Radio Operators
Over the years, many people have volunteered their time and expertise, and this support is invaluable to the on-going development of TMR.
Over the years, many people have volunteered their time and expertise, and this support is invaluable to the on-going development of TMR.
Don grew up in Adelaide’s beachside suburbs where he learnt to sail in dinghys.
Don’s firstst career was in the merchant marine as a deck officer on BHP bulk and cargo ships and then with the Commonwealth Light Service serving on the Cape Don and Cape Pillar.
After 10 years at sea he went to university to study surveying and pursued an interesting career in land surveying with both government and commercial organizations in the bush and city culminating in a position with the South Australian Ports Corp in the combined role as survey boat skipper and land and hydrographic surveyor based in Port Adelaide.
In 2005 Don and his wife Lee sold up to live aboard their 48' sloop which they had bought and sailed home to Adelaide from Thailand. They then set sail across the Pacific. A few years cruising turned into 12! Roaming the globe including Hawaii, Alaska, Panama, Caribbean, Atlantic to Portugal and the Mediterranean, returning to Hobart in 2018 (where Lee grew up and owned land).
After selling the boat to become land lubbers once again they became owner builders, graduating from a caravan to building a shed and finally their house where they now reside comfortably retired.
Looking for new adventures Don and Lee have been actively involved with Wildcare Tasmania volunteer groups who help care for Tasmania’s wild places, wildlife and cultural heritage.
Tas Maritime Radio fondly acknowledges the dedication and efforts of our retired operators who have turned up week by week over the last four decades and more to stand watches, keeping Tasmanian mariners safe.
Len Bonnitcha (RIP) | Doug Bonnitcha (RIP) | Rex Griffiths (RIP) | Bob Geeves | Greg Johnson (RIP) |
Robert Wright (RIP) | Bill Lush | Gus Vans Colina | Elaine Stokman | Malcolm Campbell |
Ted Thorne (RIP) | Tom Strang | Adrian Burns (RIP) | David Blakney | Mike Hooper (RIP) |
Laurie Ford | Keith Kirkham | Ray Johnston | John Hensley | Joe Blake |
Jenni Boss- Walker | Col Tigwell | Peter Woolford (RIP) | Robin Retchford | Suzanne Hedgecott |
Bruce Eyers | Robyne Chawner | George Lattimer | Graeme Denne | Peter Muir |
Neil Hutton | Michael Bowerman | Colin Johnson | Tony O’Brien | Glen Pears |
Derek Blair (RIP) | John Parsell (RIP) | John Mears | Colin Crowder | Peter Hill |
Craig Richardson | Karen Nelson | Kevin Williams |