Date :
24 /
02 /
2011
Author :
Philip Adams - VJ3JNI
Congratulations to the teams from Amateur Radio Victoria, WICEN SA and the Peel Amateur Radio Group for the three top efforts in the 2010 WIA National Field Day. Adrian Addison VK5FANA should also be congratulated for participating and providing a log as a private entry.
The final 2010 results are as follows Amateur Radio Victoria - Public - 3367
WICEN SA - Public - 2410
Peel Amateur Radio Group - Public - 1806
Adelaide Hills Amateur Radio Society - Public - 1529
Midland Amateur Radio Club - Public - 1219
Southern Peninsula Amateur Radio Club - Public - 1012
Bayside District Amateur Radio Society Inc - Public - 814
Lower Murray Amateur Radio Club - Public - 733
Adrian Addison VK5FANA - Private - 75
Paul Hoffman VK5PH representing the NFD committee reported some excellent efforts by all the teams and it was evident that the publicity kits prepared by Jim Linton VK3PC and assisted by Robert Broomhead VK3DN. The field day station operated by the Midland Amateur Radio Club also earnt Paul’s special mention. Thanks are also extended to Fred Swainston VK3DAC and Gerard Rankin VK5ZQV who assisted on the committee.
Other clubs and individuals where active on the day including Scout Radio & Electronics from Victoria and many other stations called into the event stations.
The weather on the day in VK3 & VK7 was reported to be not encouraging of either the general public or the invited guests, other states fared much better. SRESU noted an 800% increase in the number of visitors in two hours after it stopped raining. All participating stations are encouraged to send letters of thanks to VIP’s who visited their stations.
Several clubs reported good feedback from the general public and the VIPs. It was evident that the use of a spookier along with good graphical displays including colour and movement all helped to attract interest. Applications on the monitor notably attracted attention and keep the visitor interested and asking questions. Some clubs have already reported expressions of interest in forth coming Foundation Training Courses directly as a result of the contacts made with the general public at the NFD.
Certificates of participation will be forwarded to all participating stations and clubs in the inaugural WIA National Field Day. More stories and photos on the WIA Web pages.
Was it worth it? Yes, the WIA Board and the NFD Committee are convinced that the WIA National Field Day is an ideal way to expose amateur radio to the general public and to raise the AR profile with our emergency services and public officials.
We look forward to seeing the first 2011 registrations on the WIA online system. Please mark the date 17th of April 2011 on your calendars for this year’s WIA National Field Day.
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Amateur Radio Victoria - Public - 3367