THEY may now be almost a thing of the past, but 30 years ago, public telephones were an important asset.
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FIX IT: Telecom technician John Sicely works to repair a public telephone that was damaged as apart of a vandalism spree back in 1987.
This photo shows telecom technician John Sicely inspecting a damaged public telephone in January 1987.
Vandals caused thousands of dollars damage to payphones in Warrnambool and Port Fairy.
The prime target of the vandals were the phones’ handpieces which were stolen or glued.
Telecom district manger John Williams warned the damage could have dire consequences.
“If the costs of maintaining a public telephone in any area becomes prohibitive, consideration would be given to withdrawing facilities,” Mr Williams said.
Note, the cost of a local call from a public telephone in 1987 was 30 cents.
