By RON LANE
THERE are many types of people living within our communities. After several decades, one starts to become aware of two in particular – one is the type that merely exists; the other is the one who not only lives in, but also for, the community
With our society becoming more and more dependent on voluntary organisations, it is those who live for their community that become our backbone. Without them many organisations would crumble.
One such person who lives for his community is Len Tyler. Len would be known to many of our locals because of his tireless work not only for the Rotary Club of Noosa but also Noosa Community Radio 101.3FM.
Born in Melbourne in 1941, Len spent his young years growing up in the suburbs.
He describes himself as being a curious child, but one who was fortunate to grow up in a great family environment with cousins, aunties, uncles and grandparents.
During his early years perhaps some of his most unforgettable times were those spent in New Guinea where he worked as a manager for Elect Services. It was also during this period Len took his first steps into the world of radio when he started working part time as a DJ, interviewer and educational programmer, on the ABC’s 9PA and 9RB.
Working with him on these programs was a young graduate who impressed Len with his intellect and determination. His name was Michael Somare. It was this young man who, years later was destined to become famous as Prime Minister of New Guinea.
“In those days I admired him for his aspirations to lead his people. However his rise to power changed a lot of his thinking and I now have a totally different view of his leadership,” Len said.
Living and working within the realm of New Guinea was an eye opener, for it was during those years Len in his own words learnt “what poverty and deprivation was all about”.
On returning to Australia Len did a study course then entered commercial radio going straight into Capital City 7HT Hobart.
“However after three years I felt there was nowhere to advance in Hobart so I returned to the the mainland and started a degree in journalism. However it was during this time that I renewed my friendship with a lovely young lady named Helen, a lady I had met years previous during a visit to the baths at Mildura; it was not long after this that we married. Later we became the parents of two wonderful boys.”
It was in his thirties that Len made his move into the co-operate world, a decision he has never regretted.
“I started my new life with Kempthorne, a major company within the electrical business; a good move very successful. From there I moved into Capital Goods/infrastructure; information communication technology (ICT) with NEC for a period of 10 years.”
With careers in the field of ICT in high demand and the industries continued growth, opportunities were many. As a result of this Len seized on the moment joining Fujitsu Australia to become national manager for corporate and strategic business.
It was during his time with Fujitsu that he became aware of a strange phenomenon.
“Despite my successes on radio doing interviews and such like I feared public speaking. After a discussion with a higher management I decided I had better join Toastmasters. I did and it worked just fine. No more butterflies.’’
With his reputation now well established in the corporate world, it was only to be expected that other companies would make overtures; so it was that Alcatel in Victoria made an offer not to be ignored.
However because of the demands that go with corporate life, important family time was being lost.
“On reaching the big 6-0, Helen and I decided it was time to slow down, retire and move from Melbourne to to the Mornington Peninsula; but having holidayed at Noosa we decided to stop kidding ourselves, and here we are,”
It was during the 1990s that Len had his first introduction to Rotary at the Melbourne South Rotary Club.
“Here was a world of service with people of integrity, achievers, doers, real planners. I went on to hold directorships for six years, becoming president-elect in my final year. After retiring and shifting to Noosa, I joined the Rotary Club of Noosa, found new friends, new challenges, including Shelter Boxes, and went on to become president.
“It is the Shelter Boxes that really got my attention. It is a transportable plastic box that provides emergency accommodation and other survival essentials for disaster victims. Stored in Australia and other places around the world at rapid deployment centers, it is ready for dispatch at very short notice to anywhere in the world. Some years ago, they were used to assist people of Innisfail, North Queensland, and more recently in areas hit by big floods and cyclones.
“Then there was the formation of a new Combined Probus Club. Started in Noosa in February 2010, Probus is a social club that enables people to enjoy the fellowship fun and friendship of likeminded people.”
In 2014 for his outstanding contribution to Rotary, Len was appointed to the position Assistant Governor Sunshine North District 9600 for three years. A high honor indeed.
The radio seeds buried deep within the soul of this man during his New Guinea days have not died. Every Wednesday from 9am to noon you can listen to his melodious voice on Community Radio 101.3fm as he brings us news, music and interviews with people from all walks of life.
A highlight of Len’s programs are the interviews with our youth. These create the opportunity for the voice of our young to be heard. By doing this, they do for a time reach out to us all.
Rotarian since 1990 and a voice on Community Radio; Len Tyler, definitely one of Our People.
