Overland Telegraph Sesquicentennial Symposium

The Australian Overland Telegraph Line was a single wire that connected Port Augusta in South Australia to Port Darwin in the Northern Territory. Sometimes called Australia's 19th century Internet, it was completed in 1872 in a remarkably short time, given the challenges involved. With this connection to the global telegraph network, its near instantaneous communication with the world went a long way to dissipate the Tyranny of Distance felt by the people and institutions of colonial Australia.

The OT-150 Symposium will feature a kaleidoscope of speakers presenting newly researched information about the Overland Telegraph Line, what preceded it, the heroic efforts to build it and what followed. All speakers are experts in their topics, bringing interesting facts and themes that will stimulate your thoughts, not only on this historical event, but also on the developments it wrought on the social and economic fabric of colonial Australia.

Opening by Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC

Governor of South Australia

Facilitated by Keith Conlon OAM

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Communications Before the OTL

.....Richard Venus, Engineering historian

Building the Overland Telegraph Line

.....Derek Pugh OAM, NT historian and author

Impact on First Nations Peoples

.....Susie Herzberg OAM, Urban & Environmental Planner

refreshments

Managing the Line, the First 10 Years

.....Emeritus Professor Denis Cryle, Todd biographer

More Than an Infrastructure Project

.....Dr. Philip Jones, SA Museum

The Impact on Daily Life in Australia

.....Mac Benoy, Charles Todd historian

What’s Left 150 Years Later

.....Andrew Crouch, Overland Telegraph historian

Book Launch – Twenty to the Mile by Derek Pugh

.....by Barry Todd, great grandson of Sir Charles

Meet the author - Derek Pugh (optional after close of the event)

Access the Overland Telegraph 150 website HERE to see the many other events planned for South Australia and the Northern Territory

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Symposium Venue: UniSA Hawke Centre, Allan Scott Auditorium

55 North Terrace, UniSA City West campus.

The nearest Tram stop is 'City West'. Parking close to the Campus may be found on Hindley Street or at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Street parking is very limited.

SPONSORED BY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA and URPS

please note: $15 fee is charged to cover refreshments and event costs

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

University of South Australia, City West Campus, 61-68 North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia