This web-site was first placed on line on 1st January 2000. The News page is updated as news become available, and should be at least monthly. The Current Members list is reviewed after each monthly meeting. Items for the News page should be forwarded by mail or E-mail to the Secretary.

It is fully ackowledged that this newsletter has not been updated for several years. This has been because little club activity of interest has occurred in that time other than the participation of several members in various Iron Man Triathlons and other field events which have attracted considerable cash donations from the organisers.

Use of the various voice repeaters had declined to a point where days may pass without them being heard, apart from the occasional itinerant mobile amateur seeking directions or information or a local contact. However, due to the influx of newcomers into the area and the club, and due to the advent of the Foundation Licence, there has been a considerable increase in repeater traffic from both local and neighbouring Foundation licensees and from other longer term licence holders.

One additional project which did reach conclusion in 2007 was the long-awaited UHF voice link between VK2RGL and VK2RNC, Newcastle. This has enabled the reception of the WIA Sunday broadcasts, the use of Echolink and IRLP, and access to the VK2RNC repeater. The constant use of this link has shown how welcome it has been.

On the 19th June the club celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a dinner at the Lakeside Tavern attended by 14 members and ex-members. This was capably organised by President Shayne, VK2XUV.

Consequently the club continues to operate and on Friday 25th July, 2008, held its 20th Annual General Meeting. at which the following officers were elected:

Other decisions emerging from the AGM were:

1. The annual membership fees would remain at $20 for full membership and $10 for distant or student membership.
2. The Annual Returns to the Office of Fair Trading to be supplied and the required fee paid.

The meeting dates for the ensuing year will be:

There are still plenty of amateur activities in which to take an interest, even while acknowledging that there may be quicker and more reliable ways of communicating. Many a lifelong friendship has begun through the medium of amateur radio. There is still the opportunity to sit back, perhaps on a cold winter's night, and exchange tales of past experiences with a new acquaintance, or an old friend, half a world away. Contacts like these can re-assure us that there are still people out there with common interests, willing to talk, to understand and to encourage. This is a resource that we should be in no haste to cut off. We should look at it as a unique privilege which we should foster and sustain.

                                                              MEMBERSHIP FEES ARE NOW OVERDUE!