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VK4ZZ > NEWS 30.09.25 12:29l 891 Lines 42936 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
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ZCZC
News from the North
from 28th September 2025
sent to undisclosed recipients
this is also sent Packet Radio world wide
as YYYYMMDD News from NE Australia
Note: Your favourite mobile Paramedic, Mike/VK4MSA, is
back on the air when mobile. Keep an ear out and say
g'day to Mike!
Note: The VK4CK DMR to AllStarLink Bridge is online.
The Shed BrandMeister talk group 20415 bridges to
AllStarLink Node 512584 which is permanently linked to
the VK4TUB AllStarLink Node which interfaces with the
VK4RAT Townsville 70cm Voice Repeater at Mount Stuart.
The Bridge is Back and ready to be experimented with.
Thanks Paul/VK4CK for having this extra resource online.
- News from Central Queensland
- News from North Queensland
- Townsville Nets Callbacks
- Regional Activities
- Buy Swap and Sell and Australias Most Wanted
- Regional Communications Support Events
- ACMA Amateur Radio Assessments Information
- Holiday planning
- Wireless Institute of Australia Civil Emergency Network
- Regional Nets
- ANZA DX Net
- North Queensland Internet Gateways
- WIANews sources
- News from Central Queensland
- JOTA Now for the Future!
Scout and Guide Groups are now contacting
their regular Radio Amateur Operator to line up sites and
personnel to participate in this years world-wide event,
the largest event on the Scout, Guide and Amateur Radio Calendar.
Jamboree on the Air and Jamboree on the Internet is happening
in 2025 from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October.
If you can help out with any groups then please contact your
local JOTA Co-ordinator.
In Townsville Richard VK4PQV on 0400339543 is your contact.
Known JOTA Activations in the North
Cairns Amateur Radio Club at the Smithfield Scout Den
with Scout groups from the region
Townsville Amateur Radio Club members -
Richard/VK4PQV and Iain/VK4IGM with Pimlico Mundingburra Scuts at the Den
Lyndall/VK4ZM and Gavin/VK4ZZ with Kirwan Scouts at Linger Longer near Bluewater
Phil/VK4HSV and Hairy Richard/VK4ZMB with Flinders Region Guides
at the Girl Guides Training Centre Bluewater
Mackay Amateur Radio Association at Rowellan Park near Mackay
with Scout Groups from the Mackay region
RADAR Club VK4WIR at Seeonee Park near Rockhampton
with Scout Groups from the Rockhampton region
Gladstone Amateur Radio Club at Awoonga Dam
with Scout Groups from the Gladstone region
Bundaberg Amateur Radio Club at Wyper Park
with Scout Groups from the Bundaberg region
- News from Central Queensland
- Central Highlands ARC AGM Weekend 2025 results
The Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club Inc. AGM weekend
happened at the Maraboon Power Boat and Ski Club grounds from
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th September 2025.
A BIG thank you to everyone who came to the AGM weekend.
There was lots of fun had and it was great catching up friends.
AGM RESULTS
PRESIDENT - Steven Wood/VK4SM
VICE PRESIDENT - Glen Wyper/VK4VGW
SECRETARY - Joe Knuth/VK4JLK
TREASURER - John Moynihan/VK4FJM
COMMITTEE MEMBERS -
Alister Dixon/VK4ARD
Francis Moynihan/VK4FIM
Bob Lee/VK4CWL
Gavin Reibelt/VK4ZZ
EX OFFICIOS
TECHNICAL OFFICER - Steven Wood/VK4SM
ASSISTANT TECHNICAL OFFICER - Alister Dixon/VK4ARD
EVENT CO-ORDINATOR - Helen Wood/VK4FHEL
ASSISTANT EVENT CO-ORDINATOR - Peta Dixon
WEBMASTER - John Moynihan/VK4FJM
PUBLICITY OFFICER - Gavin Reibelt/VK4ZZ
CLUB NET CO-ORDINATOR - Colin Brooks/VK4MCC
The meeting held a moment of silence in respect former member
Steve Beddow VK4VCO of Blackwater who went Silent Key during the year.
The meeting gave thanks to Anna and Bob of Central Western Communications,
the local Jaycar Dealers, for their continued support of the Club and
the prize donations they make year after year.
The meeting also thanked the owners of BNComms for their mighty prize donations
this year and Reid and Rose Gifts of Allenstown for their continued support of the Club.
The meeting also gave thanks to Maraboon Power Boat and Ski Club for the facilities
to hold the AGM Weekend.
The meeting also thanked those members who had donated more prizes to
the Multi Draw Raffle and to the Mega Auction.
The meeting thanked Helen/VK4FHEL for again co-ordinating the AGM weekend
and provisioning the food events which people not only rave about but
keeps us well fed during the weekend.
A hearty round of applause was also given to the volunteers who helped
out on the weekend and helped make things run smoothly.
Congratulations to those who won a motza on the Money Board and
were lucky in winning bounty in the Multi-Prize Raffle Draw.
Top thanks to Bob/VK4CWL and helpers for running a ripper Mega Auction,
where many megas found new homes and valuable funds were raised for the Club.
Those at the 2025 AGM voted to hold the 2026 AGM Weekend
from Friday afternoon 25th to Sunday morning 27th September 2026.
They also voted to allow the Committee to evaluate and choose the venue
for the 2026 AGM.
Membership Fees are Due !
If you did not see 2026 Treasurer John/VK4FJM at the AGM then please contact
him to make arrangements ASAP.
Membership fees are still Single $20 PA Family $25 PA
find out more about the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club
on the web https://www.charc.org.au/
or on the facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/632669076759173
(Gavin/VK4ZZ, Publicity Officer 2026, CHARC Inc.)
- News from North Queensland
Mount Stuart Big Working Bee Continues,
Wednesday 1st October
All Hands On Deck!
That's right, the Big Working Bee at the Mount Stuart Repeater Hut
continues - with the two top coats to the exterior of the
Repeater Hut happens this Wednesday 1st October and
ALL TARCadians and support crews are needed to help with the working bee.
Facilities Co-ordinator Phil/VK4HSV needs help in applying the two
acrylic top coats to the now dry membrane coat.
Turn up at the site on Wednesday morning from 8am and be self
sufficient with food and drink for the final of worthwhile work at the
Repeater Site for this project.
Bring your comfy chairs to help with fatigue management.
Those who have self-levelling ladders please bring them!
Paint roller trays also needed and many hands make light work of big jobs
- get in and help make the Repeater Hut look like new again.
Cardwell Gathering 2025
October Long Weekend
The Cardwell Gathering will be taking place from Friday afternoon
October 3rd to Monday morning October 6th at the Meunga Creek Caravan Park near Cardwell FNQ.
This is a call to all Hams and support crews and anyone interested in taking up the
hobby of Amateur Radio to spend a long weekend (or longer) in paradise.
Apart from practicing the lost art of Extreme Loafing there well be chances to attend
the Cardwell Seafest happening over the weekend along with HF antenna fabricating and testing
(utilising the nice tall trees in the park), balun design and testing, getting into DX,
participating in HF nets and checking the new things you have to see if they fail in the field.
Meunga Creek Caravan Park is located 4km north of Cardwell along the Bruce Highway
at 12 Ellerbeck Road, Ellerbeck, Far North Queensland.
The Park is nestled between the banks of Meunga Creek, the Great Northern Railway Line
and luscious rainforest, offers a laid back retreat for bush camping with spacious sites
that are great for self sufficient campers, or with power and water if you want to seriously glamp.
The park is pet friendly and has a modern ablutions block with 4 hot showers complete with
laundry with 2 washing machines and a dryer.
Campfires are welcome (with fire pots supplied – BYO wood)
and each site features nice tall trees with varying degrees of sun and shade.
It is only a 10 minute drive back into the Cardwell CBD, 5 minutes drive to the famous
Cardwell Spa Pools and Forest Drive Creek Circuit. You get a choice of camp spot and
required facilities upon arrival. Since the Rainforest is very close it is recommended
that you bring a good supply of insect repellent, however that close proximity means
there are great opportunities for bird & possum watching, native reptile spotting and if
you are lucky you might get to spot the local croc in the creek.
Mobile phone service is excellent from both Telstra and Optus Sites on nearby Mulleys Hill
and TV services also transmit out of Mulleys Hill.
Make sure you bring your own Comfy Chairs, standing whilst watching others engage in the
lost art of Extreme Loafing could be very uncomfortable for you.
The proprietors of the Caravan Park value that same laid back lifestyle they offer during
your stay, so for direct contact on the phone please call at the optimal time between
4pm and 5pm daily. Otherwise text the contact number with a message with these details
– Your Name, Your best Contact Number, Number of People you are booking in with,
Date and Time you are arriving, Date and Time you are leaving,
Site Requirements (unpowered, powered, powered and water).
The contact number is – 0429 728913
- TARC Management Meeting this Tuesday
The Management Meeting of the Townsville Amateur Radio Club
Inc happens this Tuesday 7th of October from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms
perched atop the SES HQ Green Street West End.
Make sure you bring along something for the Show and Tell session.
The meeting will also be available via Zoom teleconference session.
Those attending the meeting physically are invited to use the hand
sanitising station located at the top of the stairs and grab a chair
from the pile inside to get comfy on.
theTARCinc financial members will receive the meeting details including
the Zoom teleconference details by Monday 6th October.
All welcome !
- TARC Communications Support
There is a full programme of Communications Support events that you can get involved with
and have some radio fun !
If you can help out please contact og/VK4ZZ on 0427182469 or on the radio
Sat 4 to Sun 5 October - NQORA Gold City 450 Off Road Racing Millchester MSRC near Charters Towers
Operators so far - VK1ZZ, VK4ZMB, VK4WSG, VK4ZWC, more operators needed.
Thu 2 April to Mon 6 April - Whitsunday Regional Endurance Riding Assoc. 5/20/30/40/80km/Harness
Easter Carnival of Horse Endurance Rides - Euri Gold Farms near Bowen
Operators so far - VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, VK4ME, VK4CUZ, VK4HSV, more operators needed.
Sat 25 to Sun 26 April - Valley Riders Endurance Riding Assoc. 2x20/2x40/1x80k (Ops by MARA Inc.)
Dee Jay Arabians Horse Endurance Rides - Denison Creek near Nebo
Operators so far VK4CUZ, VK4HAN, Bruce, VK4JLK, many more operators needed.
Sat 16 to Sun 17 May - Bush to Beach Endurance Ride Assoc. Autumn Escalade
Horse Endurance Rides 5/20/4/80 - NQ Equestrian Centre Bluewater Park
Operators so far VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, many more operators needed.
Fri 29 May to Sun 31 May - Whitsunday Regional Endurance Riding Assoc. 5/20/30/40/80km/Harness
Tropical Winter Horse Endurance Rides - Euri Gold Farms near Bowen
Operators so far - VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, many more ops muchly needed.
Sat 13 to Sun 14 June - Valley Riders Endurance Riding Assoc. 2x20/2x40/100E (Ops by MARA Inc.)
Greg Willoughby Memorial Horse Endurance Rides - Denison Creek near Nebo
Operators so far VK4CUZ, VK4HAN, VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, Bruce, more operators needed.
Sat 27 June - Townsville Open Water Swimming Assoc.
2026 Magnetic Island to Townsville Open Water Swim
assemble from 5-30am Strand Park, Picnic Bay, Cleveland Bay
Operators so far - VK4FUU, VK4AAH, VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, VK4IGM, more operators needed.
Sat 18 to Sun 19 July - Bush to Beach Endurance Ride Assoc. Paluma Passion
Horse Endurance Rides 5/10/20/40/80 - NQ Equestrian Centre Bluewater Park
Operators so far VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, many more operators needed.
Fri 14 to Sun 16 August - Whitsunday Regional Endurance Riding Assoc. 5/20/30/40/80km/Harness
Winter Harvest Horse Endurance Rides - Euri Gold Farms near Bowen
Operators so far - VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, many more operators needed.
Sat 5 to Sun 6 September - Bush to Beach Endurance Ride Assoc. Spring Shore
Horse Endurance Rides 5/10/20/40/80 - NQ Equestrian Centre Bluewater Park
Operators so far VK4ZZ, VK4ZM, many more operators needed.
Some more details of these events -
Whitsunday Region Endurance Riders Association Inc Euri Gold Farm Endurance Rides.
All the rides happen on the verdant slopes of Euri Gold Farm, just out of Merinda
north of Bowen North Queensland.
You are able to camp out early at Ride Base or the checkpoint from Wednesday onwards.
The ride starts up on Friday morning and will run right through Monday afternoon.
Your chance to get out into some lovely countryside, set up camp with a portable station
or three and communicate in a relaxing fashion as the horsies and riders go by, day and night.
Hey Mackay and Bowen horsie operators - you can join in the fun too !
Canteen, hot water, bbq din din plus brekkie and mod cons available at Ride Base.
Denison Creek Horse Endurance Rides
Mackay Amateur Radio Association members provide Communications Support and Checkpoint services
for the Horse Endurance Rides that happen at Denison Creek Station near Epsom Central Queensland.
Their volunteer numbers are dwindling and they need a hand to provide a safety net for the events.
The rides happen on the ramparts of Mount Seaview approx 60km southwest of Mackay and is accessed
via the Peak Downs Highway at 21.482444S 148.810030E. Camping available at Ride Base and the
event is made up of a number of stationary and mobile checkpoints.
Rides start from 1pm Saturday and finish around 11am Sunday.
Let Mackay Comms Support Co-ordinator Gary/VK4CUZ know if you can help on mobile 0410462892
NQORA Offroad Racing Events - Millchester Motorsport and Recreation Facility Charters Towers
The North Queensland Offroad Racing Association Inc. runs a series of offroad racing
events at the Millchester Motorsport Facility Charters Towers . They need Autosport and
Radio savvy people to run checkpoints for the events.
Operate at Checkpoints throughout the day with a ringside seat to see up close
the offroad racing action whilst doing useful things with radios.
Camping overnight Wednesday to Monday Night is available at the NQMS Radio Precinct,
or if you prefer your creature comforts motels and pubs are available to stay in less
than 10 minutes away from the venue.
Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim.
A great day out on the water playing with radios to the sound of Migaloo
and a hundred plus marathon swimmers thrashing across Cleveland Bay.
Main comms on VHF, with some UHF comms with clubbies and aircraft.
Operating positions at sea and on land with operational endurance 4 to 5 hours.
Kennedy Region Scouts Nighthawk activity.
Your chance to make a real difference and show the youth of today how useful
Amateur Radio can be. Teams tracking and a chance to set up portable at a spot
you would not normally go to. Arrive at Nighthawk HQ at 2pm on Saturday,
then go to your checkpoint for a night of easy operating in the field tracking the progress
of Nighthawk teams, with some in-flight entertainment as you observe youth members try to impress
the Scout Leader judges with finesse in their activity.
Bush to Beach Horse Endurance Rides.
The rides are based out of the North Queensland Equestrian Centre at Bluewater Park
approx 30mins northwest of Townsville. Some checkpoints are camp-outs, others
a temporarily activated during the rides with operators glamping at Ride Base.
Ride tracks vary from rugged river crossings and slightly undulating land through
the properties near Bluewater Park. VHF with high mounted verticals
or Field Yagis needed to get through the topography and the occasional inversion blocking.
There is excellent and ample camping facilities at the Equestrian Centre and on checkpoints.
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- Townsville Nets Callbacks
VHF Net Callbacks - VK4WIT 146.700MHz
by Richard/VK4PQV at Cranbrook North Queensland
following the WIA News and QNEWS transmissions 20250928 0900-0939K
Callbacks by Richard/VK4PQV
at Cranbrook North Queensland - 20250928 0939-1046K
VK4GED Gareth at Laguna Quays via Echolink/VK4GED/VK4PQ
VK4GDN Glen and Linda at Charters Towers via AllStarLink/VK4GDN/VK4PQ
VK4GEO Darrin at Mt Isa via AllStarLink/VK4GEO/VK4PQ
VK4ME Snow portable at the Mt Stuart Repeater Site
VK4TTW Tony at Ayr
VK4IGM Iain and Sheila/VK4PAL and pax Peter (ex VK4PV) mobile in Townsville
VK4PQ Peter and Ruth at Kelso
VK4TJS Tony at Kelso
VK4FNQ John and Cheryl VK4FRYL at Charters Towers
VK4LU Ray and Susan at Aitkenvale
VK4AAH Bob and Kaye at Mt Louisa
VK2QRT Bruce at Sans Scouci via Echolink/VK2QRT/VK4PQ
At Mt Stuart Repeater Site Working Bee
Snow/VK4ME, Wayne/VK4YWG, Wayne/VK4WSG, Phil/VK4HSV, Wallaby Bob/VK4WJ, Ashley/VK4FUU
VHF Net Callbacks - VK4WIT 146.700MHz repeater
following the North Queensland Net retransmission
by Richard/VK4PQV at Cranbrook, North Queensland - 20250928 08-00pm
Callbacks by Richard/VK4PQV at Cranbrook North Queensland
- 20250928 08-43pm to 09-08pm
VK4DAT Ryan at Mount Isa via AllStarLink/VK4DAT/VK4PQ
VK4PQ Peter and Ruth at Kelso
VK4AAH Bob and Kaye at Mt Louisa
VK4HSV Phil and Jan at Douglas
VK4ZM Lyndall at Vincent
and fyi - North Queensland Net participants
on 3605.4kHz from 20250921 07-30pm to 08-57pm
Net control by Gavin/VK4ZZ operating VK4WIT
from theTARCinc Clubrooms, West End North Queensland
Bob/VK4CWL and Cherie at Emerald
Kerry/VK4KDB and Sharon/VK4SRB portable at the Maraboon Boat and Ski Club Grounds
Snow/VK4ME and Sharon at Kirwan
Ben/VK4YT portable at Tepon Equestrian Grounds with VK4SDD and VK4HRH
John/VK4FNQ and Cheryl/VK4FRYL at Majestic Towers
Richard/VK4PQV at Cranbrook
Colin/VK4MCC at Alligator Creek near Mackay
Gareth/VK4GED portable at Laguna Quays
Dougal/VK4EKA near Toowoomba
Ray/VK4OIL and Wendy at Kirwan
Regional Events -
October
- Mt Stuart Working Bee Continues - Wed 1 Oct - Mt Stuart Repeater Site
- Cardwell Gathering - Fri 3rd Oct to Mon 6th Oct at Meunga Creek Caravan Park
- NQORA Gold City 450 Offroad Racing - Millchester - Sat 4 to Sun 5 October
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 7th Oct from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 14th September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Jamboree On The Air/Jamboree On The Internet - Fri 17 to Sun 19 Oct
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 21st Oct from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 28th Oct from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- IICA Technology Expo - Wed 29th Oct from 2pm to 6-30pm - The 'Ville Pavilion Townsville
November
- Townsville City Council Cyclone Sunday - Sunday 2nd November at Riverway 9am to 12pm
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 4th Nov from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 11th Nov from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 18th Nov from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- theTARCinc Annual General Meeting - Sun 23rd Nov Rossiter Park Aitkenvale - 7am Brekkie - 8-30am AGM
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 25th Nov - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
December
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 2nd Dec from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 9th Dec from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Xmas Party - Sun 14th December at the VK4ME Ice Cube
- TARC Does the Xmas Lights Tour - Fri 19th December around Townsville
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 23rd December - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 30th Dec from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- New Years Day Countdown - Wed 31st December - from 1245UTC for Daylight Saving, from 1345UTC for proper time
January 2026
- Australia Day Long Week Family Radio Camp - Thur 22nd to Mon arvo 26th Jan - Girl Guides Training Centre Bluewater
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 27th January - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- Defence Welcome to Townsville Expo - Sat 31st January bump in 7-30am expo 9am to 12pm - Townsville Stadium
February
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 3rd February from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 10th February from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 17th February from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 24th January - from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
March
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 3rd March from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 10th March from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC does the John Moyle Memorial Field Day March 20 21 22 - Mount Fox Camp Ground
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 17th March from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 24th March from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 31st March from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
April
- WRERA Euri Gold Farm Easter Carnival of Horse Endurance Rides - Thur 2 April to Mon 6 April
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 7th April from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 14th April from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 21st April from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- AM & CW on ANZAC Day - Sat 25th April
- MARA Valley Riders Dee Jay Arabians Denison Creek Horsie Rides - Sat 25th to Sun 26th April
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 28th April from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
May
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 5th May from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- MARA/RADAR Clairview Gathering - Fri 8 May to Mon 11 May - BarraCrab Clairview
- TARC Project Night - Tue 12th May from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- B2B Autumn Escalade Horsie Rides Comms Support - Sat 16 to Sun 17 May - Bluewater Park Equestrian Centre
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 19th May from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 26th May from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- WRERA Euri Gold Tropical Winter Horsie Rides Comms Support - Fri arvo 29th to Sun 31st May - Euri Gold Farms near Bowen
June
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 2nd June from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Snow 4's Famous Foxhunt - Sat 6th June somewhere in the Townsville area
- Queensland Day - Sat 6th June - QUEENSLANDER!
- TARC Project Night - Tue 9th June from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- MARA Valley Riders Greg Willoughby Memorial Denison Creek Horsie Rides - Sat 13 to Sun 14 June
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 16th June from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 23rd June from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- TOWSA Maggie Island Swim Comms Support - Sat 27th June from 5-30am Strand Park
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 30th June from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
July
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 7th July from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 14th July from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- B2B Paluma Push Horsie Rides Comms Support - Sat 18 to Sun 19 July - Bluewater Park Equestrian Centre
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 21st July from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net - Tue 28th July from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
August
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 4th August from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Project Night - Tue 11th August from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- WRERA Euri Gold Winter Harvest Horsie Rides Comms Support - Fri arvo 14th to Sun 16th August - Euri Gold Farms near Bowen
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 18th August from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 25th August from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
September
- TARC Management Meeting - Tue 1st September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- B2B Spring Shore Horsie Rides Comms Support - Sat 5 to Sun 6 September at Bluewater Park
- TARC Project Night - Tue 8th September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- TARC Social Evening - Tue 15th September from 7-30pm at the Club Rooms Green Street West End
- Ann Renton Memorial Net Tue 22nd September from 7-30pm on Tsvl UHF Repeater and VK4TUB AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
- CHARC AGM Weekend - Fri arvo 25 to Sun morn 27 Sept - Venue TBA
- Tech On The Air Net Tue 29th September - from 7-30pm on Tsvl VHF Repeater and VK4PQ AllStarLink & Echolink Nodes
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- Buy Swap and Sell and Wanted
- Make an offer for this Tower and Antenna combo
The following is offered from a deceased estate and is being administered by John/VK4FNQ.
Approx 40foot 4 post tower with rotator and the following antennas -
- 5 element 6metre yagi
- 10 element 2metre yagi
- 17 element 70centimetre yagi
- 5 element 2metre vertical yagi
- 80metre inverted V dipole
The successful purchaser will remove the tower and equipment
which is located in the Charters Towers area.
The combination will not be split - it is a package deal.
A very good local Franna crane operator is available and is reasonably priced.
Contact John/VK4FNQ on 0409 631624 to make the deal or find out more.
- Solar Panels !
Hairy Richard/VK4ZMB has these gorgeous Solar Panels ready to fly into
your shack power system. Local pickup in Townsville only.
12 by 1650 x 994 x 36 Pmax 250W Trini TSM-250PC05A bare aluminium
1.6401 m^2 = 15% Voc 38.0V Vmpp 30.3V
Isc 8.8 A Impp 8.3 A
All $20 each. Contact Hairy on [qrm] rnsstone [at] gmail [dot] com [qrm]
(making sure to release the countermeasures first)
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- Regional Communications Support Events 2025-2026
so far.....
Atherton Tablelands Region
Tablelands Radio and Electronics Club Inc.
- Co-ordinator David Falls VK4DNF 0419206498
Fri 1 to Mon 4 May - Pioneer Trek 5x20/5x40/5x60elev/3x80/100/200/400 Endurance Rides Tepon
Sat 6 to Sun 7 June - Kuranda 20/40/60eliv/80km Endurance Rides Tepon
Sat 8 to Sun 9 August - Mt Baldy 20/40/60eliv/80km Endurance Rides Tepon
Sat 29 to Sun 30 August - Wetherby 20/40/60eliv/80km Endurance Rides Tepon
Fri 25 to Mon 28 Sept - Cordillera Trail 3x20/3x40/3x60eliv/3x80/60/120 Endurance Rides Tepon
Townsville Region
The Townsville Amateur Radio Club Inc.
- Co-ordinator Gavin "Og" Reibelt VK4ZZ 0427182469
Sat 4 to Sun 5 October - NQORA Gold City 450 Off Road Racing - Millchester
Thu 2 to Mon 6 April - WRERA Euri Gold Easter Carnival of Horse Endurance Rides - Bowen Region
Sat 16 to Sun 17 May - B2B Autumn Escalade Horse Endurance Ride Comms Support - Bluewater Park
Fri 29 to Sun 31 May - WRERA Euri Gold Tropical Winter Horse Endurance Rides - Bowen Region
Sat 27 June - TOWSA Maggie Island Swim from 5-30am Strand Park
Sat 18 to Sun 19 July - B2B Paluma Passion Horse Endurance Rides - Bluewater Park
Fri 14 to Sun 16 August - WRERA Euri Gold Winter Harvest Horse Endurance Rides - Bowen Region
Sat 5 to Sun 6 September - B2B Spring Shore Horse Endurance Rides - Bluewater Park
Mackay Region
Mackay Amateur Radio Association Inc
- Co-ordinator Gary Crothers VK4CUZ 0410462892
Sat 25 to Sun 26 April - Dee Jay Arabians 2x20/2x40/1x80 Endurance Rides Denison Creek
Sat 13 to Sun 14 June - Greg Willoughby Memorial 2x20/2x40/1x100eliv Endurance Rides Denison Creek
Want to help out ? Contact the co-ordinator in your region and join in the fun !
- ACMA Exams Services for Amateur Radio
The Australian Communications and Media Authority runs services
for Amateur Radio Assessment and Certification.
- Specialist Assessors available for remote or online assessments are
Laurie Pritchard/VK4BLE in Brisbane on 0411413588
Ron Bertrand/VK2DQ on Gold Coast on 0426771808
Gail Lidden/VK4ION in Bundaberg on 0410121345,
- General Assessors available for face to face assessments in the regions
Stuart Dunk/VK4SDD in Malanda on 0407700096,
Bob Ronai/VK4BOB in Cairns on 0438323737,
Howard Small/VK4BS in Cairns on 0425825799,
Darrin Archer/VK4GEO in Mount Isa on 0418981353,
Eric Baker/VK2TRD in Mount Isa on 0427703693,
Lyndall Reibelt/VK4ZM in Townsville on 0427688014,
Roy Moore/VK4RM in Sarina on 0409597410,
Clive Sait/VK4ACC in Rockhampton on 0429632815,
Ray Dobinson/VK4XXX in Rockhampton on 07 49281219
Lawrie Ellis/VK4LE in Gladstone on 0477166712
If you do not get an answer on these numbers,
be sure to leave a message otherwise
you will be treated as a bogus caller and possibly blocked.
For a full list of assessors, information on the Exam Service
and the Amateur Radio service in Australia,
surf to the ACMA website and search for
Amateur Radio Accredited Assessors.
- Holiday planning
State Public Holidays in North Queensland
2025
Mon 6th Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Thu 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Fri 26th Dec - Boxing Day
2026
Thu 1st Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Mon 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 3rd Apr - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 4th Apr - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 5th Apr - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 6th Apr - Easter Monday Holiday
Sat 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 4th May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 5th Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Fri 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Sat 26th Dec - Boxing Day
Mon 28th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
2027
Fri 1st Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Tue 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 26th Mar - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 27th Mar - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 28th Mar - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 29th Mar - Easter Monday Holiday
Sun 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 3rd May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 4th Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Sat 25th Dec - Christmas Day
Sun 26th Dec - Boxing Day
Mon 27th Dec - Christmas Day Holiday
Tue 28th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
2028
Mon 3rd Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Wed 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 14th Apr - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 15th Apr - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 16th Apr - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 17th Apr - Easter Monday Holiday
Tue 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 1st May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 2nd Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Mon 25th Dec - Christmas Day Holiday
Tue 26th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
2029
Mon 1st Jan - New Years Day Holiday
Fri 26th Jan - Australia Day Holiday
Fri 30th Mar - Good Friday Holiday
Sat 31st Mar - Easter Saturday Holiday
Sun 1st Apr - Easter Sunday Holiday
Mon 2nd Apr - Easter Monday Holiday
Wed 25th Apr - ANZAC Day Holiday
Mon 7th May - Labour Day Holiday
Mon 1st Oct - Kings Birthday Holiday
Tue 25th Dec - Christmas Day Holiday
Wed 26th Dec - Boxing Day Holiday
Source - QLD Government Department of Justice and Attorney-General
- Holiday planning
Queensland School Terms
2025
Term 4 - Tue 7th Oct to Fri 12th Dec
2026
Term 1 - Tue 27th Jan to Thur 2nd Apr
Term 2 - Mon 20th Apr to Fri 26th June
Term 3 - Mon 13th July to Fri 18th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 6th Oct to Fri 11th Dec
2027
Term 1 - Wed 27th Jan to Thur 25th March
Term 2 - Mon 12th Apr to Fri 25th June
Term 3 - Mon 12th July to Fri 17th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 5th Oct to Fri 10th Dec
2028
Term 1 - Mon 24th Jan to Fri 31st March
Term 2 - Tue 18th Apr to Fri 23rd June
Term 3 - Mon 10th July to Fri 15th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 3rd Oct to Fri 8th Dec
2029
Term 1 - Mon 22nd Jan to Thur 29th March
Term 2 - Tue 16th Apr to Fri 22nd June
Term 3 - Mon 9th July to Fri 14th Sept
Term 4 - Tue 2nd Oct to Fri 7th Dec
Source - QLD Government Department of Education and Training
Wireless Institute of Australia Civil Emergency Network
- WICEN >> since 1946 << -
- WICEN NQ >> since 1971 << -
- Curly Wind Season has ended - for now. It is a good time to be prepared.
Have you checked your shack and your antenna to see how they will go during the wet season ?
Its time to make stock up, charge batteries and be ready for action !
Get on air - scare the spiders and lizards out of the rig and make sure your transciever works.
- WICEN VK4 NET
Operators interested in maintaining reliable contact in case of infrastructure
failures in Queensland hold a net every Sunday.
The net happens on
14125kHz from 8-00am (2200UTC)
10122kHz from 8-00am (2200UTC)
7105kHz +/- QRM from 8-30am (2230UTC)
The net control station calls in regular stations and then invites
new stations to call in.
If conditions are poor other relay stations will attempt to
assist contacts. If conditions are very poor Net Control might move
the net another frequency (including 3600kHz) depending on how responsive
the net participants are.
Mix it with other operators, be ready to assist and call in on the net !!
Emergency Frequencies per IARU region - active during disasters
IARU Region 1 3760 7110 14300 18160 21360 kHz
IARU Region 2 3750 3985 7060 7240 7275 14300 18160 21360
IARU Region 3 3600 7110 14300 18160 21360
VK is in Region 3.
Frequencies noted are centre of emergency activity which could extend +/- 5kHz.
Other frequencies could be activated on a per country basis -
stay tuned to the WIA News for activations.
(Gavin VK4ZZ)
- Regional Nets
Monday Afternoon - YL 222 DX Net - 14222kHz from 0530Z
Monday Evening - Mackay Club Net - VK4WIM Net Control - 3597kHz from 0930Z
Monday Evening - 160Metre Net - Gary/VK4BE Net Control from Beachmere QLD - 1848kHz from 0930Z
Monday Evening - BARC 10m Net - Les/VK4SO Net Control - 29220kHz FM from 1000Z
Monday Evening - Gympie CEG 80m Net - VK4GYM Net Control - 3647kHz from 1000Z
Tuesday Evening - RADAR Net - VK4WIR Net Control - 3613kHz from 0930Z
Tuesday Evening - Bayside Fusion Digital UHF Net – 438.450 MHz
(VK4RDB Repeater Mt Cotton Room 69002) from 0930Z
Wednesday Evening - Gold Coast Net - VK4WIG Net Control - 3605kHz from 0930Z
Wednesday Evening - Cairns ARC Net - VK4RCA Cairns City UHF Repeater output 439.850 input 434.850
with 91.5Hz input tone from 0930Z also on AllStarLink CairnsHub node 533335
Wednesday Evening - 160Metre Net - 1848kHz from 0930Z
Wednesday Evening - Central Queensland ARA Net - VK4CQR Net Control - 3612kHz from 0945Z
Thursday Evening - Hervey Bay Net - VK4CHB Net Control - 3615kHz from 0730Z
Thursday Evening - The TREC Memorial Net - VK4WAT Net Control - 3605kHz from 0930Z
Thursday Evening - Sunshine Coast Net - VK4WIS Net Control - 3660kHz from 0930Z
Thursday Evening - Ron's Fusion C4FM/Wires-X Net
438.750MHz VK4OO Repeater & Room 24160 AUS-REPEATER-NET from 0930Z
Thursday Evening - Redcliffe Net - VK4RC or VK4IZ Net Control - 3636kHz from 0930Z
Friday Evening - Sunshine Coast ARC 6m Net - VK4WIS Net Control - 53700kHz FM from 0930Z
Friday Evening - Caboolture ARC Net - VK4QD Net Control - 3610kHz from 0930Z
Friday Evening - Central Highlands Club Net - VK4WCH Net Control - 3618kHz from 0930Z
Saturday Evening - Darling Downs Net - VK4WID Net Control - 3650kHz from 0930Z
Sunday Morning - WICEN VK4 Net 20metres - 14125kHz from 2200Z
Sunday Morning - WICEN VK4 Net 30metres - 10122kHz from 2200Z
Sunday Morning - WICEN VK4 Net 40metres - 7105kHz from 2230Z
Sunday Morning - Border Ranges ARC - local VHF repeaters, IRLP9558, echolink VK3JED, from 2230Z
Sunday Morning - Central Queensland ARA - VK4RLM VHF repeater & echolin VK4RLM-R, from 0001Z
Sunday Evening - North Queensland Net - VK4WIT Net Control - 3605.4kHz from 0930Z
Sunday Evening - Bunya Mountains and Districts Net - VK4BAD Net Control - 3650kHz from 1000Z
Sunday Evening - BARC 6m Net - 53525kHz from 1000Z
Every Morning - The Gnarly Net - All the Morse and Voice you can have for breakfast
3599kHz CW 6am or earlier for the Morse (2000Z),
3600kHz LSB Voice happens after the Morse
Every Morning - Coral Coast Net - 7093kHz starting 7am (2100Z), right after the Early Birds Net
Every Afternoon - Ron's Net - in memory of Ron/VK4BRG SK - 7100kHz from 0700Z
Every Afternoon - The Kandos Net - check your gear and let everyone know you are still active !
On 7093kHz from 1630local (0630Z normal, 0530Z DST) - Tom/VK2KF net control
alternate net controllers Peter/VK2QF or Tom/VK4ATH
- ANZA DX Net
Australia, New Zealand and Africa DX Net
20m, 14.183 MHz, 0515 UTC, daily
15m, 21.205 MHz, 0415 UTC, Saturday
The net works on a list operation, say your sign, stand by
The net runs for about 1 hour, all operators are welcome
A QSO is brief exchange of call sign and signal report
Please do not spot the net on clusters or skimmers !
Net Leader - Col/VK4CC
The ANZA Net needs your skill as net controller
We offer an opportunity to put something back into ham radio
Give it a try.
Message Col on [qrm] seahawk55 [at] optusnet [dot] com [dot] au [qrm]
(making sure to release the countermeasures first)
- North Queensland Internet Gateways
H24 = 24 Hour Ops unless offline for maintenance or updates
H8 = 8 Hour Ops - hours of ops defined by operator
Hx = indeterminate hours of ops - normally when operator in radio shack or out and about
Yaesu Fusion Gateways
- VK4JPA YSF Node Rangewood NQLD 145.350MHz Digital Access H24 Room 24105
>> back on the air <<
- VK4OO YSF/FM Repeater West End NQLD Input 431.750MHz Output 438.750MHz 91.5Hz Tone H24 Room 69571
AllStarLink Gateways
- VK4TUB AllStarLink Gateway Kirwan NQLD interfaces with VK4RAT UHF Repeater H24
Node 46740 Echolink VK4TUB-R 837219
- VK4PQ AllStarLink Gateway Kelso NQLD interfaces with VK4RAT VHF Repeater H24
Node 49806 Echolink VK4PQ-R 956580
- VK4GDN AllStarLink Gateway Charters Towers NQLD linked with VK4TUB 46740 H24
Node 56808 439.150MHz 91.5Hz Tone H24
- VK4GDN AllStarLink Gateway Charters Towers NQLD linked with VK4PQ 49806 H24
Node 54043 145.145MHz 91.5Hz Tone H24
- VK4HSV AllStarLink Portable Gateway Douglas NQLD Hx 439.125MHz 81.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 54607
- VK4BDE AllStarLink Gateway Condon NQLD H24 145.390MHz 91.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 40381
- VK4TAZ AllStarLink Gateway Heatley NQLD H24 439.325MHz
- VK4GEO AllStarLink Gateway Mount Isa NQLD H24 441.000MHz 91.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 62387
- VK2TRD AllStarLink Gateway Cloncurry NQLD H24 441.250MHz 91.5Hz CTCSS Access Tone Node 512582
AX-25 APRS 1200Bd Gateways
- VK4ZZ APRS Vincent NQLD 145.175MHz H24
AX-25 Packet 1200Bd Wormholes
- VK4OT-3 FBBS Heatley NQLD 145.175MHz H24 or Telnet vk4ot.ddns.net port 6300
Echolink Gateways
- VK4PQ-R Echolink Kelso NQLD Node 956580 interfaces with VK4RAT VHF Repeater H24
- VK4MIC-L Echolink Mount Isa NQLD Node 971321 interfaces with VK4RMI VHF Repeater H24
- VK4TUB-R Echolink Kirwan NQLD Node 837219 interfaces with VK4RAT UHF Repeater H24
- VK4OT-L Echolink Heatley NQLD Node 715822 439.330MHz Simplex
- VK4BDE-L Echolink Condon NQLD Node 607952 145.390MHz Simplex
IRLP Gateways
- VK4MIC IRLP Mount Isa NQLD Node 6921 interfaces with VK4RMI VHF Repeater H24
DMR High Power Gateways
- VK4YWG MMDVM DMR BrandMeister Cranbrook NQLD Node 5050130 441.5MHz simplex
DMR <> AllStarLink Bridge
- VK4CK BM 20415 DMR <> AllStarLink 512584 Bridge
BM 20415 Color Code 1 Time Slot 2 permalinked with TubbyNet AllStarLink Node 46740
and any other connected nodes plus VK4RAT UHF Repeater H24 - 3 minute timeout
Radio Beacons in Central, North and Far North Queensland (O = Operational, N = Non Operational)
VK4DJC Mount Morgan 28.285 MHz (O)
VK4RAR Rockhampton 432.540 MHz (N) 1296.448 MHz (N)
VK4RTL Townsville 28.270 MHz (N) 50.282 MHz (N) 144.444 MHz (N) 432.444 MHz (N)
VK4RTL Townsville 1296.444 MHz (O) 2403.444 MHz (N) 5760.444 MHz (N) 10368.444 MHz (N) 24048.444 MHz (N)
VK4RHT Mareeba 28.274 MHz (N) 50.281 MHz (O) 144.446 MHz (N)
WSPR Beacons in Central and North Queensland
VK4WCH Mosquito Creek QH46bi 50294 28126 24926 21096 18106 14097 10140 7040kHz
VK4ATV Vincent QH30jr 3570 7040 14097 21096 28126 50294kHz
Central Queensland Winlink Remote Message Systems - centre frequencies in kHz
VK4DJS Mount Morgan QG56ei H24 scan 7061.5 10146.5 14112.5 28101.5 mode VARA VARA2750
VK4DJS Mount Morgan QG56ei H24 main 144075 mode VARA-FM
VK4GED Laguna Quays QG49ij H24 main 7061.5 and on request 3569.5 10146.5 28101.5 mode VARA VARA2750
also peer-to-peer mode is available on request.
- Townsville source News Nets
Tune North Queensland Net throughout Queensland and PNG
from 7-30pm Sundays on -
HF: 3605.4kHz
and in Townsville/Thuringowa 8pm Sundays on
VHF: 146.100 / 146.700 MHz
(the VK4RAT 2m repeater)
Tune WIANEWS in North Queensland on Sundays
(with Daylight Savings corrections for NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA) -
HF : from VK7 2200Z 3570 / 7140 / 14130 / 28525kHz
HF : from VK5 2230Z 1843 / 3550 / 7135kHz
HF : from VK2 2300Z 1845 / 3595/ 5425/ 7146 / 10125 / 14170.2 / 18125 / 28320kHz
HF : from VK4 2300Z 1843 / 3605 / 7070 / 7130 / 7190kHz
HF : from VK3 2330Z 3615 / 7158 / 10130kHz
HF : from VK8 2330Z 3555 / 7193 / 10137 / 14337kHz
HF : from VK6 0001Z 7088
HF : from VK6 0001Z 3583 / 7149 / 10125 / 14130 / 29680kHz
6m: from VK7 2200Z 53825kHz FM
6m: from VK5 2230Z 53100kHz AM
6m: from VK2 2300Z 52525kHz FM
6m: from VK6 0100Z 53800kHz FM
2m: from Townsville 2300Z 146700kHz FM
2m: from Rockhampton 2300Z 146700kHz FM
Timeline for monitoring.
2200Z 3570, 7140, 14130, 28525, 53825kHz
2230Z 1843, 3550, 7135, 28470, 53100kHz
2300Z 1843, 1845, 3595, 3605, 5425, 7070, 7130, 7146, 7190, 10125, 14170.4, 28320, 52525kHz
2330Z 3555, 3615, 7158, 7193, 10130, 10137, 14337kHz
0001Z 3583, 7088, 7140, 10120, 14130, 29680, 53800kHz
Frequency List for transceiver memory
1843, 1845,
3550, 3555, 3570, 3583, 3595, 3605, 3615,
5425,
7070, 7088, 7130, 7135, 7140, 7146, 7158, 7193
10125, 10132.8, 10127,
14130, 14170.4, 14337,
28320, 28525, 28537, 29680
52525, 53100, 53650, 53725, 53725, 53800, 53825kHz
Daylight Saving for NSW VIC ACT SA TAS
begins 20251004-1600UTC - ends 20260404-1600UTC
--------------------------------------------------------------------
end of file
See you at the Cardwell Gathering
and cheers from Gavin/VK4ZZ
NNNN
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