Noel Ferguson Awarded Life Membership of the Sunraysia Radio Group Inc.

On Sunday 19th July the Sunraysia Radio Group Incorporated held it’s AGM in the Pioneer room at the Working Mans Club, Mildura. The meeting was well attended by members of the Sunraysia Radio Group and visitors from the Swan Hill Radio Club.

A highlight was conferring of life membership on Noel Ferguson VK3FI for his significant contribution to of the club over a number of years. Noel first become secretary of the club around 1995, bringing ideas and strategies that led to significant growth to the club. Noel was one of the first to volunteer as a WIA Assessor under the new examination system and, after purchasing a data projector, began running Foundation courses from his shack, bringing many new people into the hobby and into the club. Commendation letters were read from WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI, President of ARV Jim Linton VK3PC and the WIA’s RTO Fred Swainston VK3DAC.

Following the formal AGM three guest speakers addressed the meeting. WIA Director Robert Broomhead VK3DN delivered an informative presentation on the recent activities of the WIA, making particular mention of the ongoing success of the Foundation and upgrade licence programs, the growth of sales through the WIA bookshop, the ongoing development of the WIA website and the outsource work that the Institute has undertaken on behalf of the ACMA. Robert presented the Sunraysia Radio Group Treasurer Norm MacMillan VK3XCI the 2008 WIA Club Grant cheque for $500 awarded to the club to assist with the upgrade of the Swan Hill repeater system. Robert congratulated the club and its members on the excellent work carried out on the repeater system and encouraged the club with their submission to the 2009 Club Grant Scheme.

Ray Naughton VK3ATN from ATN Antennas told some amazing stories with useful information on what can be achieved with well designed and very large antenna systems, including Moon bounce. Club members are now looking forward to part two of Ray’s presentation, which may be at Ray’s property at Birchip.

Then Tony Hutchison VK5ZAI had everyone captivated with a slide show presentation of his recent trip around the USA, visiting the homes of many well known hams, a visit to the Dayton convention and a most exciting tour of the facilities at NASA’s Johnston Space centre.

The afternoon concluded with the presentation of the Max Folie achievement award to Peter Norris VK3JUG. The Max Folie award is not a technical award, but is designed to encourage involvement in club activity.

Pictured above : Sunraysia President Garry Briant VK3KYF (left) and Noel Ferguson VK3FI (right)
Click the picture for a larger view

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