WIA Christmas Message

Firstly I wish all amateurs a happy and safe Christmas for 2017 and hope we are all looking forward to what 2018 will bring.

At the end of each WIA Board meeting agenda and minutes is a reminder for the board as to why we are here – namely the Objects of the Wireless Institute of Australia and I focus this Christmas message and thank you using these objects.

Number one is to promote, advance and represent in any way it thinks fit Amateur Radio and the interests of Radio Amateurs.

I thank the many many affiliated clubs with volunteers that ceaselessly promote amateur radio to the general public. They see amateur radio operators out in the bush, on that car rally, on an equine endurance, boating, canoe, running or cycling event. At JOTA/JOTI helping the scouts and guides make contact using radio, satellites and the internet. Helping the fire authorities or SES with radio communications through WICEN groups. They see students talking with Astronauts on the International Space Station with schools and many other events and functions and all using amateur radio.

Number two is to protect and enhance the privileges of Radio Amateurs.

This involves local, national and international commitments to affiliated clubs, the ACMA, the IARU and ITU and I thank the dedicated team of volunteers who ensure amateur radio is at the front of law makers and regulators minds at all levels.

There are teams of volunteers who ensure that Australian amateurs operate within the parameters set by the regulators. Band planning & monitoring, technical requirements, repeaters and different frequencies and modes are all taken care of by volunteers.

Number three is to encourage an awareness of the value of Amateur Radio.

We have a huge team of volunteers I need to thank who put together our flagship magazine - Amateur Radio. Our weekly broadcast team of volunteers bring us the news and views of amateur radio each week. I thank the website and social media volunteers who ensure our presence on the internet is available and accurate.

The many volunteers involved with contests, awards and field days demonstrating that we can step-up with viable emergency communications when disaster strikes. Our volunteers who capture, maintain and promote our long 117 year heritage of amateur radio. As well as the army of QSL volunteers who ensure that the QSL is the final acknowledgment of the contact, I thank you.

Number four is to educate and encourage potential Radio Amateurs, to represent Radio Amateurs both nationally and internationally.

Working to deliver and continually improve our assessment and learning system that enables us to educate, train, upgrade and assess future amateur radio operators is a core function of the WIA. I thank the army of volunteer assessors, facilitators and trainers that this system depends on.

Last but not least is to provide services for Radio Amateurs and those interested in Amateur Radio.

I take this opportunity to send special thanks to Bruce and Petra in the Office. 2017 has not been easy as there has been so many changes and challenges and I cannot thank you enough for your support.

I finish by sending out a huge thank you to all the volunteers that are involved in running the Wireless Institute of Australia. You are the heart of this organisation. There are many structures, frameworks, regulations and protocols but in the end, it is people who make it all happen and hang together.

If it was not for these people then the WIA would never have or continue to exist.

I encourage everyone to spare a thought and reach out to someone this Christmas who may not be experiencing Christmas as a joyful time. The lonely, homeless, no family, relatives or friends close by who they can share Christmas with. Why not reach out to them in some way - isn’t that what Christmas is all about.

May your holiday period be filled with RF and great DX.

See you in 2018

73 from Justin on behalf of the WIA Board.

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