Oliver J. Nilsen & Co.
Commerce House, Flinders Street, Melbourne, Vic.  (1923)
45 Bourke Street; Melbourne Vic. (1925)

Nilsen Broadcasting Service Pty. Ltd.
45 Bourke Street; Melbourne Vic. (1933)

Oliver J. Nilsen (Australia) Ltd).
Unit 1, 18-22 Lexia Place, Mulgrave, VIC (2024)

Melbourne's Oliver John Nilsen, a jack-of-all-trades (1884-1977), started his electrical firm (1916) that soon embraced radio. By 1924, they secured the sole Australian agency for Federal Radio components, bringing American tech Down Under. Nilsen's company actively participated in radio exhibitions and even manufactured their own Orthosonic and Federal receivers, popular in the late -20s.

But his most significant act came in 1925: securing Victoria's first commercial radio license. From his Bourke Street store, Nilsen launched 3UZ, "the Voice of Victoria," featuring live music, dramas, and comedy, captivating audiences, and earning him the "Father of Radio" title.

Today Nilsen continues as an Electro-technology company operating throughout Australia.

Oliver John Nilsen: A Melbourne Dynamo and the Nilsen Legacy

Oliver John Nilsen (1884-1977) wasn't just a businessman; he was a man woven into the fabric of Melbourne's technological evolution. In 1916, he established Oliver J. Nilsen & Co. (later Oliver J. Nilsen (Australia) Ltd), a company destined to become a pillar of the Australian electrical industry.

Radio Pioneer (1924-1944):

Nilsen's pioneering spirit truly ignited in 1924. He secured the sole Australian agency for Federal Radio Corporation components and radios, bringing American technology Down Under. His company actively participated in Adelaid's "Grand Wireless Exhibition," showcasing the popular Orthosonic receiver, a testament to their commitment to innovation. [2]

But Nilsen's most significant contribution arrived on February 6th, 1925. He secured the first commercial broadcasting license in Victoria, forever changing the Melbourne soundscape. From his Bourke Street premises, Nilsen launched 3UZ, a station affectionately dubbed "the Voice of Victoria." The station, known for live performances and serialized dramas, became a major player, solidifying Nilsen's reputation as the "Father of Radio" in Melbourne. His dedication to the industry was further recognized in 1944 with the Australian Federation of Commercial Broadcasters' award.

Beyond Radio: A Diversified Empire (1920s-1980s):

Nilsen's company flourished beyond radio. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, they established themselves as a powerhouse in electrical supplies. They sold components and radios under various brands like "Federal," "Orthosonic," and "Chapin," catering not only to established businesses but also to radio enthusiasts with kits for building their own components and speakers. Nilsen's foresight extended beyond radio waves. He became a founding director and investor in GTV9, a pivotal figure in ushering in the television age in Australia.

A Multifaceted Industrial Leader (1989):

By 1989, Nilsen had transformed into a multifaceted industrial giant. The company had evolved into four distinct groups, each a leader in its specialized field:

Electrical and Electronic Products Group: This group focused on the design, manufacture, and marketing of low-voltage switchgear and high-reliability industrial electronic products.

Instruments Group: Specializing in imports, they brought a diverse range of electrical and electronic instruments to the Australian industry.

Engineering Contracting and Service Group: This group catered to a broad spectrum of industrial and commercial needs, offering electrical installations, service, and switchboard design and manufacture.

Materials Group: Comprised of two companies, this group designed and produced a wide range of components, from powder metal components to a unique ceramic called PSZ (partially stabilized zirconium).

Nilsen employed a significant workforce of 1,200 people across Australia, a testament to the company's growth and diversification. Their offerings encompassed a vast spectrum, from design and manufacturing to importing, marketing, and servicing a diverse range of products.

Family Legacy and Continued Success:

The Nilsen story is one of family and dedication. In 1996, the family repurchased the company after a period on the stock exchange, showcasing their unwavering commitment to the legacy established by Oliver John Nilsen. This commitment continued in 2006, when the fourth generation, under Oliver Mark Nilsen, assumed leadership.

Today, Nilsen stands tall as a company with over 100 years of continuous service in the electrical industry. They remain true to their core values of service, reliability, and quality, a legacy built by a radio pioneer and Melbourne dynamo, Oliver John Nilsen.

[1] Nilsen, A Family Affair, 1916-2016, Peter McIntosh.
[2] History of Radio in South Australia 1897-1977, Ross,1978.