Tony Osler Shares His Story

Chairman for the evening, Don Blackley introduced well known local "voice" and identity, Tony Osler.

Tony's working life started in Martin Saunder's Electrical store in Warragul, and one of the significant customers was the local radio station, 3UL (later rebadged as 3GG), which was owned by Associated Broadcasting Services, which also owned stations in Colac, Warrnambool and Shepparton.

And one day in 1959, Tony was given the opportunity to begin what became a life behind the microphone when he was offered the 'Radio Market' show on Saturday mornings. Eventually his boss, Martin suggested that he should take the plunge and begin a career in radio otherwise he could end up spending his life behind a counter selling electrical goods and parts. A so off he went.

He spent some time with rival station 3TR (later rebadged as 3GV )and eventually took over as the voice of football in western Gippsland, with one memorable foray into Heyfield.

Radio became his life and he told us that it opened so many doors to other things, for which he was ever grateful. One case was an invitation to come to Melbourne to meet Ron Casey and discuss a job on TV. He went down with a young chap who also worked at the station -- Peter Landy. Ron suggested that Tony was perhaps not on-camera material, but Peter certainly was...and the rest of that story is history.

Tony went on to compare/MC racing meetings, the Herald Sun Tour (25 years), Farm World Field Days (15 years) and much more.

Perhaps one of the most recognised voices in Gippsland, Tony's presentation was very well received by all present. Thank you Tony.