WIA National Field Day

Many contributed greatly to raise the public's awareness of Amateur Radio on last Sunday. A summary of what happened follows, but first a report from the WIA Director Philip Adams VK3JNI accompanied by his wife Jenny VK3MDR, who did whistle stop tour of VK3 club stations during the day. They were impressed with the effort and presentation of the stations and displays seen. All were a credit to the teams concerned. From the on air activities, it was evident that other club's efforts also showed Amateur Radio off to the club?s best ability. Philip VK3JNI encourages all to forward your reports, station logs, photos, press clippings comments and other interesting information to the WIA office by the 13th of May so your efforts may be acknowledged and shared.

A summary of what occurred on the day:

The Hills Amateur Radio Group, Western Australia, had a successful day at Stirk Park, Kalamunda. They were joined by representatives from the Scouts, Ham College and the WIA. Bill Rose VK6WJ reports that apart from gaining potential new recruits to amateur radio, a few drop-outs have had their interest rekindled. Visitors often mentioned they were at Stirk Park as a result of media coverage.

The Central Queensland Amateur Radio Association, the newest in Australia, set up at both the Mount Morgan Range and in the Bunnings Warehouse car park in North Rockhampton. It had a range of visitors, and relied upon battery power with solar back-ups.

Also at Bunnings was the Elizabeth Amateur Radio Club at Parafield, a multi-operator affair using field equipment with independent power.

The North East Radio Club of Adelaide set up its station and exhibit at the Golden Grove Shopping centre. President Quick VK5ATQ reports a reasonable amount of passing customers and a great day for club members gained practice
of operating portable. So much of a good time was had they'll be back on Anzac Day, Monday the 25th to do it again.

The Whyalla Amateur Radio Club participated with Port Augusta club members along with other local radio operators setting up their portable stations in Gladstone Square, right in the city centre of Port Augusta. A permit was issued which included use of a 10-metre flag pole, a point for the off-centre feed dipole cut for 80m and 40m. Plenty of contacts were to be had along with about 30 visitors.

The Redcliffe & Districts Radio Club set up a couple of tables outside of K-mart at the Kippa Ring Shopping Centre. Although a number of good inquiries were received, the club and the location are under review for next year.

The Cradle Coast Amateur Radio Club took to Hiscutt Park, Penguin. Quite a few members of the public saw what they were doing and asked sensible questions, while the Secretary Dave Cleland VK7DC reported the logbook included a few DX stations and most of the Australian contacts were made on the HF bands.

The Townsville Amateur Radio Club was on The Strand right alongside the main walkway. Richard Goodhew VK4FRJG reports that nine operators used the portable station and proved to be an interest the passing pedestrian traffic.

The Darwin Amateur Radio Club display was at the Rapid Creek Business Village Sunday markets. What a great day, lots of people, lots of great food, coupled with lots of interest shown in the display. In fact 13 good inquiries and quite a few others showing some interest.

Winners last year, Amateur Radio Victoria, stuck with its proven success at the Point Gellibrand Heritage Coastal Park. The day can be summed up as, greater activity and a more enjoyable experience.

The Eastern and Mountain District Radio Club tried something new, setting up outside the Jaycar electronic shop at Mulgrave. Richard Holmes VK3TXD as a visitor was most impressed by what the public had to read, see and hear.
The venue chosen was one of the busiest to show off from a marquee both HF, VHF, UHF and D-STAR. Outside was foxhunting, mobile operation and ATV on display. In fact Richard VK3XTD found it difficult to identify a major part of the hobby not adequately represented.

The EMDRC had a second station at Lilydale Park. John Fisher VK3DQ reports one of the earlier visitors was Councillor Tim Hennnan from Billanock Ward. He popped in to have a look at what amateur radio was all about. A number of calling CQ leaflets and a flyer about the club was also readily handed out. A large delta loop antenna was the mainstay of the days HF operations.

In contrast the weather was not good at Port Macquarie, leading to the cancellation of outdoor activity by the Oxley Region Amateur Radio Club. However President Henry Lundell VK2ZHE reports that members checked out other venues before converting to home stations.

Well there's always next year and certainly there will be another public relations for amateur radio event held in 2012.

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