Alawoona silo VK-ALA5

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On Tuesday, 14th October 2025, Chris VK5FR and I drove up the Riverland region of South Australia to complete some errands for the 2025 VKFF National Get Together. Our first stop was at Loxton to catch up with Danny VK5DW, who had kindly donated a UHF CB radio and antenna on behalf of his company RivComm Radio Solutions. Our next stop was to visit Ivan VK5HS at Renmark, and drop off the wire winders and centre pieces for the linked dipole project. It was a 560 km round trip.

On the way home, Chris and I stopped off briefly at Alawoona to undertake a quick activation of the Alawoona silo VK-ALA5 for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

Alawoona is located about 220 km east of Adelaide.

Above: Map showing the location of Alawoona. Map c/o Google Maps.

The town of Alawoona was surveyed in 1914 and was proclaimed on the 9th day of July 1914. It was named for the Aboriginal word ngalawuna for ‘place of hot winds’. (slsa.sa.gov.au n.d.) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: South Australia Govt Gazette. July 1914.

Not much remains at Alawoona. The Post Office was opened on the 1st day of March 1915 and was closed on the 18th day of March 1988. The Alawoona school operated from the 1st day of January 1915 until 1967, when it consolidated with the Browns Well Area School. Alawoona’s first police station was opened in 1924. By the 1930s, Alawoona had three churches, a railway refreshment hall, a school, a police station, a bank, a bakery, a butcher shop, two general stores, football clubrooms and a 400-person capacity hall that regularly held dances and balls. (Heritage SA 1998) (Heuzenroeder and Dawes, 2019) (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Article from the Murray Pioneer, Fri 2 Jul 1920. Image c/o Trove

One of the impressive buildings in the town is the old Alawoona Institute.

Due to the growth in population in Alawoona and the surrounding district, a larger hall was required for the original hall that was built in 1916. Work commenced on the extension of the hall in 1927, with local people assisting in the carting of stone and sand to the building site. The foundation stone of the new hall was laid on the 5th day of November 1927. It was opened on the 31st day of January 1929 at a cost of about £2,500. (Heritage SA 1998) (State Library of South Australia, 2025)

Above: article from The Advertiser, Sat 26 Jan 1929. Image c/o Trove.

Below is a photograph of the Alawoona Institute in c. 1932.

Above: the Alawoona Institute, c. 1932. Image c/o State Library South Australia.

On the corner of Karoonda Highway and Billiatt Road is a memorial cairn to honour the pioneers and settlers in the Hundred of Allen.

Alawoona was the junction of the Brown’s Well railway line and the branch line to Loxton. The branch line from Loxton to Alawoona was opened on the 13th day of February 1916. (Wikipedia 2025)

Above: Murraylands lines. Image c/o Wikipedia.

The Alawoona silos are located in the town on the northern side of the Karoonda Highway. The silos were constructed during the 1960s under the supervision of Mr. A.S. Hooper of C.H. Martin Ltd. In September this year, a grant was issued to assist in the engagement of an artist to paint the silos and join the South Australia and National Silo Art Trail. (Tony Passin MP, 2025) (Trove 2025)

Chris and I operated from the 4WD, using the Icom IC7000 at 100 watts and the Codan 9350 with a 1.5-metre stainless steel whip.

Above: the activation zone at the Alawoona silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

We found the band conditions on 40m to be very poor and struggled to get callers. Unfortunately, we did not have time to try the 20m band.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3PF
  2. VK5DW
  3. VK5FANA

References.

  1. Heuzenroeder, C. and Dawes, S. (2019). Saviour needed to redeem historic buildings in ghost towns. [online] Abc.net.au. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-15/alawoona-ghost-town-building-looking-for-a-saviour/11788728 [Accessed 10 Nov. 2025].
  2. Heritage South Australia, 1998, Heritage of the Murray Mallee
  3. published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au. (n.d.). A Compendium of the Place Names of South Australia. [online] Available at: https://published.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/placenamesofsouthaustralia/.
  4. ‌‌State Library of South Australia. (2025). Alawoona Institute. [online] Available at: https://collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+8111 [Accessed 10 Nov. 2025].
  5. ‌Tony Pasin MP. (2025). Designs underway for Alawoona Silo Art with Stronger Communities funding. [online] Available at: https://www.tonypasin.com/designs_underway_for_alawoona_silo_art_with_stronger_communities_funding [Accessed 10 Nov. 2025].
  6. ‌Trove. (2025). GRAIN SILO TERMINAL WILL BE SA’s BIGGEST – Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 – 2002) – 12 Mar 1964. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/267071846?searchTerm=alawoona%20silo [Accessed 10 Nov. 2025].
  7. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Alawoona. Wikipedia.‌
  8. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Loxton railway line. Wikipedia.‌

Radio Prague International QSL cards

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Whilst I was away on holiday, I received a nice letter from Radio Prague International, which contained four QSL cards.

The main card is for my reception of their station on 15770 kHz on the 5th day of August 2025. This card features a white tiger, which is found at the Liberec Zoo in the Czech Republic.

The remaining three were blank to add to my collection.

The second card features a Cuban Flamingo at the Ostrava Zoo.

The third features Western lowland gorilla, which are found at the Prague Zoo.

The fourth features Eastern black rhino that are located at the Safari Park Dvur Kralove.

Scott Conservation Park VKFF-0934

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On Saturday, 11th October 2025, Marija VK5MAZ and I headed out to activate the Scott Conservation Park VKFF-0934 for the 2025 VKFF Team Championship. Unfortunately, we did not get to the park until mid-late afternoon. Marija had been down in the city at Office Works purchasing items for the upcoming VKFF National Get Together, and I was glued to the computer and printer, tidying up issues for the Get Together.

The Scott Conservation Park is located about 75 km south of the city of Adelaide, and about 8km northwest of Currency Creek on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Above: Map showing the location of the Scott Conservation Park. Map c/o Google Maps.

The park is located on the southern side of Gould Road. This is the only public access point to the park.

Above: An aerial view of the park looking south. Image c/o Google Maps

There are two Heritage Agreements on the southern side of the park and one on the northern side.

Above: An aerial view of the Scott CP showing the park’s boundaries. Image c/o Google Earth

The park was established on the 20th day of March 1969, and gazetted as the Scott National Park. It was reconstituted as the Scott Conservation Park on the 27th day of April 1972. (Wikipedia 2025)

The park is about 419 hectares in size. It has two car parking areas for visitors on Gould Road, with signs showing the two walking trails in the park.

The park is home to Western Grey kangaroos, Ringtail Possums, and Western Pygmy Possums. Birds SA have recorded about 148 native birds, including Superb Fairywren, White-throated Treecreeper, Red Wattlebird, and Eastern Rosella. (Birds SA 2016)

Scott Conservation Park’s habitat consists of low Woodland with Brown Stringybark, Cup Gum, Peppermint Box, Heath Tea-tree and Tate’s Grass tree; and Mallee consisting of Pink Gum and Peppermint Box. (Birds SA 2016)

There were numerous native plants in flower during our visit to the park.

There is a creek that flows through the park, and if the short cliffs are any indication, the water must really race through here after heavy rain. During our visit, it was bone dry.

We parked in the western car park and set up alongside one of the walking trails. We had several interested onlookers, and we took the time to stop and explain what we were doing and the amazing hobby of amateur radio. Most were amazed that with low power and a tiny bit of wire, we were able to talk around Australia.

We ran the Yaesu FT-857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole supported by the 7 metre telescopic squid pole.

After about 2 hours on air, Marija and I packed up and went for a one-hour hike in the park.

It was a mild day, and as a result it was a great day for a walk.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK5GY/p (VKFF-1757)
  2. VK5CZ/p (VKFF-1757)
  3. VK5XE/p (VKFF-1757)
  4. VK5CS/p (VKFF-1757)
  5. VK5SFA
  6. VK3HJW
  7. VK3GJG
  8. VK5ATL
  9. VK5WU
  10. VK1AO/p (VKFF-2740)
  11. VK2MET/p (VKFF-2740)
  12. VK7MAT/p (VKFF-0322)
  13. VK5DW
  14. VK2IO/p (VKFF-0444)
  15. VK2GEZ/p (VKFF-0444)
  16. VK5NHG
  17. VK3VIN
  18. VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-3683)
  19. VK3BEL
  20. VK3BEB
  21. VK5LRB
  22. VK3SRT/p (VKFF-3683)
  23. VK5EDY
  24. VK2GOM/p (VKFF-2679)
  25. VK3PF
  26. VK3KAI
  27. VK3DCQ
  28. VK3KLI
  29. VK3TDX
  30. VK1CHW/p (VKFF-0858)
  31. VK2LDJ/p (VKFF-0858)
  32. VK3APJ
  33. VK5IS
  34. VK3UP
  35. VK7EE
  36. VK5FB
  37. VK3SRT/p (VKFF-4442)
  38. VK3COE
  39. VK3UK
  40. VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-4442)
  41. VK5HS
  42. VK2VW
  43. VK2HFI
  44. VK2AKA
  45. VK2BUG
  46. VK3VRL
  47. VK3CLD
  48. VK2DBF
  49. VK5QA
  50. VK5LSB
  51. VK2LEE
  52. VK2XGB/p (VKFF-3102)
  53. VK3DJB
  54. VK2OKR/p (VKFF-0196)
  55. VK2BXB/p (VKFF-0196)
  56. VK2AUS/p (VKFF-0196)
  57. VK2AUR/p (VKFF-0196)
  58. VK2AUT/p (VKFF-0196)
  59. VK2YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
  60. VK4YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
  61. VK3SQ
  62. VK2BD
  63. VK3JT
  64. VK2EXA
  65. VK3TDK
  66. VK3NYC
  67. VK5ABN
  68. VK6KBY/5
  69. VK7CH
  70. VK5DOC
  71. VK3KRL
  72. VK5KKT

Marija worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5KKT
  2. VK5LA
  3. VK5KAW
  4. VK5HS

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK5GY/p (VKFF-1757)
  2. VK5CZ/p (VKFF-1757)
  3. VK5XE/p (VKFF-1757)
  4. VK5CS/p (VKFF-1757)
  5. VK5SFA
  6. VK3HJW
  7. VK3GJG
  8. VK5ATL
  9. VK5WU
  10. VK1AO/p (VKFF-2740)
  11. VK2MET/p (VKFF-2740)
  12. VK7MAT/p (VKFF-0322)
  13. VK5DW
  14. VK2IO/p (VKFF-0444)
  15. VK2GEZ/p (VKFF-0444)
  16. VK5NHG
  17. VK3VIN
  18. VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-3683)
  19. VK3BEL
  20. VK3BEB
  21. VK5LRB
  22. VK3SRT/p (VKFF-3683)
  23. VK5EDY
  24. VK2GOM/p (VKFF-2679)
  25. VK3PF
  26. VK3KAI
  27. VK3DCQ
  28. VK3KLI
  29. VK3TDX
  30. VK1CHW/p (VKFF-0858)
  31. VK2LDJ/p (VKFF-0858)
  32. VK3APJ
  33. VK5IS
  34. VK3UP
  35. VK7EE
  36. VK5FB
  37. VK3SRT/p (VKFF-4442)
  38. VK3COE
  39. VK3UK
  40. VK3ZPF/p (VKFF-4442)
  41. VK5HS
  42. VK2VW
  43. VK2HFI
  44. VK2AKA
  45. VK2BUG
  46. VK3VRL
  47. VK3CLD
  48. VK2DBF
  49. VK5QA
  50. VK5LSB
  51. VK2LEE
  52. VK2XGB/p (VKFF-3102)
  53. VK3DJB
  54. VK2OKR/p (VKFF-0196)
  55. VK2BXB/p (VKFF-0196)
  56. VK2AUS/p (VKFF-0196)
  57. VK2AUR/p (VKFF-0196)
  58. VK2AUT/p (VKFF-0196)
  59. VK2YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
  60. VK4YAK/p (VKFF-0196)
  61. VK3SQ
  62. VK2BD
  63. VK3JT
  64. VK2EXA
  65. VK3TDK
  66. VK3NYC
  67. VK5ABN
  68. VK6KBY/5
  69. VK7CH
  70. VK5DOC
  71. VK3KRL
  72. VK5KKT

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5KKT
  2. VK5LA
  3. VK5KAW
  4. VK5HS

After getting back to the 4WD, we drove back towards home, a short distance away. We stopped off at our local hotel, The Greenman Inn at Ashbourne and enjoyed a very nice meal.

References.

  1. Birdssa.au. (2016). Scott Conservation Park – Birds SA Resources. [online] Available at: https://resources.birdssa.au/location/scott-conservation-park/ [Accessed 13 Oct. 2025].
  2. ‌Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Scott Conservation Park. Wikipedia.‌

Linked dipole project – VKFF National Get Together

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I have finished printing out on my 3D printer the centre piece and wire winders for the linked dipole construction project, which is to be held at the 2025 VKFF National Get Together in Canberra.

Tomorrow I will head down to the city to purchase some SO239 connectors.

I will also travel up to Renmark in the Riverland soon to liaise with Ivan VK5HS for further work on this project. Ivan VK5HS very kindly offered his invaluable assistance.

Trio TS-520D

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A few weeks ago I acquired through an online auction, a Trio TS-520D transceiver. These were manufactured from about 1973-1977. It came with the Trio MC-10 microphone.

What was to become the Kenwood Corporation was formed in December 1946 as the Kasuga Radio Co. Ltd in Komagane, Nagano, Japan. In 1960, the company was renamed Trio Corporation. In 1986, the company became the Kenwood Corporation. (Wikipedia 2025)

References.

  1. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Kenwood Corporation. Wikipedia.‌

Paskeville silo VK-PSE5

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On Wednesday, the 1st day of October 2025, Marija and I drove up to the Yorke Peninsula Field Days at Paskeville. We took our little grandson, Flynn. Marija needed to attend the Field Days as part of her work in the insurance industry.

While at the Field Days, I caught up with Dave VK5MRD who was manning the Royal Flying Doctor display.

Late in the afternoon, on the way home, I quickly activated the silo at Paskeville for the SIlos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

Paskeville is about 133 km northwest of the city of Adelaide, on the top of the Yorke Peninsula.

Above: Map showing the location of Paskeville. Map c/o Google Maps.

The first Europeans to explore the area were John Hill and Thomas Burr in 1840, who reported that they had found extensive, fertile land in the district. John Green established a sheep station in the district in 1851. By 1862, the Hundred of Kulpara was proclaimed, and surveys of land soon followed. In March 1880, the town of Paskeville was surveyed. It was named after General Edward Hanson Paske, who was the brother-in-law of the incumbent Governor, Sir William Jervois (Wikipedia 2025)

Not much remains at Paskeville. Some of the remaining historic buildings include the former bank and the former courthouse. Paskeville was located on the Balaklava-Moonta railway line. The station at Paskeville thrived in its heyday, with the railway line closing in the 1980s. (Wikipedia 2025)

The Paskeville Primary School opened in 1874 and closed in 2003.

The Paskeville grain silos are located on the southern side of the Copper Coast Highway and the northern side of Railway Terrace.

I operated from the 4WD, running the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 930 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3VIN
  2. VK3PF
  3. VK1AO
  4. VK2MET
  5. VK7PJM
  6. VK3SMW
  7. VK5FANA
  8. VK2MOE
  9. VK4EW
  10. VK2XOR
  11. VK2VW
  12. VK2HFI
  13. VK2AKA
  14. VK2BUG
  15. VK3PWG
  16. VK3VMM
  17. VK5MK
  18. VK2HAK
  19. VK2IO
  20. VK5AAF
  21. VK5LRB
  22. F5PYI

References.

  1. Wikipedia Contributors (2025). Paskeville, South Australia. Wikipedia.‌

VI8POL – Constable John McLennan HOLMAN

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My third and final significant police site for Saturday, 27th September 2025, with the special call of VI8POL, was the gravesite of Constable John McLennan Holman at the West Terrace cemetery. He was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1929.

Before visiting his burial site, I took a walk around Hindmarsh Square in Adelaide, as I had read that a plaque had been unveiled there recently. Sadly, I was unable to locate it.

John McLennan Holman was born on the 15th day of February 1906 at Hilton, South Australia. His parents were Dudley John Holman and Eliza Holman, nee Sutherland. Holman attended the Richmond Public School. Upon leaving school, Holman entered the motor department of Messrs. Harris Scarfe and Co, where he remained until he joined the South Australia Police in 1928. Holman displayed excellent aptitude and was made a plainclothes Constable shortly after joining the police. He was reported to be an enthusiastic member of the Richmond and Keswick United Football Club. He was part of the premiership team in 1928. Holman was also interested in tennis and cricket and was involved in organising matches among police officers. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2025)

Above: Constable John Holman. Image c/o Trove

At about 11.00 p.m. on Saturday, the 23rd day of February 1929, Plain Clothes Constable Holman, Plain Clothes Constable Ernest Budgen, and Plain Clothes Constable John O’Neill Marshall, from the City Watchhouse, were about to conclude their shift. They received word that men were causing trouble at the eastern end of Grenfell Street.

They attended a house at 199 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, where they seized a motorcycle and sidecar. They were attempting to start the motorcycle when two offenders, John Stanley McGrath 23 years, and Albert James Matthews, stepped onto the road in front of the motorcycle. McGrath produced a .32 semi-automatic pistol and pointed it at the police and said, ‘Get off that bike’. Constable Holman identified themselves as police officers. McGrath then approached Constable Holman, and when a short distance from him, fired four shots in quick succession. (ancestry 2016)

McGrath and Matthews then ran off. Constable John Clement King and Constable Tilka were on bicycle patrol nearby and, upon hearing the shot, arrived on the scene. Constable King was then shot at by McGrath on several occasions. King returned fire and shot McGrath in the leg. (ancestry 2016) (Trove 2025)

Despite being shot in the stomach, Constable Holman also gave chase for about 50 yards before collapsing unconscious on the roadway. Constables Holman and Bugden were not performing night duty, and as a result were not carrying firearms. (Trove 2025)

Above: part of an article from the Observer, Sat 2 Mar 1929. Image c/o Trove

McGrath was interviewed in the hospital and claimed he did not know that the people on his motorcycle were police. (ancestry 2016)

Constable Holman was described by a Divisional Officer as a most courteous officer who had shown every promise of rising in the service and who was liked by everyone. The Commissioner of Police, Brigadier General Leane, stated that he was a promising officer and that he had been held in the highest of esteem by all members of the Police Force. (Trove 2025)

Holman’s funeral was held on Monday, the 25th day of February 1929, with several thousand people attending. The cortege was nearly half a mile long and was led by 29 motor traffic police on motorcycle outfits. This was followed by a reel from the City Fire Brigade and several mounted police. This was followed by a column of dismounted troopers and foot constables, followed by Holman’s comrades from the plain clothes branch and Detectives.

Above: article from The Register, Tue 26 Feb 1929. Image c/o Trove.

The Commissioner of Police, Brigadier-General Leane, was on foot immediately in front of the hearse, along with Inspectors McGrath, Nation, and Horseman. Behind the hearse was a long line of private vehicles and police cars, carrying relatives and friends of Constable HOLMAN. (Trove 2025)

Above: part of the funeral column for Constable Holman. Image c/o Trove.

Constable Holman was the third police officer to lose his life in the execution of their duty in a three-month period.

McGrath and Matthews were also charged with feloniously shooting at George Skinner with the intent to murder him. This occurred at Grenfell Street just prior to the shooting of Constable Holman. Matthews was subsequently acquitted. (Trove 2025)

In March 1929, McGrath was committed for trial on the charge of murdering Constable Holman. John Stanley McGrath was born on the 9th day of May 1905 at Stanley Flat, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)

Above: article from The Western Mail, Fri 29 Mar 1929. Image c/o Trove

The trial commenced in July 1909 in the Criminal Court. Mr Justice Napier presided.

Above: part of an article from The Advertiser, Wed 10 Jul 1929. Image c/o Trove.

In July 1929, McGrath was found guilty of the murder of Constable Holman by the jury in the Criminal Court and was sentenced to death by Justice Napier. The foreman of the jury who announced the guilty verdict also made a strong recommendation to mercy. (Trove 2025)

Justice Napier stated:

“The sentence of the court upon you is that you be taken from hence to the place from whence you came, and from thence to the place of execution, and that you be there handed by the neck until you be dead, and may God have mercy on your soul.” (Trove 2025)

Above: part of an article from the Chronicle, Adelaide, Thu 18 Jul 1929. Image c/o Trove

In August 1929, at a special meeting of the Executive Council, the death sentence imposed on McGrath was commuted to imprisonment for life with hard labour. (Trove 2025)

Above: part of an article from the Chronicle, Thu 1 Aug 1929. Image c/o Trove

On Monday, the 12th day of May 1930, a ceremonial parade took place at the Parade Grounds in Adelaide, where the Governor, Sir Alexander Hore-Ruthven, presented the King’s Medal to Constable King and Constable Budgen, for bravery shown in the execution of their duty. (Trove 2025)

Governor Hore-Ruthven stated:

“We all experienced great pride and admiration when we listened to the recital of the heroic acts of these two men…….They showed great alertness and resource, and I congratulate them on their action. They are a credit to the police of South Australia. The duties of the police are arduous and difficult; not only do they demand the high quality of integrity, tact, and good temper, but also great personal courage.'” (Trove 2025)

After serving about 10 years in prison, McGrath was released from the Yatala Labour Prison on the 10th day of November 1939.

Above: extract from the SA Police Gazette, 15 Nov 1939.

In February 1982, McGrath died and was buried at the Dudley Park cemetery, South Australia. (ancestry 2016)

I operated from the 4WD and ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK5HS
  2. VK7PJM
  3. VK1CHW
  4. VK5MAZ
  5. VK3ACZ
  6. VK5KPR
  7. VK5FB
  8. VK5FC

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK5MAZ
  2. VK4TFN

I worked the following station on 80m SSB:-

  1. VK5MAZ

References.

  1. ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/.‌
  2. Trove. (2025). POLICEMAN VICTIM BURIED – Thousands Attend Funeral of Constable Holman – The Register News-Pictorial (Adelaide, SA : 1929 – 1931) – 26 Feb 1929. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/54253803?searchTerm=constable%20holman%20shot [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌
  3. Trove. (2025). CONSTABLE FATALLY WOUNDED. – SHOTS EXCHANGED IN HINDMARSH-SQUARE. RUNAWAY STOPPED BY POLICE BULLET. MAN ARRESTED ON MURDER CHARGE. – Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954) – 2 Mar 1929. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/87454826?searchTerm=constable%20holman%20funeral [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌
  4. Trove. (2025). GOVERNOR PRESENTS KING’S MEDAL TO POLICE CONSTABLES – Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 – 1931) – 15 May 1930. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/164791864/19308179 [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
  5. ‌Trove. (2025). King’s Medal for POLICE OFFICERS. – Governor Presents Reward For Brave Acts. ADELAIDE, TUESDAY. – Kimba Dispatch (SA. : 1927 – 1941) – 16 May 1930. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/264390652?searchTerm=kings%20medal%20%2B%20holman [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
  6. ‌Trove. (2025). SHOOTING WITH INTENT. – McGrath Committed for Trial. ADELAIDE, Friday. – Recorder (Port Pirie, SA : 1919 – 1954) – 4 May 1929. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/96065721?searchTerm=mcgrath%20%2B%20committed%20for%20trial [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
  7. ‌Trove. (2025). INTENT TO MURDER – Matthews Acquitted McGRATH COMMITTED FOR TRIAL – The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931) – 4 May 1929. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/73751572?searchTerm=mcgrath%20%2B%20committed%20for%20trial [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].
  8. ‌Trove. (2025). SENTENCED TO DEATH – McGrath Guilty of Murder Recommendation to Mercy – Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954) – 18 Jul 1929. [online] Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/90048823?searchTerm=john%20stanley%20mcgrath [Accessed 5 Oct. 2025].‌