The First TAB Staff Member

After completing the Day Secretarial Certificate in 1959, I joined the typing pool of the NSW Public Service Board as a stenographer. It was our responsibility to provide stenographic services for the inspectors and clerical staff who made representations to the Board on behalf of government departments. I eventually moved on to other employment in the State public service. Whilst on duty in early March 1964, I received a telephone call from Bill Malone, Registrar of the Public Service Board. He enquired if I had heard of the new Totalizator Agency Board. He told me that he had been requested by the newly appointed Chairman of the Board (Russell Garbutt, Commissioner of Land Tax) to “get him a secretary”.

Mr Garbutt explained to him that as he was pressed for time, he wanted to cut through the normal channels and have someone recommended to him. Bill told him that there was someone he had in mind and would he like to meet me? I probably thought about it for 5 seconds and yes I was certainly interested. Bill organised for me to be absent from my position for a while so that I could meet with Mr Garbutt straight away.

Shaking at the knees, I was ushered into Mr Garbutt’s plush timber paneled office and seated opposite him at his huge polished desk. He stared at me with a cigarette hanging out of the corner of his mouth and said: “I’ve got a big job ahead of me setting up this organisation. I have to employ a team of senior executives, find premises, appoint solicitors etc.  I need someone who knows how to work hard and help me. It is a full time position. Bill says I should give you a go. What do you think?”

Of course I would love the job. So Mr Garbutt said: “OK. You start on Monday.” I asked about my present position, to which he replied: “Leave that to me.” Who was I to argue with the Commissioner of Land Tax? And so began my career with the TAB. What followed was a hectic time providing secretarial support to the Chairman.

Russell Garbutt proved to be a remarkably dedicated Chairman. There would be few who would be aware of his outstanding achievements during the first three months of his appointment as Chairman. He organised the appointment of architects and solicitors; selection of the five senior executives through management consultants; the acquisition of the Bushells’ warehouse in Ultimo for the organisation’s premises; telephone lines for the premises; the purchase of motor vehicles for the senior executives and the ordering of cash registers for the branches through National Cash Registers.

These decisions were all approved at Board meetings where I acted as the temporary company secretary of the Board. They were also completed whilst still assuming his duties as Commissioner for Land Tax. It was a very challenging time for him. When the senior executives had been appointed by the Board, I was fortunate enough to be given the privilege of working with John Robertson. It was a position I held until I left to start a family in 1970. I look back with fond memories of my time at the TAB.

It is only the people who were part of the early days who would understand the camaraderie that existed in the organisation. It was a new experience for everyone involved, and everyone had to dig in and help out wherever it was needed. Al Smith brought so much knowledge with him from Western Australia. And as for John - he was and still is such an inspiration. He has been a powerful influence in my life - I will never forget him. I am sure many would agree with me that he was a wonderful mentor and an excellent leader.

Mary Janes (Blackman) November 2007