Ed Berlage

Vocation:

Television (Retired)

Year Joined:

1983

Phone:

N/A

Email:

edberl@bigpond.net.au

Biography:

Ed was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After WW2, when he was 15 years old he became an apprentice photographer. Two years later, his work with the Photographic Trade School earned him a recommendation to be apprenticed by Mr. M.C. Meyboom, Royal Photographer to the House of Orange. He became first assistant and was privileged to be involved in photo sessions at the Palace in Amsterdam (The Queen Mother, Wilhelmina) and at Palace Soestdijk, (The Royal family, Queen Juliana and Prince Bernhard and family)

His career was interrupted by national service (Grenadier Guards).  Following this he returned to M.C. Meyboom but soon had itchy feet.  The Netherlands being too small, too wet, windy and cold.  Just at that time there was opportunity to migrate to greener (sunnier) pastures and the choice was Canada, New Zealand or Australia.  Canada was quickly ruled out, as it was colder than the Netherlands and had Grizzly Bears …no way!  One look at the map convinced him that New Zealand was too far away and the girls in the brochure of Bondi Beach looked just right!  Australia it was!  In March 1951, at age 20, he landed in Sydney.

Good photography being somewhat of a ‘closed shop’ he found an alternative, in taking charge of the photographic section of an engraving factory (Raynors Pty Ltd).  Quite different from fashion, portraits etc., but the pay was good.  After two years he felt the need to change his vocation.  He decided that electronics was the coming scene.  He did a Radio Servicing Course and then attended the Marconi School of Wireless studying for the Broadcast Operators Certificate of Proficiency which entitled him to be in charge of the technical aspects of a Broadcasting Station.  With his newly acquired knowledge he joined the Amalgamated Wireless Valve Works in Ashfield and was engaged in the new field of television, building test equipment for the manufacture of TV Picture Tubes.

At Christmas time (1955) ABC TV demonstrated their TV cameras at Kings Cross.  Ed was immediately fascinated and said to himself: ”That’s it, Television!”  He applied to the ABC and in July 1956 joined as a technician/cameraman.  After 30 years with the ABC he retired as Supervisor of Transmission Operations (TV).  He taught TV and Film techniques at North Sydney TAFE for 11 years (part-time).  He holds a Diploma in Public Administration (NSWIT, now UTS)

Why I joined Rotary: One day, I had just finished working in my garden, my next door neighbour said to me "Ed, I have put your name down for the Rotary Club of Ryde." My first thought was "The cheeky So and So, without asking me first!" But, he was a good, friendly neighbour and I did not want to offend him. I said "Oh, I see", not having a clue what he was referring to. "Come with me next Tuesday," he said "then you can have a look at us." "OK," I said and the next Tuesday afternoon we went to the Ryde Rotary Club (whatever that was!)
I found a very happy group of men (no women in those days) with a great sense of humour. It was an interesting meeting, we had dinner as well and the time flew by. I actually enjoyed the experience very much and after depositing me back home, he asked what I thought of it all. "That was very nice," I said and in the same breath "I would like to go again, some day." "That’s the idea", he said "How about next Tuesday?" and so I went again and again! I was invited to join and thanks to my friendl

Back to members