After Only 41 Years . . . Shaw, Enough! [Peter Shaw]

Some of his personal highlights—

• Being dropped in the deep end as a new forecaster in Adelaide, having to peck out a storm warning on the teleprinter (never having typed) on a solo unassisted 3AM shift ('quite traumatic').


• 'Ephemeral personal fame' as a weather presenter on Victorian TV (ABC, CH7), when one shift in VIC RO was almost entirely given to preparing and delivering TV weather.


• A pioneering joint paper (1969) with a WRE scientist which represented 'the start of the acoustic sounding technique'.

'It has been interesting and rewarding to be on the spot while some of the recent developments in observations systems have been occurring,' Peter said. 'The new radiosonde system, automatic weather stations, radars and other technologies still coming are greatly improving the quantity and quality of data and making work better for everyone.'

At Peter's farewell, Eric Jesson of OEB said Peter's 'dynamism, enthusiasm, insight and dedication to the well-being of the Bureau's observations system created a marvellous working environment which enthused all around him.'

ADO Bob Brook: 'I cannot see how his knowledge, skill and wise counsel can be replaced.' He noted Peter's belief in social justice and his consistent work with the Profesional Officers Association, as recently as the recent restructuring exercise.

Brian Bradshaw: 'Peter had the knack of being able to encourage and lift the performance of people without frequent interference. Peter appreciates a good wine mellowed and golden with age (like Peter) and I'm sure he'll have great pleasure in working on his well-stocked cellar.'

Bureau of Meteorology