each triennial budget. Office Bearers a major reason for the extraordinary President - Mal Hewitt ABC TELEVISION – WHAT’S LEFT? Phone: 02 9637 2900 trust in which the ABC is held by Insuffi cient funds for television Email: [email protected] the vast majority of production has been the primary Secretary & Treasurer - James Buchanan community. Phone: 02 9371 5621 reason for the erosion of the Email: [email protected] There can be few ABC’s capacity to produce its own more dangerous Membership Secretary - Angela Williamson material. The current intense debate, Phone: 02 9416 4463 places in the world which resulted in a Senate Inquiry, Email: [email protected] than Afghanistan, is highlighting the questions of Update Editor - Mal Hewitt especially for a outsourcing, editorial control, PO Box 1391 N. Sydney NSW 2059 woman, but ABC independence and quality. NSW Email: [email protected] correspondent Friends of the ABC was a signatory to Cartoonist - Phil Somerville Sally Sara reports Sally Sara a submission to the inquiry from all Editorial Cartoonist for The Sun Herald (Sydney) daily with clarity, state branches, which can be seen on [email protected] veracity and courage. Mark Colvin, www.fabc.org.au Layout Artist - Paul Martens presenter of PM, almost lost his life The Senate Committee has recently [email protected] and is permanently disabled as a result handed down its report. The fi rst of a virus contracted whilst covering Membership Line: 02 9990 0600 recommendation is: “that the ABC the massacres in Rwanda. Peter ensure that it maintains an effective Lloyd has put on record the personal capacity to internally produce quality Page 2

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 2 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM programming across the regions in country without it. For those reasons, to provide priceless advocacy for the addition to news, sport and current and many more, it must be cherished, ABC in their local areas and inviting affairs. The committee notes that the nurtured and defended.” high-profi le ABC personalities to increasing use of external producers their forums and functions. The has the capacity to diminish the THE AUSTRALIA NETWORK – branches maintain strong relationships ANOTHER LABOR GOVERNMENT ABC’s independence and skill base.” with their political representatives, FIASCO Recommendation 5 reminds ABC reinforcing the importance of local management of the ABC’s Charter It is diffi cult to imagine a more voices in defending an independent, obligations to “encourage and promote incompetent method of determining commercial-free public broadcaster. I arts, including musical, dramatic the future of The Australia Network, thank all those involved in branches and other performing arts” and calls our television broadcasting channel for their dedication to the cause, on ABC management to urgently into the Asia/Pacifi c region, currently especially John and Margaret Hale, publish a strategy outlining how it operated by the ABC. The government who have stepped down after ten years can meet this obligation given the decided that it should be put out leading Central Coast Branch. planned disbanding of the ABC Arts to tender, with the ABC and the Falling membership is affecting all Unit. The full list of recommendations Murdoch-controlled Sky TV as the only states, but one positive outcome has is published elsewhere in Update. contenders. When the Department of been an increased level of co-operation Unfortunately, there is no way of Foreign Affairs selection panel seemed between state branches, as seen in compelling ABC management to act to be leaning towards the Murdoch joint submissions to the government upon the recommendations. bid, the decision was handed to on The Australia Network, the Senate Communications Minister Conroy. Inquiry into ABC Television and OUTSOURCING IN ACTION That was over six months ago. The recommendations for the selection of The just-completed series from The fi nal decision has now been deferred Board members. Informal discussions Chaser team, The Hamster Wheel, until late 2012. I can only quote from have begun between state leaders on cost the ABC $3.2m ($400,000 per a Sydney Morning Herald editorial addressing the membership issue – it half-hour episode). Their production of November 9th – “If we are to have is hoped that a more formal gathering company, Giant Dwarf, received $1.2m an overseas TV service, it should of ideas will take place early in 2012 ($150,000 per episode), with the be all Australian, drawing on the including representatives of our NSW remainder of the cost ($250,000 per best resources of our existing public branches. Clearly, embracing new episode) going to ABC production staff broadcasters, and concerned with technologies must be part of that and facilities. By contrast, the recently national, not commercial interests.” discussion, and we acknowledge the axed Collectors cost $122,000 per half We should also remind work of Margaret O’Connor (ACT) in hour episode, and Art Nation cost $2m and Minister Conroy that the Labor setting up our NSW Facebook page. A for a whole year! Consider that the government is yet to implement its strong Friends of the ABC voice will be ABC’s redundancy bill was $3.1m in election promise of 2007 – to restore vital as we move into 2012, another 2010 – in 2011 it will be $7.3m, mostly critical year for the ABC as funding the position of Staff-Elected Director to staff in ABC television. The loss of decisions are made in for to the ABC Board, a position to which skills, expertise, experience and culture the next triennium, in which we Quentin Dempster was elected by will be catastrophic, and will never be could well be facing an Abbott-led ABC staff, but has never had the replaced. conservative government. opportunity to serve on the Board. MURDOCH ATTACKS INTENSIFY We applaud Quentin’s courage in THANKS to the NSW TEAM 2011 has seen a crescendo in the maintaining a passionate and very May I, in conclusion, pay tribute to frequency and intensity of the attacks public voice in defence of ABC staff the team who have supported the on the ABC from the Murdoch press and ABC values, as seen on the front president throughout 2011: James and conservative commentators in page of this Update. Buchanan, our extraordinarily general, with a relentless campaign effi cient Secretary/Treasurer; FRIENDS OF THE ABC – THE being waged by The Australian Chris Cartledge, our Webmaster, IT FUTURE? newspaper, challenging the very guru and de facto Assistant Editor of existence of a taxpayer funded public As a result of a lack of people willing Update Jason Lowe and the members broadcaster. Fortunately, the Australian to take on leadership roles, the of the Events Committee which he public seems totally unconvinced ACT Branch of Friends of the ABC leads so well; Angela Williamson, who by their arguments, as public trust closed in early 2011, with its entire maintains such close and personal in and support for the ABC remains membership transferring to NSW contact with our membership; extraordinarily high. Veteran journalist FABC. Finding the right people to take Geoff Brann, who accurately records Mike Carlton, in a recent address to executive and organizational roles is a all our deliberations and decisions; Friends of the ABC, whilst lamenting growing problem for branches as our Susan Buchanan, eagle-eyed the loss of the thorough training which membership ages. Of our remaining proofreader of Update; and caterer he received as a young ABC journalist, branches, Cowper and Great Lakes/ for our major meetings; Nance Loney, and an erosion of the broadcasting Manning Valley could be considered to whose wisdom and experience add standards of the past, concluded be on life support. However, thanks to much to the Vice-President role; that “the ABC remains one of our the commitment of members and some Margaret O’Connor, who from the ACT great institutions, one of our fi nest outstanding leadership, Armidale, maintains our Facebook page. achievements as a people. It is possible Blue Mountains, Central Coast, to imagine the ABC being better than Hunter, Illawarra, Mid North Coast Mal Hewitt it is. But it is impossible to imagine our and Northern Rivers are continuing President, NSW FABC Page 3

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 3 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM The enemy within The ABC will only lmost exactly 15 years ago I be a shell of its became secretary of FABC SA Joan Laing Former President, former glory Aand later produced our fi rst state newsletter, Background Briefi ng. This was SA FABC on the front page: “As we drove to ABC Collinswood for with a distinctly commercial TV look. The took only a few weeks of Crownies for its the AGM that evening we heard on our Graham Norton Show. Penn and Teller. audience to drop below 500,000. car radios that the government had And Choccywoccydoodah, for goodness Another suggestion that the ABC was announced a further cut of 10% for the ’97 sake. More mediocre British programs in adopting commercial TV values came budget and the appointment of a one man Mastercrafts, Rome wasn’t built in a day, from the head of ABC1, Brendan Dahill, inquiry to ‘refocus’ the activities of the and the pathetic Grumpy Guides. To me newly appointed mid-year from the BBC. ABC. We were stunned.” they look like cheap substitutes – being of He summarised his ideal ABC as being Writing this article, which largely deals English origin I can say this. ”entertaining, engaging, enlightening and with the latest attempt to ‘refocus’ the And why does the ABC now resort to exciting”. activities of the ABC, I am experiencing expensive advertising of its TV drama There is also an obvious shift to aiming similar feelings. outside the ABC, with for example, programs at younger and larger audiences This time there is also a feeling of large ads at city bus stops for Crownies, and to some extent abandoning its older betrayal. This time it is not the government which, moreover, looks like run-of-the-mill audiences. Dahill says he is aiming to but the ABC itself – the management, commercial broadcasting. What does it increase the under 55 age group of that is – that is transmuting the public gain from this expenditure? viewers even if it means a decline in broadcaster. By taking TV production Kim Dalton, head of ABC Television, has audience numbers. away from Brisbane, Adelaide, said that the changes to its productions Both Dalton and Dahill talk about the and Hobart, and by sacking production and production resources were as a result ABC as if it was a commercial operation, staff in those states. By replacing some of “falling audiences for some programs” not a national broadcaster that aims for fi ne and distinctly Australian productions and a decision to “focus its limited quality, comprehensiveness and honesty. – such as The New Inventors, Can I help resources on prime-time programming”. Their emphasis is on entertainment, you, Talking Heads and Art Nation – with This also sounds like commercial audience numbers and outsourcing. several British series on making over broadcasting. Dalton is quoted as having told one old buildings. (I am not talking about the Dalton specifi cally stated that the ABC employee who came to him with a brilliant Kevin McCloud here, but some dropping of New Inventors was partly suggestion for a program to get out of the dreary substitutes.) due to audience fatigue as the audiences ABC to submit his proposal – he wouldn’t Then there are the other new programs had dropped to an average of 500,000. It accept any ideas from ABC staff. The ABC’s redundancy bill – which pays off ‘redundant staff’ – has more than doubled from $3.1 million in 2010 to $7.3 million in 2011. That means great staff probably lost for ever and with them the uniqueness of a great Australian broadcaster. We fought successfully for a new way of fairly appointing the ABC Board – but where are they when we need them? The last word goes to SMH ‘So instead of using its resources to ensure the development and creation of great programming all year round, ABC cuts jobs, limits the internal experience and skills which have developed over many years. The ABC will only be a shell of its former glory. Nothing but one offi ce to air programs made by private sector producers. This is the death of public broadcasting..’. Sydney Morning Herald – 24 Nov 2011

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FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 4 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM The Radio National restructure audience driven or budget driven?

While the ABC’s special TV channel international television service, currently for children (ABC3) received extra run by a commercial operator, but this Darce funding there was no extra money for is now in doubt. If the ABC secures Cassidy the 24 hour news channel, News 24. that contract, it could fi t well with ABC Meanwhile the fallout from the Global News24, leading to economies of scale. he ABC has greatly expanded its Financial Crisis has meant that there is radio, television and online outlets. little likelihood of a funding increase in My contacts in Radio National suggest TThe ABC’s online presence grew, the foreseeable future. Whether it is lack that the changes there are largely along with the ABC’s expansion into of funding, or other causes, News 24 budget driven. If this is the case we are digital radio and television. At the same has not performed well. likely to see job losses in the network time, it managed, for the most part, to The ABC had also been hopeful of and less intensive, and less distinctive, maintain quality. winning the contract for Australia’s program production.

FRIENDS OF THE ABC IN ALL STATES

PROTEST TO THE BOARD Re Erosion of ABC arts and specialist Radio Check National programming out our At annual general meetings of Friends of the ABC bodies held recently in several states, members have expressed their strong opposition to ABC management’s planned closure of the ABC Website! television arts unit, the replacement of some specialist program timeslots on Radio National with increased live-to-air broadcasting, the loss of arts programs on ABC 1 and Radio National, and plans to turn The Book Show into a hybrid culture show called Arts and Books. Members of the public and FABC have expressed their dismay that the ABC has lost Ramona Koval, the outstanding presenter of The Book Show, whose criticisms of ABC plans for The Book Show were reported in the media. s Want information on the In a unanimous acclamation, more than 150 people who attended latest issues? FABC ’s AGM have called on the ABC Board to ensure s Need a printable the retention of the ABC television arts unit and RN’s The Book membership application? Show, which the meeting believes are central to the ABC’s charter responsibility to produce programs of cultural enrichment. s Current and past issues of Friends of the ABC members strongly believe the ABC must Update? maintain it role as a producer of arts programming, and refl ect and s Who to write to? promote the arts. While FABC welcomes the expanded opportunities that online and additional networks provide for arts coverage, the ABC will fail in its responsibilities if arts programming on its major Go to: mixed-program networks continues to be eroded, thereby denying www.fabcnsw.org.au a new generation of listeners the opportunity to discover the importance of art and culture in their lives. Or check out the National Portal We seek the action of the ABC Board on the matters we have raised. (links to all states): FRIENDS OF THE ABC www.friendsoftheabc.org.au

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FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 5 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM process until at least March and extended (although it does appoint the chairman). the ABC’s contract until August. The Channels Seven and Nine own far bigger The view process began in November last year, with shares. the ABC and Sky News tendering. The issue is whether the service should A decision was due in May but in June Greg Hassall be run by a commercial broadcaster. I Conroy announced it would be delayed. don’t believe it should. Australia’s voice SMH - The Guide Leaks suggested an independent panel in the region should be demonstrably had recommended Sky News be awarded independent, with rigid and transparent November 13, 2001 the contract and it is further leaks, again editorial guidelines. The ABC is a safe suggesting Sky News is the favourite, pair of hands in this regard. Sky News will n trying to decide who should run that has been used by Conroy to justify the Australia Network, the TV service cancelling the tender process. argue its editorial credentials are sound but it remains a commercial enterprise. What’s Ithat provides Australian content It’s a mess that pleases no one — not more, no one knows who will own Sky internationally, the federal government the ABC, which has no long-term certainty, has managed to appear incompetent and and not Sky News, which will feel justifi ably News during the life of the contract and sneaky, expose internal divisions, provoke robbed. how that will affect its decisions. News Limited and give a minor issue The shame is there are good reasons to The government had the chance last undue signifi cance. Oh, and it still hasn’t avoid giving Sky News the contract. The year to simply award the contract to the made a decision. issue is not News Limited’s stake in Sky ABC. It wouldn’t have pleased everyone Last week the Communications Minister, News, which is overstated. News Limited but it’s better than what we have now: a Stephen Conroy, cancelled the tender owns only 13 per cent of Sky News politicised shambles that pleases no one.

The Senate Environment and Communications References Committee Report into ‘Recent ABC programming decisions’ Oct 2011

Recommendation 1 Recommendation 3 the ABC publish annual targets of 3.50 The committee recommends that 3.74 The committee recommends regional content on ABC television the ABC ensure that it maintains an that ABC management release a draft against which it reports in order to effective capacity to internally produce television production strategy for meet its Charter obligation to ‘refl ect quality programming across the regions staff, community and private sector the cultural diversity of the Australian in addition to news, sport and current consultation, prior to its fi nalisation. community’ and to promote ongoing affairs. The committee notes that the internal program production in the increasing use of external producers Recommendation 4 BAPH states and regional Australia. has the capacity to diminish the ABC’s 3.75 The committee recommends that Recommendation 8 independence and skill base. the ABC consult with stakeholders 3.51 The committee calls on the prior to making signifi cant changes to 3.132 The committee recommends ABC and the Minister for Broadband, either internal creative and production that the ABC actively manage its Communications and the Digital structures or state-based activities. production facility infrastructure, Economy to identify and implement particularly in the BAPH states, so that Recommendation 5 processes which ensure value for money, it is utilised as effectively as possible. transparency and skill retention. In the 3.76 The committee draws the Recommendation 9 context of the need to maintain the attention of ABC management to the ABC’s skills base, the committee calls on ABC Charter obligations to ‘encourage 3.133 The committee recommends ABC management to immediately reassess and promote arts, including musical, that the government take into account the implications of any employment dramatic and other performing arts’ the fi ndings of the Convergence decision on its capacity to deliver quality and calls on ABC management to Review about the structure of the programming across the network. urgently publish a strategy outlining media market and investment in how it can meet this obligation given Australian content by all broadcasters Recommendation 2 the planned disbanding of the ABC when considering the ABC’s funding 3.69 The committee recommends that arts unit. needs in the forthcoming triennial ABC management sets out in detail funding round. where it sees its future as a broadcaster Recommendation 6 Recommendation 10 and a content producer, and particularly 3.87 The committee recommends that with reference to the ABC Charter wherever appropriate the ABC include 3.148 The committee recommends responsibilities of balancing programs free archival use clauses in all future co- that as part of the triennial funding of wide appeal and specialist interest as production contracts. round, the government consider the well as how ABC programming refl ects ABC’s capacity to maintain a critical the cultural and regional diversity of the Recommendation 7 mass of staff, skills, infrastructure and Australian community. 3.99 The committee recommends that production in regional areas. Page 6

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 6 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM Radio National Michael Mason Manager THE NEW LOOK FOR 2012 Radio Nantional

Michael, has provided the following Saturday afternoons. Bush Telegraph Renewal continues into the weekend. explanation of the new Radio is now on the lookout for a great By Design at 9am will be presented National schedule. communicator (or two). by Fenella Kernebone. Fenella has adio National announced its We welcome Robbie Buck to weekday previously presented ABC TV’s Art Rnew schedule and line-up for afternoons. Robbie will present our Nation, and has been a great fan of By 2012 recently, and we’re proud to built programs, and then at 3pm Design for many years. At 10am The be bringing listeners programs that he will spin his own mix of musical Music Show, presented by Andrew Ford, really stay true to our core purpose of delight. enters its 21st year for the network. nurturing genuine and real intellectual A number of new, exciting series The 2012 schedule allows us to bring ideas and debate in this country. are being commissioned from RN some of our emerging broadcasters into Our programming changes will staff, which we’ll be broadcasting on the fore. Sarah Kanowski will present refresh the sound of the network. They Thursday afternoons. Weekend Afternoons and musician will help RN to sound more live when Richard Aedy moves from Life Matters Alice Keath will present Music Deli. On the listeners look to us to sound live, to the reinstated Media Report. He will Sundays at 6.30am, Joel Werner will and invigorate our sound and identity. also present Sunday Profi le for us and present our new Outdoors program. At It keeps us fresh, agile and connected for Local Radio. 11am Cassie McCullagh will co-present with our current and potential The 5:30pm Reports consolidate our the new popular culture program with audiences. approach to daily coverage: The Health Jason di Rosso. The 2012 schedule retains Report with Norman Swan on Monday, On Saturday night our new Books what is best about the network Law Report with Damien Carrick on + program will be presented by Kate – our commitment to specialist Tuesday, Religion and Ethics Report Evans. She’ll showcase the best of the programming, thoughtful analysis with Andrew West on Wednesday, week’s interviews and reviews from of current events and ideas, arts and MovieTime with Julie Rigg on Thursday cultural programming including drama and Media Report with Richard Aedy on our Books and Arts program. This is and features, and the extraordinary Friday. followed by the Book Reading Omnibus. level of intelligence and passion that New recruit will present Peter Mares will host Sunday Extra. our staff bring to program making. the new Drive program on Monday to Peter’s deft public policy analysis will Framing this work, our presenters Thursday. Waleed will be an important continue to add to the depth of RN’s for next year bring a mix of fresh and part of RN’s continued connection coverage of current events and debates. established voices engaging in new and with intelligent and thought-provoking The program will include Background different programming for the network. discussion and ideas. Briefi ng. Fran Kelly, Geraldine Doogue, Robyn Friday Night Drive will be presented Kirsti Melville will host the award Williams, Norman Swan and Phillip by Julian Morrow. It will maintain the winning 360documentaries from Perth. Adams remain at Breakfast, Saturday content hallmarks of the Monday to Amanda Smith will present The Body Extra, The Science Show, The Health Thursday program, but will provide a Sphere, a new program that discusses, Report and Late Night Live respectively. change in gear with Julian giving the critiques and celebrates the human These fl agship programs are central program his own stamp. body and all the things it can do. The planks in the network’s offer. We’re delighted that Paul Barclay will Body Sphere complements All in the Fran Kelly will be on-air until 9am present Big Ideas. As we’ve announced, Mind, with the two programs to run each day bringing audiences a live the program is moving to four nights in alternating 12 week series in the and agile look at the day ahead. An a week. Paul will continue to build our Sunday 5pm timeslot. All in the Mind extended Breakfast, AM, PM and The presence in an area that is performing will be presented by Lynne Malcolm. World Today together with a new 6 very well for the network. Alan Saunders continues to present – 8pm Drive (working title) program We are pleased to announce that The Philosopher’s Zone. We’re looking mean that the network’s hallmark we’re starting off the year with Mark to further enhance online elements of analysis of news and current affairs, Colvin presenting extended interviews this increasingly popular program, and ideas and debate has never been from PM in Friday Late with Mark we’re delighted that Alan will continue stronger. Colvin. Mark is deeply respected by our At the top of the day a female voice audience and the program will give to bring his considerable depth of returns to Life Matters with Natasha listeners a chance to hear Mark’s best knowledge to our audience. Mitchell, formerly of the immensely interviews of the week. At RN we’re looking forward to popular All in the Mind. Lucky Oceans continues to give a great year in 2012 in which we Michael Cathcart will present Books our audiences a window into diverse, continue to bring our audience and Arts (working title). We can also traditional and innovative music in rigorous and thought-provoking announce that Michael Mackenzie The Nightly Planet at 1120pm Monday analysis while refreshing our sound will present our new Food program on to Thursday. and programming mix.

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FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 7 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM at bewildering speed with profound effects upon society. Our branch received a very positive response from Branch News Robyn’s presentation with many well informed questions from devoted listeners to his program including some Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre younger Australians who hopefully Armidale in Terrigal. will tune into the Science Show and In his presentation, Robyn described Ockham’s Razor in future, or perhaps Val Sherwell his long career with the ABC beginning represent our next generation of Friends of the ABC, Armidale, hosted in 1975 and the development of a scientists. Emma Ayres (ABC Classic FM) at the science unit within the organisation. Following the question and answer Hoskens Theatre at The Armidale School In this he stressed the importance session, Associate Professor Natalie (TAS) on Thursday 28th October 2011. of maintaining Moltschaniwskyj presented Live fast, A reception was held before the talk, critical mass. This die young, life in the fast lane for a squid. after which Emma told us about her referred to the This was a fascinating insight into life, and how she got into the ABC. establishment the characteristics and behaviour of She kept the audience entertained with of a team of cephalopods. Her talk also focussed on many cycling anecdotes and her various long standing, issues relevant to the development of travels and fundraising activities. She who possess the aquaculture projects for these creatures. was a warm and charming speaker. expertise, time Judging from the feedback at the The following day she went on Robyn Williams and resources conclusion of the evening our branch a bike ride with people from the necessary for felt that we had not only assisted in Conservatorium of Music and later the development of effective science the promotion of science programming joined the cello choir at theis practice. programs. Together with this expertise within the ABC but also in the work of and experience, Robyn also searches scientists and the nature of science as All proceeds from the event will go for new and exciting innovations in a whole. to the Armidale Civic Precinct, with science to include in his programs, emphasis on the new library. hoping to attract younger scientists currently involved in ground breaking The Hunter research. In future he hopes to develop Over the weekend of 25 to 27 programs which provide young November the Maitland and District scientists and science students with Historical Society more opportunities to present their and the Robin’s research. He mentioned that recently Nest Children’s he has spent less time broadcasting on Homes presented the science of climate change simply a Community because of the immense amount of Christmas material that is already broadcast on Celebration, the topic. with proceeds Left to right: Dr Bruce Menzies, Hani Soliman, going to Robin’s Pam Menzies, Barbara Barton and Emma Ayres Robyn emphasised that the technology at dinner at The Indian Affair, Armidale, Nest, which we regard as essential to modern supports children life exists as a result of science and Hunter FABC in Africa and scientifi c research. He refl ected that President India. One part Allan Thomas Central Coast technology such as television, the of the weekend On Friday 19th August the Central telephone, the computer, and internet involved a Coast Branch of the Friends of the technology were either scarce or had Christmas tree competition. The ABC hosted an evening with the not been invented at the time he was Hunter Friends of the ABC entered a ABC’s eminent science broadcaster growing up in Britain. They are now of tree decorated with small televisions and journalist, Robyn Williams. This course widespread and being developed featuring ABC programmes and particular evening was something of personalities, and topped by a a departure for us in the sense that shimmering star of Geraldine it was not exclusively devoted to the (Doogue). The garland repeated the promotion of the ABC. With the theme of “where would we be without theme of science in mind we also the ABC”. invited a marine scientist, Associate Professor Natalie Moltschaniwskyj, who specialises in the study of molluscs, in ACT particular cephalopods, to describe her As noted in the March 2011 edition of research into squid, cuttlefi sh, octopus Update, the ACT and Region Friends and nautilus. Furthermore, we decided of the ABC branch closed earlier this upon a venue specifi cally designed for the Central Coast Marine Discovery Centre year and memberships were transferred scientifi c education and research, the to NSW. However, Act and Region Page 8

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 8 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM contribute should contact the branch • Related to the previous point, all president Neville Jennings (njenning@ but three of our members are in the scu.edu.au). Details will also be older demographic (65 or over years posted on our branch website at www. of age, representing about 98% of our friendsabcnr.net members)), which is a demographic comprising 16.4% of the Australian Blue Mountains population as a whole. More starkly, 100% of our membership is in the Friends of the ABC – Blue Mountains older half (i.e. over the median age had a year of consolidation and renewal of 39.9 years) of the population. following the departure of some of Angela Williamson and Margaret O’Connor at While it is well known that the older the more long-term members from the ACT and Region luncheon on Saturday 19th (and to an extent the younger too), November executive positions twelve months ago. demographics are more strongly The unwillingness of members engaged with the ABC than the generally to fi ll vacant roles resulted in members and ex-committee stalwarts population as a whole, it is not nearly a severely stretched committee and a intend to keep in contact, and recently as skewed as our membership is. consequent diminution of the program caught up at a luncheon at ‘A Bite to Clearly, our cause and activities would available to all members. Eat’ in Chifl ey in Chifl ey, Canberra appear to be not as relevant to the on Saturday 19th November. It was Notwithstanding these vicissitudes, “Friends” of the ABC as a whole (i.e. great to catch up with Angela and there has been considerable activity and the full ABC community including all David Williamson (Angela is the NSW achievement by the branch throughout viewers, listeners, poddies, voddies, Membership Secetary) over lunch as the year. The more signifi cant of these Tweeterers, Facies, web-visitors) as well. At the luncheon it was decided include: we (and probably the ABC itself too) to hold ACT and Region Friends • The election of a new committee would wish. events on a biannual basis (possibly including three new faces, one Curing this divide to provide a in autumn and spring) which will returning one (not on the immediate meaningful and broader engagementagem be advertised in ‘Update’ and on past committee) and four of the for all people who are part off tthehe ABC Facebook. Friends members from other fi ve members of the immediate past community (actually or potentially) is branches, including NSW and beyond, committee, would be most welcome to attend our great existential challenge. • Conducted a Branch Survey, future ACT and Region events. • We need to provide more relevant • The publication of a Branch Margaret O’Connor activities to engage with our existing Newsletter to coincide with our regular (and potential) membership monthly branch meetings, from • While much improved over last year, Northern Rivers February to November inclusive, there remain two vacancies on the Members of the branch executive will • Talks by three external Speakers (Peter committee that need fi lling, in order be holding a pre Christmas function at McEvoy, David Stratton and Lisa Walsh) to provide a full program. Without Bangalow early in December. Details to our Branch and guests, these, our ability to engage with the will be sent by email and phone • A meeting between Mark Scott and wider community and attract new message. the branch President and Vice-President members will be inhibited. Our fi rst major event for the new to discuss issues including : 2012 New Plans year will be a meeting in late January • Improving transmission facilities in attended by our two local federal the Blue Mountains for most ABC • We have added two new Offi ce members (Janelle Saffi n and Justine services, Bearer roles of Events and New Elliot) and possibly a member of • The provision of ABC studios and Member Recruitment, the ABC Advisory Board. The aim of staff in the Blue Mountains, • We will generate and implement a the function will be to give branch New Member Program, members to express a view about the • The new Radio National “make future of public broadcasting and the over”, • We will create a new “Guest ABC in particular. • Our fi rst branch Christmas party. The Speakers” Program in conjunction Each contributor will be given a few second one will be held at Wentworth with other like-minded local groups minutes to outline what they currently Falls lake at Noon, on Saturday 3 and with a more commercial focus to like about the ABC and what could December and all FABC members are generate revenue. be done better with proper support welcome (BYO everything). This will lead to from ABC management and the at least double the Issues Government. Members will be free number of speakers to talk about the full offerings of the We have several serious issues to this year and raise national broadcaster and SBS. Some address in the coming year. The more our community members may care to focus on specifi c important are: profi le, networks such as Radio National, the • Our membership is static while • Expand our Australia Network, local radio, the active membership (defi ned as regular engagement with Tony Tayler, range of ABC TV stations, SBS programs attendance at our branch meeting and President, Blue other existing and Mountains Branch or ABC Online. Anyone wishing to events) is declining, dormant branches. Page 9

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 9 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM Mike Carlton on the ABC ofThe1960’s the North Shore, wet behind the ears from We were to be keepers of the pure fl ame Guest speaker at a private school, I had never been in such of independent journalism, beholden not to the 2011 Annual an exotic place, fi lled with the drama and governments, media barons or commercial Dinner of Friends romance of newsgathering. Or so I thought. interests. I profoundly believed in all that of the ABC was And in King’s Cross, too, the epicentre of stuff then- and I suppose, deep down at veteran journalist, Sydney vice and crime. It could hardly get some level, I still do. We all did. more thrilling. broadcaster and My fellow cadets - apart from Stuart political satirist Mike Carlton. The God knows how I got the job. I’d been Littlemore - included Bob Connolly, who fi rst part of his highly entertaining knocked back by every newspaper in would later become a prominent fi lm– Sydney – and there were four of them maker, who produced that famous Rats in talk is reproduced here, and in those days. I’d actually accepted The Ranks Documentary. Peter Best, who focusses on the thoroughness of an executive traineeship at Qantas... eventually went on to advertising and to the training received by ABC cadet for heaven’s sake...when suddenly, to write musical scores for feature fi lms. Jeff journalists in the 1960’s. Sadly that astonishment and relief, the ABC came McMullen, later of Four Corners and Sixty no longer happens. A very different through. And so there I was, in my brand Minutes. era, and a very different ABC! new, navy blue Fletcher Jones suit...ready And the inimitable Bob Ellis. The fi rst of us to take on the world. to have a University degree for god’s sake. joined the ABC at 9am on Monday Until I arrived, the junior cadet there had For which, of course, he was regarded with been one Stuart Littlemore. Who, in those the 7th of January 1963. Fresh out of great suspicion. It may be diffi cult to believe days, had long and wavy blond hair, believe school with my NSW Leaving Certifi cate, this now, but Ellis arrived in our midst as I it or not, and an air of ineffable superiority. thin as a rake, pale and languid, weighing Honours in English and Economics. I was Which, unlike the hair, he still has. On one perhaps no more than 60 kilograms not quite 17 years old, and hired as a 1st side of the newsroom there was a truly wringing wet. year cadet journalist, on the princely sum enormous Oxford Dictionary for the use of And clad in an enormous woollen garment of £11 a week. the journalists, a weighty tome roughly the like a Soviet fi eld-marshal’s great coat. size of your average suitcase. In those days a university education A tremendous thing it was: so large and was regarded as a distinct handicap for a Littlemore was consulting it one day when voluminous that Ellis had to take two or journalist: unnecessary at best and frivolously the Controller of News, W.S. Hamilton, three steps before the thing itself began elitist at worst. Much better to toss ‘em in at walked past. Hamilton had a fi ne line in to move. And as far as we could gather, the deep end to see if they could swim. sarcasm, and he didn’t particularly like he actually lived in it. It was his place of So – after signing an oath of allegiance to Stuart. residence. Its huge pockets seemed to Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth the “ Ah, Mr Littlemore, “ he said. “ Don’t tell carry most of his personal belongings – Second - that I would faithfully serve her - I there’s a word in the English language you books, magazines, theatre tickets, even the was tossed into the ABC Radio Newsroom don’t understand.” odd toaster or frying pan, we thought. at Kellett St in the heart of Kings Cross. I “Not any more, “ said Littlemore, with a He was a colorful, bohemian fi gure... wonder sometimes what happened to that toss of his golden mane. It was a moment in great contrast to the rest of us private oath. I guess it’s still on fi le, somewhere. that went down in ABC Legend. school boys. And boys we mostly were. The Newsroom was little more than a In my time, anyway, there were only two room... two of them, actually. One for women cadets: Glenys Bell, who went on reporters, one for sub-editors, with a couple to be a feature writer on the old Bulletin of partitioned offi ces. One broadcast studio Magazine...and Diane Willman, who for reading news bulletins, and another became one of the ABC’s fi rst Middle East narrow room full of chattering teleprinters. And the inimitable correspondents. Caroline Jones, at that You got there via the back entrance of Bob Ellis. The fi rst time, was a typist at the ABC in Canberra, Woolworths, past their garbage bins, and up I think. in a creaking lift to the third fl oor. of us to have a And so we were introduced to the It was a cavern, lit by harsh fl uorescent University degree mysteries of journalism. Which turned lights which pierced the fog of cigarette out to be rather less glamorous than I had smoke. There was that old time newsroom for god’s sake. hoped. I could already type, which was a aroma of heaped ashtrays and old help. But we also had to learn shorthand. newspapers and stale linoleum polish. In Once a week we were despatched to Miss once corner there was a cabinet which Hale’s Business Class at Wynyard, to learn contained monitors for eavesdropping on the It probably sounds insufferable to say the mysteries of Pitman’s shorthand...which police, fi re and ambulance radio networks... this, but as cadets at the ABC we regarded was taught in almost Edwardian business they gave off a constant, staccato squawk... ourselves as something of an elite. We style, with phrases like “ I refer to your and as bulletin deadlines approached, there were told we were something of an elite. esteemed correspondence of the 15th ult, “ was the clatter of ancient typewriters... The chosen few. Not like the poor wretches and so on. Not a lot of use if you were trying keyboards hammered and carriages being who’d managed to get jobs only at the to cover parliament. In fact, we spent most slammed back at the ring of the bell. Fairfax Sydney Morning Herald or the of the time skiving off at the pub. We were I thought it was absolute heaven. Just like Packer Daily Telegraph – or even worse, the expected to have a shorthand speed of the movies. As a teenager, brought up on afternoon tabloids, the Sun and the Mirror. 120 words per minute if we ever hoped to Page 10

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1100 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM graduate as full-blown D-grade journalists. There was a shocked silence, that bulletin, on 2FC, 2BL and the regional I never got within a bull’s roar of that, and I seemed to go on for ever. My fellow stations. Oh, the carry on. Executives came don’t know anyone who ever did. Thankfully, journalists were aghast. Menzies, when he in early to watch. Producers and sub- shorthand was already falling into disuse. recovered from his astonishment, glared at editors were on stand-by ...the news reader But we were also taught to report. Sydney me from beneath those famous eyebrows rehearsed his introduction...a technician City Council meetings....the occasional car and spat out: “ I have not seen you before, was there to actually play the tape...people accident...dusty courtroom reporting, royal young man. And I have no wish to see you consulted stopwatches and cued each visits, and so on. Enlivened occasionally by again.” Turned on his heel and sailed from other. And away it went...to a round of a spell at State Parliament – which was a the room. applause from the throng gathered outside great mystery to me – but better still, a run the studio. at what was then grandly titled the Aviation Premature applause, as it turned out. and Shipping Round. The Governor General of the day, Sir Paul This meant that I was chauffeured from Hasluck, had been listening at Yarralumla. my home in suburban Chatswood out And he did not like it one bit. He took to Sydney Airport before dawn – in a But above all, great offence that the measured tones Commonwealth car, would you believe, with they taught us the of the newsreader...the seamless fl ow of uniformed driver who opened the door for the bulletin... should be interrupted in this you. three great rules capricious and unnecessary fashion. And And there at the airport we - The Sydney of ABC journalism. he wrote an angry Vice Regal letter to the Airport Press Corps, as we grandly styled chairman of the ABC, demanding that it be ourselves - would lie in wait for what might Accuracy. Balance. stopped forthwith. Which indeed it was: for be as many as four or even fi ve fl ight arrivals And Fairness. six months while they worked out what on before lunchtime. Qantas, BOAC and earth to do next. possibly PanAm. And we would accost any But they did teach us to broadcast. Firstly, visiting celebrities, principally to ask them how to write for the spoken word, which what they thought of Australia. The cultural It was all grist to the mill. There was a is a very different thing to writing for a cringe was alive and thriving. great pride in working for the ABC, then newspaper. It’s an art. And then they taught One of my ABC colleagues put that very as there is now. Although the place has us how to deliver those words...with the question to the actress Vivien Leigh – “ What changed so profoundly in 50 years that the correct breathing, the proper infl ection, the do you think of Australia, Miss Leigh ?” He old ABC - The Austyralian Broadcasting right pauses in the right places. These were got an icy glare in return, and the reply: “ I Commission - is barely discernible. invaluable lessons that I carried with me for don’t know, dear boy, you’re standing in the But we were taught the craft of journalism my entire career, ABC and commercial. way.” Occasionally we would try on another – and of broadcasting - with great care, But above all, they taught us the three question. Much to his bemusement, the by senior men and women – and yes, great rules of ABC journalism. Accuracy. distinguished British conductor Sir Malcolm there were a couple of senior women in Balance. And Fairness. Those three Sargent was asked what he thought of The the sixties. Almost without exception, principles were deep in the very DNA of Beatles. Not much, as it turned out. women journalists workiing for newspapers the ABC then – as in theory they still are Celebrities who didn’t match up to our were assigned to the fashion or cooking - and we took them very seriously. Not high expectations were quite roughly sections, or the social pages. But at the simply because we were instructed to , handled. When Frank Sinatra had the ABC they had proper jobs. For many but because they were fundamental to the hide - the sheer effrontery - to keep us all many years in my youth, the ABC’s foreign ABC’s raison d’etre. There was no point in waiting by turning up an hour late for his editor was a woman, the redoubtable Ann woriing at the ABC, really, if you were not press conference, he was asked to spell Ringwood, and a very fi ne teacher she going to observe those rules. That’s what his surname and to state what he did for a was. living. You messed with the Sydney Airport the place was there for. Accuracy , balance For we learned to write, with brevity and Press Gang at your peril. and fairness, in the service of its audience. precision. Sub-editors tossed our copy Sometimes it was carried to absurd Although sometimes the targets back at us if it wasn’t up to scratch, and lengths, when they would count line by fought back. When Sir Robert Menzies we re-wrote it until it was. There was a arrived home from a trip to London and huge compendium of style guides we line the amount of election coverage given Washington, I was ordered to ask him a had to master...words and phrases that to the various political parties, to make question. For television, no less. That might were banned, and so on. Cliches were sure that one didn’t get an extra sentence not surprise you these days, but then to an abomination. Verbosity, prolixity was of copy beyond the others. But to fi le an question Sir Robert was seen as grossly anathema. We were taught that - in a 15 unbalanced story was a mortal sin. An impertinent, if not down right subversive. minutes news bulletin - every word had to uncomfortable feeling which has never really Menzies’ normal style was to parade count. And so it did. left me. before the cameras and say: “ I have had a We were also taught to broadcast. On I will spare you the laborious detail of long and tiring journey to meet Australia’s air. With the coming of television, it was the rest of my career. I did fi ve years as great and powerful friends abroad. I shall becoming slowly and reluctantly apparent a foreign correspondent in Indonesia, be giving a full report to the parliament to ABC management that journalists might Vietnam and elswhere. I was, and still am, when I return to Canberra.” And then he occasionally have to report on camera. And enormously proud to have been part of would sweep out of the room, followed by a even, perhaps, that they might be heard that seminal daily current affairs television conga-line of grovellers. reporting in that holy of holies, a radio news program This Day Tonight: with the likes I, however, had been instructed to bowl bulletin : although the powers-that-be of Bill Peach, Gerald Stone, Caroline one up to him. And I remember to this day resisted that reckless innovation for years. Jones, Peter Manning, Peter Luck, Quentin what I was told to ask: Mike Carlton, ABC I remember when the fi nally tried it – the Dempster, Kerry O’Brien, Andrew Olle, News. Sir Robert –what did you discuss fi rst insertion of a taped reporter’s piece Richard Carleton and so on. They were the with President Kennedy ? into the 7.45 am breakfast radio news glory days. Page 11

FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1111 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM State and Regional Branches

National Web Portal links Central Coast Illawarra Queensland – FABC to all State Branches. Co-convenors: Jan Kent (Secretary) Professor Alan Knight Klaas Woldring Friends of the ABC Illawarra Creative Industries Faculty QUT Go to: Phone: 4341 5170 PO Box 336, Unanderra 2526 GPO Box 2434 www.friendsoftheabc.org.au [email protected] Phone/Fax: 4271 3531 Brisbane 4001 [email protected] [email protected] New South Wales Ross McGowen [email protected] Mal Hewitt (President) FABC NSW Phone: 4385 5947 Mid North Coast PO Box 1391 North Sydney 2059 [email protected] Drusi Megget – FABC Phone: 9637 2900 PO Box 1752 Sandra Kanck [email protected] Cowper Port Macquarie NSW 2444 PO Box 7158 Hutt St Joyce Gardner (Secretary) Phone: 6583 8798 Adelaide SA 5000 ACT and Region 7 Royal Tar Crescent [email protected] Phone: 8336 4114 Margaret O’Connor Nambucca Heads NSW 2448 [email protected] Phone: 0422 975 848 Phone: 6568 7532 Northern Rivers [email protected] [email protected] Neville Jennings Western Australia – FABC PO Box 1484 Kingscliff 2487 Harry Cohen Armidale Eastern Suburbs Phone/Fax: 6674 3830 (H) PO Box 534 Val Sherwell (Secretary) Nizza Siano (Secretary) [email protected] Subiaco WA 6904 167 Markham Street 16 Holland Rd [email protected] Armidale NSW 2350 Bellevue Hill NSW 2023 Byron Bay Sub-branch convenor Phone: 6772 0342 Phone/Fax: 9327 3423 Jill Keogh Tasmania – FABC [email protected] [email protected] Phone: 6688 4558 Melissa Sharpe PO Box 301 Bruce Hansell (President) Great Lakes & Manning Valley Parramatta North Hobart TAS 7002 Phone: 6775 1889 Margaret Gardner Mal Hewitt Phone: 0427 041 161 [email protected] PO Box 871 Forster NSW 2428 31 Queen St Granville 2142 [email protected] Ph: 6554 9181 (H) 6591 3704 (W) Phone: 9637 2900 Blue Mountains [email protected] [email protected] FABC RESOURCE CENTRE Tony Tayler Darce Cassidy 15 Spencer Street Hunter Victoria – FABC www.friendsoftheabc.org Leura NSW 2780 Allan Thomas Friends of the ABC (Vic) Phone: 4784 3642 c/o PO Box 265 GPO Box 4065 [email protected] Merewether NSW 2291 VIC 3001 Phone: 4930 7309 Phone: (03) 9682 0073 [email protected] [email protected]

Membership Form NOT for membership renewal Please fill out the form below and return it – use only if joining. with your payment to: The Treasurer, Friends of the ABC (NSW) Inc. Existing members please await reminder notice PO Box 1391, North Sydney NSW 2059. in mail on subscription due date.

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Age to 30 31-50 51+ I would like to receive my copy of Update Magazine electronically My details will be passed on to my local FABC branch. (Strike out if you disagree) 1yr. 3yrs. Individual $20 $55 I am paying by cheque in favour of FABC (NSW) Inc. Family/Household $25 $70 visa mastercard money order Student $15 $40 Card Number Pensioner (or Pensioner couple) $15 $40 Name on credit card Corporate (covers 3 people) $60 - Expiry date I would like to make a donation $______Cardholder S ignature Date Total $ ______

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FFRIRI 001515 NNewsletter.inddewsletter.indd 1122 22/12/11/12/11 12:2012:20 PMPM