Historical information

The Wireless Institute of Victoria was established in 1910 and amateur radio

operators (called hams) in Victoria were issued with licences by this institute. Cards

such as this one were exchanged by operators to confirm a contact between two

amateur radio operators anywhere in the world (called QSL cards). The cards

contained information regarding the radio contact made, the strength of the signal, the

type of transmitter etc and the words, codes and abbreviations used were known

internationally. This card, which is an unused one, belonged to Ted Salamy who had

the call sign A 3AJ. This licence was issued in 1924 and was the 35th amateur radio

licence issued in Victoria. It is believed that this was the first amateur radio station

established in Warrnambool. Ted Salamy (1903-1977) was the son of Michael

Salamy who established jewellery shops in Timor Street and in Liebig Street in

Warrnambool in the 20th century. Ted Salamy was later the proprietor of these stores

up to the 1960s when he retired

Significance

This card has considerable local significance as an early Warrnambool amateur radio

card and as one belonging to a prominent 20th century Warrnambool businessman,

Ted Salamy.

Physical description

This is a card with a buff-coloured background and black and red printing on one side

of the card and handwritten information in blue ink on the other side. The remains of

adhesive tape applied to the edges of the card are still visible.

Inscriptions & markings

‘Timor Street Warrnambool Vic. Australia A 3AJ, E. Salamy Op.’