The front cover of the book 'Southern Signals'. The text on the cover is white and green and reads 'Southern Signals. Hugh Tranter. Stories of innovation, challenge and triumph in Australia's communications history.' The image is of a man sitting at a table with over-ear headphones on. He is writing on a piece of paper, and the table is covered in different pieces of communications equipment.
by Hugh Tranter

From sea-stained dispatches to data sent back from deep space, Southern Signals is the story of Australia’s use of communications to bridge vast distances through war and peace, exploration and growth.

Communications have been vital at every stage of Australia’s history. From the time the First Fleet transport ship Prince of Wales limped back into port eight months after leaving Sydney Cove, to the breakneck rush during the 1970 Apollo 13 crisis to bring Parkes’ famous radio telescope on-line, this book shows how adoption (or not) of emerging communication technologies has influenced key events, and formed the backbone of Australia’s development as a society and relationship with the world.

About the author 

Hugh Tranter is a Sydney-based researcher and author, who enjoys unearthing stories through old newspapers, letters and accounts. He became interested in communication technology and its history through his father’s collection of old radios and records, including a bulky, antique radiogram – once cutting-edge technology – kept in the family lounge room. Hugh has studied history, law and creative writing, and written for a range of publications, including The Sydney Morning Herald, the online Dictionary of Sydney, Beachcombing Magazine and History, the magazine of the Royal Australian Historical Society.

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