On the night of 16 September 1956, Molly Brownless was working in TCN9’s central control room and was responsible for ensuring the ‘first’ broadcast was transmitted without a hitch.

This photograph shows (left to right) Molly Brownless, producer Mike Ramsden and master controller Max Maxwell in the TCN9 control room on 16 September 1956. 

In the fourth of a 5-part series, Dr Jeannine Baker reveals some of the women who shaped and redefined television content for women and children.

The Star Theatre in Darwin at night.

Crowds of people line the footpath and cross the street outside the State Theatre in Sydney for a nighttime screening of A Town Like Alice, circa 1956.

Margaret Dingle as little Jedda playing with crayons and a rolling pin. 

Kindly donated by Beth Gower in memory of Harry Closter.

The film crew on the set of Jedda (1955) wrangle a crocodile.

Ngarla Kunoth (Jedda) and Betty Suttor (Sarah) on set with Charles Chauvel and camera crew filming a scene from Jedda. 

Portrait of Ngarla Kunoth in Jedda.

Kindly donated by Beth Gower in memory of Harry Closter.

Johnny O’Keefe initially saw television as just another gig, but soon realised the power of the medium to reach and build a national audience.