It was the year that we all left James Ruse Agricultural High School to venture into the big wide world. For most of us it was the culmination of over 12 years of School. However what else happened in that year, what were some of the achievements and highlights of 1976?

Let's bring back the memories as we go deep into the year 1976.

Was it just our parents or did some of us actually listen to Blue Hills, the long running ABC Radio serial that came to an end on September 30 1976 after 32 years of broadcasting?

The Australian of the Year in 1976 was Sir Ernest Edward "Weary" Dunlop. He was an Australian surgeon who was renowned for his leadership whilst being held prisoner by the Japanese during World War II. Joining the Melbourne University Rugby Club he progressed through the grades, representing Victoria, and then Australia in Rugby Union, being on the first Australian side to beat the New Zealand All Blacks.

Now what about sport.

How I remember my beloved Parramatta being defeated by arch rivals Manly in the NSW Rugby League Grand Final. However, let's check out what else happened. Here's a quick summary:

• Van der Hum wins the Melbourne Cup;
• South Australia wins the Sheffield Shield;
• Ballyhoo takes line honours and Piccolo wins on handicap in the Sydney to Hobart;
• Hawthorn were premiers of the Victorian Football League;
• Australia defeats the West Indies 5-1 in the cricket test series;
• Geoff Hunt wins the men's squash World Open; and
• Manly defeats Parramatta 13-10 to win the NSW Rugby League Premiership

In politics NSW had a new premier. Nifty Nev took over on the first May 1976.

In the world of music and radio, we were all listening to 2SM and 2UW.

Guess what one of the biggest songs was in 1976?
It was Hotel California by the Eagles.

In the office world that some of us entered after leaving school, we had a new piece of technology to use:
A laser printer, the IBM 3800, and it was introduced in 1976. If for some reason you are still using this printer, good luck trying to buy the toner?

...Richard Daniel