Tom Davies setup Mallacoota's first power supply in 1959. He ran the system for twelve years before the then State Electricity Commission connected Mallacoota to Victoria's electricity supply network in July 1972.

Tom Davies started his one-man powerhouse with 28 subscribers and a four-cylinder 25KVA Gardner Generator.

After twelve years he had two more generators - one 75KVA and-one 100KVA and more than 136 consumers.

Mallacoota was the last of only six towns to be switched onto the SEC network.

Prior to 1972, Tom erected all the poles and lines in the area and installed the wiring in many of the houses.

MY late husband, Tom Davies, did diesel engine training at Broken Hill Technical College with one of Australia's leading instructors and was present during the installation when some of Australia's largest diesel engines were installed in Broken Hill Mines.

He often visited Mallacoota on fishing trips when lamps and candles were the means of lighting, he always thought such a lovely spot should have an electricity supply.

Having served in the R.A.A.F in 1942 to end of war and on discharge, he was appointed and serviced all diesel engines in R.A.A.F. Stations in Victoria. On 22.10.58 he wrote Hon. Sir Albert Lind,M.L.A. Victoria, setting out the idea re above and received on 28.10.58 a reply from Sir Albert of his great interest and support, an interview was arranged, the, result an application to Government for an Order - in-Council 1 to supply electricity to Mallacoota was applied for and granted. After much preparation and transfer of equipment 240W electricity supply commenced in 1960. First engine a 4 cylinder Gardiner was installed with
28 consumers, Dick York being first connected service running 5 pm to 11 pm. All (day on Monday for washing etc.).

1964 a larger Ruston Hornsby engine was installed in the now known Power House, this allowing transmission to be extended.

Street lighting commenced in 1967.

1967 third engine was installed- Ruston Hornsby- this to cope with the progress of the township and a 24 hour service.

Fourth engine was purchased and high voltage was commenced in 1970. At this period negotiation with State Electricity commenced to extend reticulation from Cann River - it was decided not to complete installation of this engine.

State Electricity completed extension and their power was supplied on 18.7.72. Taking over 134 consumers.

These engines were the last engines to generate private power to S.E.C. in Victoria. During the period power supplied by Tom, the longest interruption of supply was one hour. No widow was ever charged for power. Installations of engines, reticulation of lines, electrical installations, general maintenance were carried out by himself and staff. Mr. Cec Scully was an able foreman.

Tom was an energetic local Citizen actively working on local Committees.

He was a Justice of Peace and Councillor on Orbost Shire.

(Written by Hazel Davies as a tribute to her husband, Tom. for the Mallacoota Mouth - 5 October 1990)

Tom was to restore this 1932 Phantom-11 Rolls-Royce in his retirement.