Historical information
The first photograph was probably taken at a media event announcing the introduction of the Heidelberg Speedmaster printing press in late 1990. LTCOL Rene van den Tol was the CO of the Army Survey Regiment from 1989 to 1991. Partly obscured behind the CO was Mr Bruce Reid, who was the newly elected federal member for Bendigo. The media event was held in Wayzgoose Hall, Lithographic Squadron’s new purpose-built building constructed to house the Speedmaster printing press. This occasion is covered in more detail in page 143 of Valerie Lovejoy’s book 'Mapmakers of Fortuna – A history of the Army Survey Regiment’ ISBN: 0-646-42120-4. Refer to Item 6291.6P for more photos of the Open Day.
Physical description
This set of three photographs were taken at the commissioning ceremony of Wayzgoose Hall, the Army Survey Regiment’s new printing building and the Heidelberg Speedmaster Printing Press, at Fortuna Bendigo on Wednesday 27th June 1990. The black & white photographs were printed on photographic paper and are part of the Army Survey Regiment’s Collection. The photographs were scanned at 300 dpi.
.1) - Photo, black & white, 1990. Commissioning Ceremony L to R: CO LTCOL Rene van den Tol, Commander 3rd Military District BRIG P. Davies AM ADC, WO2 Jeff Willey in background.
.2) - Photo, black & white, 1990. L to R: CO LTCOL Rene van den Tol, Commander 3rd Military District BRIG P. Davies AM ADC with first printed topographic map – 8123 4 Mansfield 1:50 000.
.3) - Photo, black & white, 1990. L to R: SGT Gary Kerr in background, Seligson Claire Printing Press Suppliers - Richard Rasmussen and Oliver Holliwell, Bob Martin, Director of Survey COL Don Swiney MBE, RA Svy COL CMDT COL John Hillier, Commander 3rd Military District BRIG P. Davies AM ADC, Bruce Reid Bendigo MHR.
Inscriptions & markings
.1P to .3P – Annotated on back of photos ‘Opening New Print Room BRIG Davies 27 Jun 90’. Personnel and civilians are identified.