Christmas Comment from the WIA President

It’s been another busy year at the WIA and the end of the year is an opportune time to look back at the achievements, and some of the difficulties, of the past year. The achievements which stand out most to me are:

The continuing work by Dale Hughes, VK1DSH, who chairs the ITU working group investigating a new amateur allocation at 5.3MHz. Link

The many volunteers and clubs that support the training of prospective radio amateurs, under the guidance of the WIA's RTO Fred Swainston VK3DAC. Without their massive contribution there would be no new radio amateurs to carry the hobby forward.

We all appreciate the terrific work the publications committee put into AR magazine in 2013, and the publication of the Callbook.

The further streamlining of contesting and awards by the Contest and Awards Committees, with a new logging system to be announced very shortly.

Further strengthening of the WIA’s committee structure, and the introduction of the MEMNET membership management system.

A recent announcement that advanced licensees in the eastern States can now use the 50-52 MHz segment of six meters without the geographic and power restrictions, following the closure of the last CH0 television station. Link

And, very recently, it was announced that from 22 February 2014, amateurs across NSW will have the freedom to put up masts, antennas and dishes unfettered by development restrictions previously imposed by local councils.Link

One of the most interesting developments to me is the growth of the new ‘Maker’ experimenter groups, and I am pleased the WIA has been able to promote amateur radio to these new breed of home constructors at Marker Faire’s in Melbourne and Sydney, the Sydney event held at the Power House Museum with some 3000 visitors. Link

Naturally, there have also been some difficulties:

The issue of EMR compliance amongst radio amateurs is something the WIA continues to address through an EMR awareness campaign and education, with a view to revisiting the 1kW higher permitted power issue with the ACMA when we believe the time is right.

And naturally, the WIA’s financial situation is a certainly a problem we need to address.

In our region of the world we’ve had bushfires fires in Australia, floods in India, massive cyclones and earthquakes in China, Pakistan and the Philippines, and a search in the Blue Mountains West of Sydney for a missing person, all events where radio amateurs in our region have provided critical assistance.

Once again, as is customary at this time of year, the WIA Board would like to sincerely thank our staff, Mal and Dianne in the WIA office, our many volunteers, and all our affiliated clubs, who have all achieved so much in 2013. Volunteers are the backbone of the WIA and many volunteers serve on our various committees. Almost all the member benefits of the WIA are the result of the time and effort put-in by our long suffering volunteers.

Personally, I also sincerely thank the other WIA Board members, along with our Secretary David Williams VK3RU, Treasurer John Longayroux VK3PZ, and Assistant Treasurer Greg James VK4GRU, who have devoted so much of their time and effort – not to mention having to listen to me banging-on at monthly teleconferences.
The New Year will continue to be very busy for the WIA, but for now, from myself and the WIA Board, I would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy new year. Oh yes, please do try and get on air over the Christmas period.

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