Reminiscences of a Fungi - John Miller

State Promotions Co-ordinators

Dodd Sue Food Circus BEECROFT NSW
Tabet Faye The Food Studio NERANG Qld
Tobin Pam Vikki Leng Enterprises RICHMOND SA
Leng Vikki Fresh Finesse KERRIMUIR Victoria
Swain Noelene SUBIACO WA

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 295

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 296

1965 APPENDIX 3
1966
1971 LIFE HONORARY MEMBERS
1973
1974 David Pulsford
1974 John H Baker*
1974 John W Miller
1977 Dr Lillian Frazer*
1978 Vince Pace*
1981 Roy Sanders*
1982 Fred Atkins
1984 John W Baker
1985 Dr James W Sinden*
1986 Dr N G (Tan) Nair
1988 Norbert P Flynn
1990 Martial Lawson*
1991 Dr Alan Clift
1992 Norman C Johnson
1993 Hank Young
1995 Robert N Tolson
1998 Herman van Schajik
2001 V G (Wally) Klepetko*
2003 Peter G Jones
Graham Price
*Deceased Beryl Miller
Joe van Dorresteyn
Judy Allan

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 297

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 298

1961 APPENDIX 4
1961/62
1962/63 PAST CHAIRMEN
1963/64
1964/65 John H Baker
1965/66 Malcolm (Mal) Manning
1966/67 Arthur Thomas
1967/68 Arthur Thomas
1968/69 Malcolm (Mal) Manning
1969/70 David Pulsford
1970/71 Keith Morrison
1971/72 John H Baker
1972/73 Robert N Tolson
1973/74 Peter Jones
1974/75 George Johnson
1975/76 Robert N Tolson
1976/77 John W Baker
1977/78 Martial (Marsh) Lawson
1978/79 Robert N Tolson
1979/80 Graham Price
1980/81 Norman Johnson
1981/82 Martial (Marsh) Lawson
1982/83 Robert N Tolson
1983/84 Wally Klepetko
1984/85 Robert N Tolson
1985/86 Hank Young
1986/87 Hank Young
1987/88 Martial (Marsh) Lawson
1988/89 Robert N Tolson
1989/90 Brian Carroll
1990/91 Noel Arrold
1991/92 Robert N Tolson
1992/93 Douglas Schirripa
1993/94 Douglas Schirripa
1994/95 Brian Carroll
1995/96 Brian Carroll
1995/96 Brian Carroll
1996/97 Andrew Gulliver
1997/98 Andrew Gulliver
1998/99 Mick O’Brien
1999/00 Robert N Tolson
2000/01 Robert N Tolson
2001/02 Robert N Tolson
2002/03 Carol Holden
2003/04 Carol Holden
Douglas Schirripa
Douglas Schirripa
Brian Pratley
Douglas Schirripa

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 299

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 300

BIBLIOGRAPHY

References arranged in order of first appearance:-

Chapter 1

• Australian Mushroom Growers Association (AMGA) Minute Books 1961-1997.
• AMGA Oral History Interviews, 1997-1999, John and Beryl Miller.

Chapter 2

• The Agricultural Gazette of NSW, Vol 10, 1900 and Vol 13, 1903, W.H. Clark.
• The Agricultural Gazette of NSW, Vol 42, July 1st 1931, pages 529-536, “Mushroom Culture”, Dr Robert Jackson

Noble.
• Mushroom Growing Pests and Diseases, 1936, R. Mas.
• AMGA Oral History Interviews, 1997-1999, John and Beryl Miller.
• “The Land” newspaper, 26th September 1957

Chapter 3

• AMGA Oral History Interviews, 1997-1999, John and Beryl Miller.

Chapter 4

• Circular contract letter from Vic MacAllister, Lillis and Co (Big Sister Foods) to Bill Wiese, 1956.
• Gordon Edgell and Sons, Contract for John and Alf Hession, 1956.
• NSW Agriculture Bulletin, “Mushroom Culture” , No S17, page 40, 1966, John Conroy.
• AMGA Minute Books 1961-1997.
• Mushroom Science I, pages 62-63, ICMS Congress 1950, report by Dr R.L. Edwards, Mushroom Research

Association (MRA), England.
• AMGA Oral History Interviews, 1997-1999, John and Beryl Miller.
• “Mushroom Growing Today”, F.C. Atkins, UK, 1950 and reprinted and revised nine times up to 1973.

Chapter 5

• AMGA Minutes 1961

Chapter 6

• AMGA Minute Books 1961-1965

Chapter 7

• AMGA Minute Books 1964-1973
• AMGA President’s circular letter to mushroom growers 12th February 1965
• John Miller’s personal experiences 1967-1992

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 301

Chapter 8

• A.M.G.A Minute Books 1963 – 1989
• A.M.G.A Research and Development (R&D) Reports 1982
• XI th ISCCEF Congress Minutes 1978 – 1981
• John Millers personal experience, 1967 – 1992

Chapter 9

• AMGA Newsletters No 1 in 1965
• AMGA Newsletters and or journal 1965-1992-2003
• AMGA Presidents/Chairmen’s’, Secretary-Manager/General Manager/Promotions Officer/Treasurer/NSW

State Directors, Annual Reports 1965-1991.
• R&D Chairmen’s’ Reports 1982-1991.

Chapter 10

• AMGA Newsletter, Journals and Minute Books 1965-1992
• Correspondence from Windsor Municipal Council fro AMGA 1974
• AMGA General Meetings
• R & D Annual Report
• NSW Agriculture ‘In the Service of Agriculture’ 1890-1990
• Windsor Municipal Council – Policy Guidelines Mushrooms Growing Operations 1977
• AMGA Annual Reports NSW State Director 1988 and 1989
• John Millers personal experience 1967 – 1992
• AMGA oral history interviews 1997 – 1999 John & Beryl Miller
• Correspondence from the Office of the Commissioners of Inquiry for Environment and Planning to

Hawkesbury City Council, April 1999
• Special Meeting Business Paper Item 117, Hawkesbury City Council, 8th October, 2001

Chapter 11

• Personal interviews to John Miller 2003-04
• Correspondence to John Miller 2003-04
• Local Hawkesbury Legends orally.

Chapter 12

• Windsor Rotary Club- Rotary Down Under 1977
• Ross Miller- On the back Veranda 2003
• 1992 John Miller/ Windsor Rotary Club – Hawkesbury Council – AMGA Joint Community Activity
• Correspondence- Oakville Bush Fire Brigade 2004
• Sydney Morning Herald – 8th July 1988
• John Miller’s personal interviews 2003-2004 and own experiences 1988-2003

Chapter 13

• AMGA Minute Books, 1974-1992
• John Miller’s personal experiences, 1967-1992

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 302

• Correspondence, H.G. Khouri and Associates

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 303

INDEX

A Australian Workers' Union, 84, 104, 107, 123, 137, 167,
177
Agaricus, campestris, 11
Airconditioning Austrralian Horticultural Growers’ Council (AHGC), 137

first airconditioned mushroom house, 55 B
Allan, Judy (nee Shearer), 87, 88, 89, 97, 130, 132, 134,
Baker
140, 141, 144, 145, 146, 148, 152, 154, 156, 157, 193, Doug, 55
243 Glen, 55
American AMI, 63 Ian, 55, 58
American Double Sheds, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, 35, 40, J.D. (John), 87, 97, 120, 122, 123
48, 51, 60 J.H. (Jack), 5, 7, 54, 55, 63, 65, 77, 243
American Mushroom Institute (AMI), 90 J.W. (John), 5, 56, 73, 79, 80, 87, 93, 120, 243
AMGA Jack, 54, 55, 58, 214, 215
Administration, 95 John, 215
Appointment of Full Time Secretary/Liaison Julie, 58
Executive, 81 Natalie, 55
Constitution and incorporation of AMGA, 112 Patricia, 58
each state represented on AMGA Board, 123
first AGM, 40, 65 Baker Barrel, 55, 56
first constitution, 40 Baldwin, Nancy, 136
first interstate director elected, 130 Balk, Ben, 6, 59, 75
first newsletter, 97 Banana Special – fertiliser bags, 3
first President, 7, 54 Barbecues Galore, 84, 122
inaugural meeting, 40 Bargielowski, George, 19, 235
inaugural meeting, minutes of, 63 Barkley, Patricia, 192
Incorporated body, 118 Barnard, Norman, 83, 115
National Headquarters, purchase of office building, Barrel and elevator turners, 28
96 Barrett, Ronnie, 141
National Office Established, 84 Barton, Dick, 150
Public Relations and Liaison Officer, 7, 42, 56, 77, 79 Barton, Hugh, 115
Secretary’s actions questioned, 109 Barton, K, 63
Steering Committee, 7, 40, 63 Bassingthwaite, Merve, 207
Anderson, Ben, 211 Bels, Dr Peter, 91
Anderson, Faye, 216 Bennett, Ron, 27, 51
Anderson, the Hon John, 46 Berenschot
Andrews, Doreen, 84, 102
Anthony, Doug, 113, 127 Gerrit (Gerry), 19, 21, 22
Antonnuci, Walter, 126 Gertruda, 21
Arbitration Commission Court, 137 John, 21
Arrold, Dr Noel, 52, 89, 97, 134, 135, 144, 148, 149, 152, Jonathan, 21
155, 158, 162 Margaret, 21
Atkins, Fred, 50, 115, 243 Big Sister Foods, 6, 7, 14, 23, 25, 26, 32, 55, 56, 61, 110,
Australia Day Commemorative Plaque, iii 247
Australia, Federation of, 11 Biggs, Frances, 7, 95, 149, 153, 154, 156
Australian Apple and Pear Corporation, 138 Biological and Chemical Research Institute (B&CRI, 50,
Australian Black Peat Pty Ltd, 209 56, 78, 87,118, 151, 192
Australian Council of Good Nutrition, 128 Bishop, Ngarita, 120
Australian Dairy Corporation, 84, 129, 138 Blaxland’s Ridge, 198
Australian Farm Produce Authority, 138 Blue Mist Mushrooms, 80
Australian Farmers Federation Annual Conference, 109 Bolenski, Annette, 8, 96, 97, 164, 167, 178, 220, 231
Australian Gas Company, 84 Bonus
Australian Mushroom Growers’ Co-operative, 39, 45, 48, John, 51, 52, 208
195 Julie, 52
Australian United Fresh Conference, 128 Richard, 52
Australian United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association Boon, Jan, 84
membership, 138 Bovenkerk, John, 90
Australian Wine, 136 Boys, Alan, 164
Australian Wine and Brandy Merchants Association, 138 Brake Drums call out, 215
Brice, Ethel, 84
Brisbane Gas Company, 135

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 304

British MGA, 63 Collins, David, ii
Broome Colman Foods, 110
Commercial mushroom culture, 11, 191
Ivor, 28, 31, 207 Compost, 38, 40, 43, 51, 54, 59, 60, 150, 152, 155, 162,
Michael, 28, 209
Brown 167, 168, 178, 182, 190
Clive, 40, 207, 208 synthetic, 55
Peter, 37, 38 Conroy, John, 26, 32, 61, 247
Rhonda, 37 Consumer Survey, 137
Trenton, 37, 38 Consumption, 113, 147, 219, 225
Brown Paper Bags, 230 Cook compost turner, 6
Buchan, Bluey, 21 Cool Room Design, 148
Bulletin, NSW Agriculture, 26 Cope, Hugh, 127
Burgess, Ted, 81 Counter Current Extractor, 130
Button, Dave, 52 Course Structure, 1975, 112
BV&H Engineering, 209 Cox
Alf, 39
C Daphne, 38, 39, 48, 94
Eileen, 38
Cadman, Alan, 127 Jack, 38
Cameron, V, 63 John, 5, 38, 39, 51, 94, 198, 199, 213
Campbell Richie, 39
Cragg, Alan, 48
Ellen, 131 Cross, Charlie, 37
Sue, 55 Crowe, Bill, 39
Campbell, Joan, 84, 176, 231 Custom Composting, the beginning, 41
Cannery Negotiations, 108
Cannery Relations, 110 D
Carroll
Brian, 29, 30, 97, 144, 145, 151, 163, 167, 169, 178, Dairy Corporation, 136
198, 213, 220, 231, 232 Dairy Promotion Council, 138
Heidi (nee Milczakowskyj), 28, 29, 30 Daley
Carter
Dee (nee Fletcher), 40 Gemma, 35, 86
Ron, 40 John, 5, 23, 34, 35, 63, 65, 89, 133, 135, 198, 209, 215
Cartons, 167 Louise, 35
industry standard, 67 Mary, 5, 34, 35, 209, 215
Casey, Derek, 136 Michael (Mick), 35, 97, 199, 220, 231
Casimaty, B., 83 Patricia, 35
Casimir, Max, 57, 87, 109, 111, 139, 192, 193 William (Bill), 35, 97, 157, 164, 170, 178, 199
Castel, Peter, 136 Daley, Kym, 211
Catering Institute of Australia, 84 Dano composting machine, 55
Chalmers, Col, 137 Darnell-Smith, Dr G.P., 13
Channel 10, 79, 102, 118, 138 Daujotis
Channel 7, 79 Dominic (Tom), 19, 26
Childs, W.H., 13 Lucy, 26
Circular Quay Railway Tunnels, 3, 12, 13, 54 Davies
Clark George, 215
Ann, 52 Jim, 215
Billy, 20, 215 Mary, 215
Ken, 37 Davis, Jan, 7
Lola (nee Mitchell), 37, 38 Del Cerro Pecan Nuts, 122
Norm, 39 Delmas, Jacques, 92, 94, 115
Ray, 52, 89, 97, 116, 123, 126, 130, 146, 147 Department of Trade, 67
Clark, Courtney, 137 Depression, economic, ii, 13
Clarke, W.H., 11, 190 DeVries, Jack, 216
Clarkson, Una, 84 Disease, 67, 190, 193
Cleo, 161 Integrated Pest and Disease Management Scheme, 87
Clifford, Ray, 199 X, 67
Clift, Dr Alan, 57, 87, 109, 111, 118, 122, 123, 126, 132, Bacterial Blotch, 126, 141, 146
139, 158, 190, 93, 243 Blotch Control, 87
Cochran, Len, 128 Flies and Mites, 111
Cole, R.A., 197 Survey (1970), 192
Coles, 85, 143, 177 Dodd, Sue, 84

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 305

Donna – the dog, 6 Foster
Douglass Irene (nee Milczakowskyj), 28, 30
John, 30
Archie, 35, 36, 37, 38
Jack, 35 Fraser, Malcolm, 107
Shirley, 35, 36, 38 Frazer
Ducats, Adam, 63
Duffy’s Sawmill, 51 Dr Lillian, 56, 87, 192, 243
Dundas, 7 Freeman, Kim, 137
Dunleavy, Betty, 84, 103, 114, 117, 122 Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Promotion Council, 136
Dunningham, The Hon J.M., 13 Fruit and Vegetable Award, 167, 177
Dutch Fruit growing, 6
merchanised farm, first, 21 Fulton, Margaret, 84, 85, 100, 138, 176, 231
Dutch GI Com System, 208
Dutch mechanised shelf system, 56 G
Dutch Training School, 21
Dye, Molly, 84 Ganney, Geoff, 51, 115
Gas Company, 136
E Gas Cooking Week, 77
Gazette, The Agricultural, i, 11, 17, 190, 247
Eastern Creek, 1 Gehl Chopper, 55
Edge, Dr Victor, 111 General Electric, 122
Edgells, 13, 25, 35, 37, 39, 42, 49, 51, 53, 54, 56, 61, 100, Gerrits, Jan, 83
Gibbs, Suzanne, 84
102, 124, 125, 131, 135, 247 Glenian Enterprises, 55, 58, 80
Egg Marketing Board, 84 Goldfinch, Roger, 86
Electricity – Energy Costs, 167 Goldsmith
Elf Farm Supplies, 46, 47, 54, 60, 200, 209
Elf Mushrooms Pty Ltd, 45, 46 Geoff, 30
Employers’ Federation, 107, 137 Sarah (nee Carroll), 30
Environmental Issues, 42, 48, 58, 60, 152, 154, 163, 167, Gooding, Jim, 115
Goodman, Cheryl, 84
195 Goody Pit, 45
formation of compost liaison committee, 150 Gordon, Ron, 126
Mushroom Composting Industry – Siting Committee, Grabbe, Dr Klause, 94
163, 198 Grabowski, Stan, 110
Mushroom Composting Industry Committee, 163 Grange
Mushroom farm closed down, 211 Harry, 35, 209
Environmentally sustainable agriculture, 53 Green, Chris, 87, 152, 192
Esposito, Michael, 211 Green, Fay, 84
Evans, Dr Graham, 87,108, 109, 111, 140, 192 Gregg, Sandra, 8, 95, 96, 153, 154, 156, 158, 161, 163,
Executive Committee (1975), 107 164, 167, 178, 221, 224, 231
Extension Services, 120, 122 Gregory, Dr Graham, 87, 194
Eyles, Fiona, i Griffen, Gordon, 6
Griffith, Jo, 136
F Gulliver, Andrew (Andy), 89, 164, 178

Fahey, Dr Peter, 87, 126, 140, 141 H
Fargo Truck, 35
Farm Walks Haggety, Jack, 21
Hallam, The Hon Jack, 50, 138
first at Parramatta Mushroom Company, 67 Hanckel
Farrell, Penny, 85, 86
Farrer Place, 13, 192 Athol, 14
Fish Marketing Authority, 122 Colin, 4, 14, 25
Fisher, Ron, 209 Eric, 14, 20, 23
Flegg, Peter, 115 Evelyn (nee Sanders), 14
Fletcher Flo, 28
Fred, 28
Errol, 52, 150, 154, 198 Len, 14
Fred, 40 Mervyn, 4, 14, 21, 25
Flora Margarine, 84 Wally, 5, 6, 14, 28, 208, 214, 215
Flynn, Norbert, 53, 71, 78, 81, 97, 98, 99, 100, 111, 130, Wilhemina (Willy) (nee Berenschot), 21
243 Harman, Barbara, 135
Food Media Club, 84, 85, 138 Harper, Ewan, 158
Formosan Mushrooms, 99 Harrington, Leonie, 84, 101
Forrest, Annette, 84 Harris, Bob, 49, 60, 63, 98

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 306

Hawkesbury Agricultural College, 54 (Xith) Sydney, 123
Hawkesbury City Council, ii, iii, 48, 150, 163, 167, 198, (Xith) Sydney, 120
11th (1981), 92
199, 200, 206, 211, 213, 217, 248 1974
Hawkesbury Hydraulics Pty Ltd, 28, 209 1981
Hawkesbury Refrigeration Pty Ltd, 48, 209 General Sessions Program, 93
Hawkesbury State Emergency Service, 209, 215 Organising Committee, 93
Hayes Bros, 209 Scientific Program, 93
Heley, Doug, 198, 199 Tours and Social Program, 93
Hession Isemonger
Russell, 49
Alf, 23, 33, 34 ISMS Congress
Elva, 3 Australia 1981, 43
Elva (Hanckel), 3, 14 France, 43
Fred, 7, 13, 14, 16, 23, 33, 209 IXL, 25, 44, 45
John, 23, 33, 34 Izard, Geoff, 73, 136
Hill
George, 26 J
Michael, 39
Wesley, 39 Jacec, Mike, 19, 23, 26, 27
Hiser, Kevin, 152 Jannsson, Jan, 83
Holmes, Colin, 110 Jenkins, Peterl, 89
Homan, B., 83 Johns, T.H., 192
Hornery, Bert, 207, 209 Johnson
Horticultural Research and Development Corporation
(HRDC), 87, 88, 157, 162, 164, 168, 175, 177, 179, Albert, 49
180, 189, 190, 194, 199, 221, 231 Betty, ii, 48
Howden Machine Trials, 133 Bradley, 97
Hunt, Vic, 215 Darren, 48
Hussey, Dr Joe, 57, 58, 83 George, 5, 6, 48, 49, 50, 105, 199
Hutchens, Arthur, 79, 80, 81 George, 77
Huxley, Geoff, 215 Norm, 5, 35, 48, 49, 50, 89, 107, 123, 126, 130, 132,
133, 139, 141, 189, 193, 209, 243
I Susan, ii, 48
Sylvia, ii, 5, 48, 50
ICEF Congress Johnson, Carolea, 211
10th (France), 108 Johnson, Peter, 85
1981 (Sydney), 110 Johnston, Don, 53
Jones
ICMS Congress George, 3
1978 (France), 95 Peter, 3, 6, 7, 35, 39, 48, 49, 55, 56, 68, 77, 78, 79,
1981 (Sydney), 57, 95 102, 103, 104, 115, 199, 243
1987 (Germany), 146 Sadie, 7, 209
9th (Tokyo), 91 Jorgenson, Bob, 77
Australia (1981), 46
first 1950, 51 K
France 1978, 50
Japan and Taiwan 1974, 50 Kable, Dr P., 192
Kemp, Greg, 111
Imperial Brand, 25 Kerin, Mr John MP, 128, 137
Imports, 5, 6, 42, 45, 48, 50, 54, 58, 63, 67, 69, 77, 81, 87, Khouri, Harry, 222
Kidd, Don OBE, 138
99, 103, 104, 105, 107, 108, 113, 116, 119, 121, 123, Killingsworth, Murray, 111
124, 130, 131, 134, 135, 137, 141, 142, 144, 146, 147, Kine, Sue, 136
149, 154, 159, 165, 170, 171, 174, 175, 185, 188, 194, King, Allan, 211
200, 225, 226 King, Bernard, 78, 84, 106, 108, 109, 114, 118, 122, 125,
Imports, 77
In the Service of Agriculture, a NSW Agriculture 131, 137, 138
publication, i Kinrus, Aron, 115
Industrial Commission, 167, 177 Kirkwood, Margaret, 136
Industrial Relations, 80, 123, 167, 177 Klepetko, Wally, 6, 13, 49, 50, 54, 55, 63, 94, 97, 118, 243
Insh, Kathleen, 211 Kneebone, Dr Lee, 83, 90
Integral Energy, 84 Knowles, George, 50
International Catering Trade Fair, 106, 122, 135 Koliagan, Mike, 5, 19
International Commission on Mushroom Science (ICMS), Kraft Foods, 84, 114, 122
90
ISCCEF Congress 307

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi

L Health and Lifestyle, 166
Homes and Gardens, 154
Laborde, John, 115 Hospitality, 136
Lambert, 51 Host, 136
Land Tax, 110 New idea, 84, 110, 118, 147, 148, 154, 158, 161, 166,
Lannen, Bill, 53 176, 231
Larkins, J., 63, 65 Prevention, 154
Last, Dr F., 83 Readers Digest, 84, 158, 161, 166
LaTrobe University, 89, 190 Savvy, 166
Latta Slimmer, 121
Vogue Entertaining, 231
Angus, 97, 120 Vogue Living, 84
Fiona, 86 Woman’s Day, 137, 158, 161, 166
Lawson Woman’s World, 110
Anne, 3, 47, 68 Women’s Word, 121
Frances, 3, Magee, Dr C.J.P., 192
Marion, 3, 47, 164, 170, 179, 220, 231 Main, The Hon Hugh, 13
Martial (Marsh), 3, 47, 63, 67, 68, 71, 75, 77, 91, 92, Mamo, Kim, 211
93, 94, 98, 99, 103, 104, 105, 107, 110, 111, 120, 141, Manning
144, 188, 199, 243 Dot, 40
LeFeuvre, Sherilynn, i Mal, 6, 40, 41, 49, 59, 63, 64, 65, 70, 71, 98, 207, 208
Leigh, Maryl, 135 Marketing Board, 106
Lemon Marketing Board, 81 Marketing Incentives Pty Ltd, 220
Lennox Hotel, Parramatta, 63 Marland
Lewis Derek, 59, 199
Ralph, 51, 54, 71 Don, 59
Lewis, Dr John, 51 Eric, 5, 58, 59, 63, 77
Lieben, Mark, 214 Jean, 59, 60
Life Honorary Member Neal, 60, 199
Graham Price, 41 Phillip, 59
J.H. (Jack) Baker, 54 Robyn, 60
John W Baker, 55 Troy, 60, 199
Norbert Flynn, 54 Marshall, Anne, 84, 118
Rob Tolson, 45 Martin, Geoff, 199
Wally Klepetko, 54 Mas, Raymon, i, 13, 36, 51
Joe van Dorresteyn, 19 Mat Mould, 25, 26, 27, 28
first honour conferred, 98 Matheson, Arch, 128
Norbert Flynn, 130 May, Lawrence, ii
Norm Johnson, 50 McCord, Des, 63
David Pulsford , 60 McDonald, Marie, 84, 100, 101, 102, 103
Peter Jones, 7 McDonald, Troy, 211
Lillis & Co, 26 McEwen’s Arcade, Windsor, 13, 54
Lilyvale Mushroom Company, 84 McGee, Dr Charles, 54, 60
Lloyd, Bruce, 127 McKenzie, Ray, 4, 25, 39
Locke, Denis, 51, 115 McMaster, Robert, 216
Loder House, 209 McNamara, Bill, 48
Longworth, Ian, 13, 50, 54, 63, 65 Meat and Livestock Corporation, 84, 138, 177
Luke, Jack, 54 Meat for Vegetarians Campaign, 86
Lynch, Barbara, 84, 102 Midson
Lyons, J.F., 197 Harold, 43, 44, 215
Vera, 43
M Warren, 43, 215
Mighty Mushroom, 86, 137
Macallister, Vic, 23, 26 Milczakowskyj
Macauley, Dr Barry, 89, 158, 190 Erica, 28
Mackay, W.J., 13 Mike, 5, 19, 26, 28, 29
Macquarie Arms Hotel, 35 Miller
Magazines Annette, 1
Beryl, i, ii, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 22, 41, 43, 50, 51, 61, 84,
Australian Slimmer, 154 94, 95, 96, 142, 178, 206, 213, 215, 219, 224, 231,
Australian Well, 154 232, 243, 247, 248
Cleo, 158, 161 Dr Fred, 89, 190, 158
Family Circle, 84, 109, 118, 128, 147, 148, 154, 158,
161, 166, 176, 231 308
Gourmet Traveller, 231

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi

John, i, ii, i, ii, 41, 51, 73, 75, 76, 77, 78, 81, 88, 89, Sunday Telegraph, 84, 100, 101, 185
91, 92, 96, 100, 101, 104, 105, 109, 111, 116, 118, Sydney Daily Mirror, 141
119, 120, 123, 126, 131, 138, 142, 144, 146, 148, 151, Sydney Morning Herald, 217
153, 158, 163, 164, 170, 181, 185, 189, 193, 206, 210, Sydney Sun Herald, 84
215, 217, 219, 220, 222, 224, 231, 232, 233, 243, 247, The Australian, 84, 100, 101, 106, 175, 176, 178, 185,
248 188, 231
Ken, 1, 6 Newton, Norm, 44, 215
Lynette, 212 Noble, Dr Robert, 11, 12, 13 191
Rebecca, 212 Noble, Eric, 3
Robyn, i, 4, 103 Norman
Ross, 211, 212, 217, 248 Brian, 48, 209
Millers Garden Centre, 211 Clayton, 209
Miroyan, Vartkes, 130 Ian, 48, 209
Mitchell North American Conference, 1980), 95
Denny, 43 Northwood, Barbara, 84, 176, 231
Merv, 215 NSW Agriculture, i, 7, 13, 26, 32, 50, 54, 56, 60, 61, 87,
Mervyn, 43 190, 192, 194, 199, 206, 247, 248
Pam (nee Tolson), 43 NSW Department of Agriculture, 11, 13, 67, 69, 120, 136,
Mitchell, Lance, 211 141, 175, 179, 190, 231
Mittagong Mushrooms, 135 NSW Fish marketing Authority, 138
Mole, Bev, 216 Nugan, Alf, 81
Monier, 109, 110
Moon, Harold, 37 O
Moore, Dr K., 192
Mori, Dr Kisaku, 94 O’Hanlon, Korina, 211
Morley, Barney, 1 Oakville Bush Fire Brigade, 214
Morley, Geoff, 40, 207, 208 Ogden
Morrison, Keith, 41, 63, 65, 71, 97
MRA formula, 54 Daphne, 48
Mud Island, 2 Des, 48, 215
Muffet, Col, 39, 115 Joy, 32, 33
Mullin, Leigh, 136 Tom, 33, 48
Mushroom Award Agreement, 167, 177 Oram, Mike, 136
Mushroom Composters Pty Ltd, 21, 30, 48, 49, 55, 60, 198, Otford tunnels, 60
199, 200
Mushroom Culture, by Dr Noble, 11 P
Mushroom Growing Course, Ryde School of Horticulture,
111 Pace, Vince, 6, 36, 49, 51, 243
Mushroom Growing Today by Fred Atkins, 50 Pages Wharf Road, 1
Mushroom Industry Advisory Officer (MIDO), 41, 141 Paine, Councillor Christine, 211
Mushroom Jingle, 86, 122 Paramount mushroom kits, 55
Mushroom Lovers’ Cookbook, 85, 177, 230 Parramatta Mushroom Co, 54, 55, 67, 75
Mushroom Marketing Board formation, 81 Paskin, Tom, 63
Mushroom Princess, 86 Paull
Mushroom Research Association Ltd, 54
Mushroom Week, 73, 77, 78, 79, 100, 101, 102, 106, 114, Julie, 207
118 Karen, 207
Marilyn, 207
N Phillip, 207
Stan, 207
Nair, Dr Tan, 57, 78, 87, 89, 91, 93, 97, 108, 110, 111, 118, Suzanne, 207
120, 122, 123, 126, 132, 139, 158, 190, 192, 199, 243 Peak Heat, 27
first set up, 59
National Conference, 83, 129, 134, 146, 158, 163, 226 Peaker, John, 83, 115
National Health and Medical Research Council, 89 Penn State University, 41, 54, 90, 162
National Mushroom Month, 126 Penrith TAFE College, 136
Nelson (now Maraylya), 34 Perrella, N., 83
New Zealand, 55, 107, 113, 115, 116, 121, 123, 124, 126, Phase II
first attempt, 12
127, 131, 134, 135, 138, 139, 141, 143, 144, 149, 154, peak heating, 6
159, 165, 171, 179, 180 steam treated compost, 6
Newspapers Philips, 122
Adelaide News, 136 Phillips, Anna, 84
Sun News Pictorial, 136 Picton tunnels, 60
Pike, Jack, 109, 111
Reminiscences of a Fun’gi
309

Pike’s Nurseries, 111 building fund, 145
Pitt Town, ii, 31, 32, 38, 49, 50, 53, 195, 207, 211 Committee Guidelines (1982), 90
Pixie Mushrooms, 27, 51, 54, 195 Research Committee, 108
Plant Variety Rights, 127 Retailer Education, 164
Plummer, Jennene, 84, 85 Rhodes, George, 211
PMU, 25, 37 Rice Board, 109, 122, 136
Powe Rice Growers, 84, 177
Rice Growers Co-operative Mills, 111
Darrin, 30, 214, 215 Rice Marketing Authority, 138
George, 215 Rice Marketing Board, 106, 122
Jenny, 30 Richmond, 54, 211
Ken, 26, 30, 31, 33, 198, 199, 209, 214, 215 Rinnie, 3
Paul, 30, 97, 214, 215 Rivendell Mushroom Farm, 30
Stephen, 30, 199, 214, 215 Riverstone Meat Company, 25
Susan (nee Milczakowskyj), 28, 30 Rix, Peter, 135
Verna, 30, 214 Robottom, Arthur, 26, 32, 49, 59
Vernonica, 30 Robottom’s Spawn Laboratory, 4
Powe, Raymond, 215 Rodwell, John, 199
Pratley, Brian, 135, 221 Rosehill, 3
Premier Mushroom Farm, 47 Rosella, 25, 38, 48, 195
Price Ross, John, 35
Alison, 41 Rotary Foundation Trust, 211
Carol, 6, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 194 Roughley, Dr R.J., 192
Geoff, 41, 42, 47, 87, 88, 97, 177, 179, 194, 220, 221 Royal Agricultural Society (RAS), 67
Graham, 5, 6, 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 50, 75, 77, 89, 109, Royal Ascot, 51
110, 111, 112, 116, 144, 146, 148, 151, 156, 193, 194, Royal Easter Show, 31, 67, 69, 70, 219
195, 199, 200, 211, 212, 243 Rozzoli, Kevin, 110
Stephen, 41 Rumery, Robert, 37, 41, 208, 209
Priora, John, 215 Rutter, Andrew, 214
Production, 47, 80, 113, 134, 142, 147, 149, 153, 159, 160, Ryan
163, 165, 168, 171, 174, 190, 200, 225, 226 John, 53
first crops, 13 Pat, 53
first mushroom production building (Besser Block), 26
home growing of, 11 S
Promotion, iii, 67, 68, 69, 73, 74, 77, 78, 81, 84, 100, 106,
108, 110, 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, 119, 121, 124, 125, S.J. Paull Pty Ltd, 207
126, 131, 135, 136, 143, 145, 147, 148, 149, 151, 153, SA Gas Company, 136
157, 158, 160, 163, 166, 168, 175, 177, 178, 181, 225, Sackville, ii, 1, 52
226, 228, 230 Safeway Stores, 143
NSW Minister’s Committee, 138 Sanders
Primary Industry Promotion Council, 138
Promotions, 129 Eric, 15
first permanent committeel, 77 Evelyn (nee Hanckel), 15
Prospect Electricity, 167 Grahame, 3, 28, 215
Pulsford, David, 60, 63, 65, 67, 77, 78, 98, 99, 243 Henry, 13, 21
Pyrotenax cables, 40 Lynette, 27
Madge, 16
Q Marian, 27
Nancye, 15
Qantas Airways, 90, 114 Narelle, 27, 45
Robyn, 27
R Roy, ii, iii, 5, 6, 7, 13, 14, 21, 23, 27, 33, 37, 41, 43,
45, 52, 53, 243
R&D Committee Val, 15
first chairman, 89 Vic, 14, 16, 25, 28, 37, 52, 208
Sannen, F., 73
Railway Tunnels - Bowral, 54 Sanyo, 122
Randon, Judy, 7, 95, 149, 153, 154, 156 Sanyo Microwave ovens, 84
Rank Arena, 122 Scheller, John, 120
Rawson, R.L., 194 Scheyville, 28, 31
Readers Digest, 84, 161 Schirripa, Douglas, 157, 161, 163, 167
Reed, Tom, 73, 136 Schisler, Prof Lee, 57, 58, 83
Regal Mushroom Farm, 47 Schulz
Relative Compost Makers, 167
Research, 87, 118, 119, 122, 130, 151, 155, 157 310

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi

Bill, 19, 28, 31, 208 Sydney Royal Show, 77, 136
Harry, 31 Sylvan Australia, 46, 47, 208
Karla, 31 Sylvan Australia, official opening, 46
Secretary and Promotions Officer, 7
Seltenrych, John, 215 T
Seymour
Anne, 86 Tariff Board, 106
Greg, i, 7, 8, 219, 233 Tasma Turna, 6, 41
Ivan, 37 Taylor, Hank, 115
Laurel (nee Douglass), 37 Temporary Assistance Authority, 105, 188, 194
Sharp, 84, 122, 136 Tennant, Jane, 84
Sheather, Councillor Les, 199 The Mushroom Loves Cookbook, 85
Sheridan, Kevin, 194 Thilot Mechanical Compost Turner, 51
Short Course 1976, 108 Thomas, Arthur, 65, 71, 77, 98
Sinclair, Ellen, 84, 100, 102 Thompson, Stan, 3
Sinden, Dr James, 39, 43, 60, 83, 115, 191, 243 Toffolon, Roger, 126
Sledge, Councillor Wendy, 198, 199, 213 Tolson
Smith, Dr Alan, 89, 140, 192
Sorrenson Bert, 14, 43, 45
Geoff, 44 Beryl, 14, 43, 45
Kris, 44, 52 Buffie, 46
Spawn Cultures David, 45, 46
Parramatta 32, 54 Don, 14, 20, 43
pure Fay, 43
US57, 54 Geoff, 5, 43, 45
US58, 54 Helen, 43
Spawn Levy, 9, 55, 56, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, Jane, 46
78, 98, 99, 103, 105, 106, 117, 126, 143, 144, 145, Jill, 43
146, 147, 148, 151, 155, 156, 170, 175, 180, 220, 221 Jim, 43
spawn makers meeting 1973, 75 Karen, 46
Spawnmate Growers’ Service Co, 130 Kevin, 45, 46, 86, 97, 220
Speechley, Brian, 211 Max, 43
Speet Narelle (nee Sanders), 45
Peter, 214, 215 Nola (nee Sanders), 14, 20
Roslyn, 214 Norah, 39, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50
Sidney, 214, 215 Peter, 43
Spiel, G., 73, 83 Rob, 5, 36, 39, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 51, 56, 78,
Spiel, Ron, 136 83, 87, 89, 97, 107, 109, 111, 115, 119, 123, 126, 130,
St Matthews Catholic Church, 34 146, 152, 154, 189, 192, 193, 199, 200, 220, 221, 231,
Stanton, Rosemary, 84, 143 243
Stappart, John, 14 Robert, 45, 46
State Library of NSW (Mitchell Library), i Sharon, 45
Steakmate, 130 Trevor, 43
Stone, Professor Bruce, 190 Val, 43
Stoneman, Doug, 211 Tom Piper, 25
Strategic Marketing Plan, 226 Toohey, Dr Denis, 140
Strategic Marketing Plan (1991/92), 220 Toshiba, 122
Strathmaris, Mike, 136 Training film, 148
Stubbs Trends, 225, 229
Ian, 21 Trevitt, K, 71
Stubbs, Councillor (Dr) Rex, ii Trevitt, Ken, 54
Sullivan Trimboli, Don, 73, 136
Arthur, 209 Tschierpe, Dr Hans, 57, 83, 187
Cecil, 209 TV
Sunbeam, 122 Channel 2, 122
Sutton, W.S., 192
Swan, George, 71, 75 U
Swinnerton machines, 5, 29, 38, 41, 208
Sydney Farm Product Authority, 137 Union Claims, 107
Sydney Market Authority, 84 University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 221
Sydney Markets, 1, 7, 13, 14, 48, 51, 55, 56, 79, 104, 207
Sydney Opera House, 94 V

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi Van Dorresteyn

311

Grada, ii Leny, 43
Joe, 19, 20, 108, 111, 198, 199, 243 Peter, 135
van Schajik, Herman, 73, 75, 83, 130, 136, 148, 243 Pieter, 43
Vedder, Pieter, 21, 83, 94, 95, 108, 115 Willesee, Senator, 91
Vegetable Oils Pty Ltd, 84, 100 Williams
Victoria, 56, 83 Les, 52, 59
Vincent, Jim, 51 Leslie, 52, 59
Vineyard, 30, 38, 45, 195 Pat (nee Marland), 52, 59
Virginia – the Model Fairy, 68 Williams, Bruce, 138
Visscher, Dr, 158 Windsor Farm Foods, 21, 30, 38, 39, 49, 195
Windsor Municipal Council, 194, 195
W Windsor Rotary Club, 42, 211, 213, 217, 248
Windsor Youth Foundation Trust, 211
Wakelyn-King, J, 63 Wine Growers’ Association, 84
Watson, Derryn, 213 Winnifredbank, 48
Watson, N.V., 194 Woman’s Day, 68, 106, 110, 118, 125, 129, 154, 161, 176
Watt, J.W., 63, 65 Women’s Weekly, 68, 78, 84, 100, 101, 102, 110, 117, 118,
Weight Watchers, 74, 84, 112, 117, 121, 177 128, 154, 158, 161, 166, 176, 177, 231
Westinghouse, 122 Woolworths, 51, 85, 123, 125, 128, 143, 177
Wiese new hypermarket at Chullora, 128
World War 2, 14
Arthur, 22, 32, 215 Wosachlo, Adam, 19, 40
Barbara, 136
Bill, 6, 32, 33, 36, 61, 71, 75, 215, 247 Y
Greg, 32
Nancy, 32 Young, Hank, 56, 72, 73, 95, 123, 130, 132, 136, 243
Willemse

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 312

Reminiscences of a Fun’gi 313

'Reminiscences of a Fun'gi', written by the late John Miller, documents the
dogged determination of old and new migrant Australian men, women and
their children to survive and prosper in the harsh environment of this land of
droughts, floods and bushfires. They created a new farming industry with their
bare hands. Through trial and error, and eventually scientific research, they
built a successful farming community organization in the Hawkesbury Valley
and Hills districts of New South Wales. The benefits of their initiative
eventually spread to all states of Australia, and the Australian Mushroom
Growers Association was formed.