After the 1939 bushfires, the Forests Commission Victoria invested heavily in a radically new communications network. After suffering some inevitable delays due to the war, radio VL3AA switched into full operation in October 1945 proudly beaming out 200 watts across the State. But by today’s standards, the technology was primitive and the reception poor unless the user was on a high point somewhere. The radio signal was "line-of-sight" and bounced between fire towers and relay transmitters across the mountains back to the District offices. The advent of solid-state electronics in the 1960s replaced the more delicate valve sets which enabled greater use of vehicle mounted radios. The Commission continued to research, develop and build new radios at its many workshops around Victoria. The network was supported by a large team of skilled radio technicians. The more secure and versatile State Mobile Radio (SMR) digital trunk system came into operation in about 1995. Upgraded Tait Radios were purchased in 2014 after recommendations of the 2009 Bushfires Royal Commission. But it was the convergence of separate technologies such as 5G mobile phones, high-capacity and light-weight lithium batteries, Wi-Fi, the ever-expanding internet, cloud data storage, digital cameras, GPS, personal organisers and hundreds of supporting Apps into powerful smartphones and tablets which revolutionised bushfire communications from the mid-2000s. Astor radio receiver type RG19bushfire, radios, forests commission victoria (fcv)

This one appears to be Model 27 from the early 1950's. This radio was last used in the Office at the Soldiers Memorial Institute most likely pre 1990's.Radio, ASTOR brand, brown Bakelite frame, the glass face has two control knobs. The top line of stations covers Victoria to Tasmania followed by NSW, QLD & SA. At the bottom is 3 bands in red, blue, light green which cover Europe, USA. On the rear are two stickers relating to power, patents, use and licencing.1st sticker on rear, "Selex Decal Pty Ltd - No 5 - 217540", 2nd sticker, "Danger"brsl, smirsl, radio, astor

In the years of Allan Doney’s photography, landmark buildings succumbed to fire, neglect and redevelopment. He photographed the grey sand hills from Bendigo’s mining past, the streetscapes, poppet heads, miners’ cottages, gracious homes with ornate verandahs, trams and much more. Above all, his photographs show how much of the city has survived from the 19th century – and how much has not. Through two decades of great change, Allan Doney was there to capture ways people interacted with it. Although he travelled to many other places in Northern Victoria and beyond in search of subjects for his art, he seemed to always return to Bendigo for inspiration.

Eltham Shire Offices 1941-1965, were located at the Corner of Arthur Street and Main Road, Eltham. The Building also incuded a community hall.Negative black and white film 120 6x6 format [Missing] One of six frames (sectioned: three continuous, two single frames and one frame missing), and Associated black and white photo printeltham, main road, arthur street, council, eltham hall, eltham shire office, shire of eltham, astor radio & tv, eltham shire council, eltham shire hall, municipal offices, shire offices, shops

Eltham Shire Offices 1941-1965, were located at the Corner of Arthur Street and Main Road, Eltham. The Building also incuded a community hall.Negative black and white film 120 6x6 format One of six frames (sectioned: three continuous, two single frames and one frame missing), and Associated black and white photo printeltham, main road, arthur street, council, eltham hall, eltham shire office, shire of eltham, astor radio & tv, eltham shire council, eltham shire hall, municipal offices, shire offices, shops

Brown and cream bakelite portable Astor Radio, with brown handle, dial controls on top. Cream dial with brown knob for tuning.|Astor logo is a gold swan with Astor written underneath.Astorcommunication, radio

Picture in photograph album donated by Mrs Faull. The plane landed at Linton Park as part of an advertising campaign by Astor Radios in 1928. Information provided by Ron Preston of Linton: "The day the plane landed in Linton Park / late 20s. Fairbanks and Harrison operated a garage in Sussex St opposite Bryant's shop. Fairbanks was married to Carrie Murrell's sister Dorrie and William (Bill) Harrison was married to Dulcie Nicol. Among other things that the garage sold were ASTOR RADIOS. To promote ASTOR RADIO a Gypsy Moth double seater aircraft flew low over towns to advertise. ASTOR RADIO was written under both wings. by Boltes) staying overnight. Both Harrison & Fairbanks were taken up for a ride. The pilot "dive-bombed" the local children, many of them seeking shelter under the bridge, as they were frightened, not having seen a plane up close before." Sepia photograph of a biplane surrounded by a crowd of people. One of three photographs of this occasion, the others are Registration nos. 627.1 & 627.2"1st aeroplane to land in Linton 1928". events, faull collection, aeroplanes, linton park

Printed illustration on light weight card, of Bendigo No. 10. Printed by Stephen Watson, as Card No. 124. Photo by L. Crow. Photo taken late 1950's or early 1960 prior to the application of dash canopy lighting and warning stripes. Photo in Mitchell St. Bendigo, with an advertisement for Astor Radio in the background. Tram has the destination of Eaglehawk.trams, tramways, bendigo

Printed illustration on light weight card, of Bendigo No. 10. Printed by Stephen Watson, as Card No. 124. Photo by L. Crow. Photo taken late 1950's or early 1960 prior to the application of dash canopy lighting and warning stripes. Photo in Mitchell St. Bendigo, with an advertisement for Astor Radio in the background. Tram has the destination of Eaglehawk..trams, tramways, bendigo, tram 10

Agfa plastic mount (blue base, white cover) with a photo of Bendigo No. 30 at Charing Cross, in View St., c1962. Photo follows on from Reg Item No. 2612. Photo taken during a rainy day. Tram has destination of Eaglehawk. Note SEC crewman and Inspector standing by door. Has the Ezywalkin building in the background and a billboard advertisement for Astor Radio."BES 2" in penciltramways, trams, bendigo, charing cross, eaglehawk, tram 30

Postcard - most likely a reproduction of the original as it does not have a postcard back - titled "Murray Views No. 44 Fountain, Charing Cross Bendigo Vic". Shows an ex Hawthorn Bogie tram possibly on its way to Quarry Hill. In the background are the Beehive building, A G. Treloar Watchmaker, Melba Frocks, R. White, Edments, Hartleys, Astor Radio, Homecrafts store, and Morley Johnson building.On the rear in ink "Bendigo Charing Cross and Victoria Fountain" and the Keith Kings stamp.trams, tramways, bendigo, charing cross, bogie trams

Yields information about tram 19 in Bendigo and Mitchell St and its similarities with Ballarat.Agfa colour slides, white cardboard mount, photo by Keith Caldwell 11-3-1962 of: Bendigo 19 about to cross Pall Mall in Mitchell St with the Ezywalkin shoe store in the background and other shops. Tram has the destination of Eaglehawk and has a Briquettes advert on the front dash panel. Signs include Pye, Ezywalkin, A. G. Palmers, Edmonds, Monaghans, Astor Radio and R. White.on the slide stamped in red ink "SUS23102" and in ink "Bendigo 11.3.62 Caldwell" and other pencil markings.tramways, trams, bendigo, mitchell st, tram 19

Nu-colour-Vue series postcard No. BE 24 of Bendigo No. 3 at Charing Cross with Mitchell St in the background. Shows part of the tram, fountain and the buildings on either side of Mitchell St. Photo taken mid to late 1960's. Has advertisements on buildings for Astor Radio, Fountain Plaza and a Peters Ice cream van in the photograph. On rear of postcard are the details of the photo, manufacturer, copy right statement and location to place the stamp.trams, tramways, bendigo, charing cross, mitchell st

Black and White print of an aerial view of Bendigo SECV Bendigo tram 18 at Charing Cross terminus for the Eaglehawk route with another bogie tram and two single truck trams in the background. Trams have dash canopy lights, but no large white strip under the drivers windows. Photo not dated but appears to be at during early 1960's. Tram 18 has White Horse Whiskey ad on front dash panel, SEC Roof ads. Numbers of other trams cannot be determined. All trams have roof ads, including SEC ads and a CASTROL ad. Good view of the fountain and buildings on the north east corner. Has Ezywalkin store, City Club Hotel and other buildings. Shows traffic arrangements for cars to do a right turn from Pall Mall into Mitchell St. On a building in Mitchell St. is an advertisement for "ASTOR Radio"trams, tramways, charing cross, bendigo, mitchell st, aerial views, tram 18

Set of 11 photos by Hugh Ballment, unless noted, of MMTB, VR, and MTA: HBM162 - MMTB W2 634, 1970s, Queensbridge, running a Domain Road Route 56 with a Tait set on the viaduct and the city skyline. HBM163 - MMTB, cMay 1968, St Kilda Junction, Construction of Queensway, showing a temporary bridge. W2 on route 4D HBM164 - MTA B1 2055, Route 59. Z3 162, Route 57. cNov1997, Elizabeth St terminus, showing the Sir Robert Risson Tram terminus structure, Flinders Street Railway station, and the Herald & Weekly Times and the IBM buildings across the Yarra River. HBM165 - MMTB Y1 613, 17/07/1957, Camberwell Depot, Night pic interior. Photo by Keith Kings HBM166 - MMTB Y1 611, 17/07/1957, Camberwell Depot. Photo by Keith Kings, Night pic interior HBM167 - MMTB Y 612, 1960s, Batman Avenue, running a Burwood service. A W2 is in front of the 612. HBM168 - VR No 41 entering the Broadway from Ormond Road while MMTB SW6 953 class waits to complete it journey to Point Ormond along Glen Huntly Road. 1950s, HBM169 - MMTB X2 679, 8/03/1957, Footscray Depot. Several X1 cars on the left. A Ford bus No 476 is on the right. This vehicle was retired and officially out of use at the time. Photo by Keith Kings, HBM170 - VR Tram 51, 26/05/1954, Bluff Road Black Rock, Terminus, Tram has departed for Sandringham. See image HBM154 as well. In the background is Bluff Road Audio, advertising Astor Radio and J Boyd Robinson Tested. The tram is showing the destination of Sandringham HBM171 - VR Tram 48, 26/05/1954, Station St Sandringham, arriving at the station terminus with a Ladies Hairdresser shop in the background. HBM172 - MTA A 263, cNov 1997, Spencer Street and Flinders Street intersection, with a ComEng train on viaduct. Tram is running a Port Melbourne route 109 service. Yields information about Melbourne tram operations, with 1950s to 1990s photos of Melbourne tramways.Kodachrome cardboard and plastic mounts, with notes - set of 11new tramway, tram 634, queensbridge, st kilda junction, tram 162, elizabeth st, tram 41, tram 2055, tram 613, tram 611, glen huntly road, vr, st kilda brighton tramway, broadway, tram 679, footscray depot, trams, w2 class, sw6 class, x2 class, a class, b class, y1 class, z3 class, tram 612, tram 953, x1 class, route 56, route 4d, route 59, route 57, batman avenue, camberwell depot, interiors, mmtb buses, bus 476, ford motor company, sandringham, black rock, bluff road, tram 51, tram 48, sandringham to black rock, tram 263, route 109, flinders st, spencer st, ormond road

The BC-639A is a ground based AM VHF receiver covering the nominal frequency range of 100 -156 m/cs. The set was built for the U.S. Army Air Force in WW2 as part of a communication system to communicate with aircraft. A system of similar intent was built in Australia during WW2 by Radio Corporation of Victoria (ASTOR), with the addition of FM facilities. This system used the ARl7 receiver and ATl7 transmitter. Many of the sets had been modified after the war by the then Dept of Civil Aviation for use as monitoring receivers.This type was used at the AeradioThe BC-639A is a ground based AM VHF receiver covering the nominal frequency range of 100 -156 m/cs. The set was built for the U.S. Army Air Force in WW2 as part of a communication system to communicate with aircraft. Dark grey US Military colourradio receiver, bc 639, bc 639a, 639, aeradio

Brown bakelite wireless with plastic knobsAstor Mickeyradios

Brown, bakelite Wireless with knobs for volume and tuning, and has a dial for tuning into States.'ASTOR' radios

Radio and gramophone combined in a wooden cabinet, with pull-out turntable. Two side cupboards with 2 shelves each. Built in speaker, and bakelite radio knobs.'Astor'combined radio and gramophone, radiograms