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Bushfire Radio Operator Recognition Day for February 2010
Date :
19 /
12 /
2009
Author :
Fred Swainston - VK3DAC
February 7, 2010 is the first anniversary of the disastrous fires in Victoria where 13 major fires burnt 352,686 hectares. 173 lives were lost, over 2000 homes destroyed, countless stock killed, kilometers of fences, sheds and wildlife.
The fires continued to burn in the area until March, when fire fighting efforts along with cooler weather and rain allowed the fires to be brought under control.
The Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group members were impacted significantly by the fires. Members homes were lost, the club room grounds were burnt and the club lost our communications trailer. Fortunately the club rooms were saved by a neighbor.
Amateur Radio played a significant role in providing communications operators to emergency organisations post the fires, providing 1000's of hours of operating along with many other technical services. This is an oportunity for all amateurs to recognise the service given.
For the first anniversary of the 2009 February fires the Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group have applied for and received a special callsign in recognition of the services radio operators provided during and after the fires. This callsign is VI3KIAH and will operate at Kinglake, one of the most significantly damaged areas, on February 7, 2010. Radio amateurs and friends are invited to visit the station on the day. 'Kiah' is an Australian Aboriginal word meaning "beautiful place". The club will issue a special QSL card for contacts made on the day. The plan is to run to a schedule of frequencies over the day.
Attached is the concept document that the club lodged with the Wireless Institute of Australia and Australian Communications and Media Authority to gain the callsign.
The Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group would like to invite all amateurs to participate in this event, where propagation allows, by calling in over the day and evening or visiting the station during its operations, in particular amateurs from the bushfire affected areas.
Regards
Fred Swainston
VK3DAC
Yarra Valley Amateur Radio Group
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