Adventurer made lifelong commitment to Australian radio industry

JOHANNES (JOH) OOST: 1928–2024

On November 21, 1954, a small boat slipped quietly out of the Indonesian port of Tanjung Priok, Jakarta. There was no fanfare as the gentle breeze filled the sails and the converted ship’s lifeboat rode easily to the swells of the Java Sea.

At the helm was 26-year-old Johannes Oost, a Dutch national who, like his fellow crew member Dennis Slingerland, a second officer in the Dutch merchant marine, was seeking a new life. There was no future for Dutch nationals in Indonesia, now independent from Dutch rule. Joh had been chief wireless operator in Jakarta for the global maritime communications network, Radio Holland. But this was a voyage that would ultimately lead to Joh’s inclusion in Australia in the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame, recognising his lifelong commitment to the Australian radio industry.

Joh Oost in recent years.Credit:

First, though, a dream list of ports throughout the world was created where this adventure under sail in a nine-metre boat with no engine would take them. And, on top of the list, ports on Australia’s east coast.

Right from the beginning, it was recorded in the written preamble to this voyage that the idea was “to explore the world by sea, of sailing from port-to-port, learning of people and cultures. Originally there was a third person who was going to come, but he went to South America and met a girl instead!”

Two men in a boat: The nine-metre converted lifeboat sailed from Jakarta.Credit:

With this open-ended plan, what would decide the next port of call was largely up to circumstance and fate. As a pair of mariners accustomed to the sea, they had a fair share of experience of what the elements could throw at them.

But live to tell the tale of the voyage they did: the intrepid pair made it to Dili, Timor-Leste; then Merauke in what was Dutch New Guinea, where they stayed and worked to replenish funds; and to Thursday Island. Down the Australian coast, they passed Cooktown, Cairns and in February 1955, three months after leaving Jakarta, they sailed into Townsville, ready for anything.

Joh Oost, adventurer and radio expert.Credit:

What happened next is the stuff of legend.

An official voice from the harbour wall yelled directions to where the boat should tie up. Later came a conversation with the voice from the harbour wall, which asked, “What are you going to do?”

Joh replied that he hoped to get a job; that he’d been in radio and would look for something in the industry. “My son’s in radio,” said the voice from the wall.

So began an association of employment for Joh in the commercial radio industry that was to last many years. First with Townsville radio stations 4AY and 4TO, Cairns station 4CA, and later in senior management positions in Sydney.

Being a radio technician and able to increase the strength and coverage of Radio 4AY’s signal with its “tall tower power”, Joh’s personal management skills added to the success of the station. His abilities didn’t go unnoticed by what was then the AWA radio network – he would later manage AWA’s 4TO and sister station 4CA.

He met his first wife, Valerie Tweed, at a ball in Townsville and was employed in the commercial broadcasting industry. They lived on the boat in Townsville harbour until a deal was done whereby two Swedish adventurers swapped their Dodge Ute for the boat, and for Joh and Valerie domestic bliss took the form of a house ashore.

Joh became an integral part of AWA, further developing the network and 2CH in Sydney. He became the industry voice in Canberra on the National Disasters Committee and a member of the Federation of Australian Radio Broadcasters (FARB) council for 10 years. He was inducted into the Commercial Radio Hall of Fame in 2002.

The citation for the award stated: “Johannes Oost began his radio career in Holland and commenced in Australian radio as a technician for both 4AY and 4TO. He was also assistant manager at 4TO in 1969, and was promoted to manager in 1971. In 1974, Johannes became regional manager North QLD for both 4CA and 4TO. In 1982 he became operations manager of AWA Broadcasting Division, and from 1988 to ’94 Johannes was assistant manager at 2CH. He is an active member of the Historical Radio Society and was also the industry voice in Canberra on the National Disasters Committee, and a member of the FARB council for 10 years.” (Source: Australian Commercial Radio Awards.)

Experience in national disasters was something Joh certainly had as Cyclone Althea hit Townsville in late December 1971. Through Herculean efforts he was able to ensure 4TO was kept on air providing emergency information, while at the same time knowing his own family were being subject to fear and devastating damage to their home due to 200kmh winds and rain.

After the divorce, Joh met his second wife, Annette, a secretary at 2CH in Sydney. For many years until age took its toll, Joh was an active member of the Historical Radio Society. He was an avid collector of prized wireless transmitters and receivers, and a provider to all those similarly inclined who needed a new valve or part. His Sydney home was not spared any space that could accommodate new valves to replace old ones.

Joh Oost and Annette.Credit:

With those who had the great pleasure of reminiscing with Joh about his epic adventure to Australia, the broadcasting profession and enjoying all the news of those met along the way, the conversation flowed – as did the wine from the cellar he personally created beneath his inner-Sydney home. Beautifully decorated and furnished, it had the comforting atmosphere of a Dutch tavern.

Joh was one of those people who in getting a job done was able to share energy and enthusiasm, and do it all with humour. They’re a rare breed, such people, and Joh is one who will be remembered. As memories are the best treasures, we’ve a lot to be thankful for in knowing him.

Johannes Oost is survived by wife Annette; daughters Lisa, Janina, Gretha and Joanne and their families.

Footnote: Joh and sailing partner Dennis kept in close contact after their epic voyage. Dennis lived in Melbourne and died some years ago. The boat in the hands of the Swedish adventurers sailed among the islands in the Pacific and was eventually lost when it grounded and was wrecked on a reef.

Allan Porter, long-time friend and colleague