WIA committees reinvigorated and explained

The Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) relies on the work of its various specialist committees to deliver services, and to consider requests or changes in their areas. The WIA board has taken a number of steps towards restructuring the committees, and has found that some no longer exist while there is a need for some new ones. These steps included consultation that lead to introduction of the Volunteer Charter, a two-year tenure for new leaders, and the advertising of any vacancy.

Each committee was asked to explain how it operates, its structure and membership, and future planning. There was also an expectation they would report their activity frequently. Publicising the committees and encouraging broader participation of suitable qualified people in them is part of the reform process. For any committee vacancy, or a need for additional resources, a public interview process including the applicant’s curriculum vitae has been introduced. This addresses any concern that membership is closed or filled internally by the committee itself.

It has also been highlighted that committees can be misunderstood. The long established WIA Technical Advisory Committee is prime example. The TAC is not so much a committee as an umbrella for a group of jobs and the people who do them. In other words it’s a pool of experts in various technical aspects of Amateur Radio that can be drawn upon when needed to lead discussion on particular areas. The TAC technical panel consists of advisors in VHF-UHF, microwaves, EME, satellites, repeaters, beacons, band plans, packet, APRS, ATV, D-Star, and digital DX modes. Its regular clerical jobs are repeater and beacon data bases, VHF-UHF distances records, and technical data compilation for WIA Callbook. The TAC does not meet behind closed doors, but consults and explores various issues as they arise using its panel of expertise.

Currently it is looking at a clash between the new digital FT8 mode on 6-metres, as well as the IARU project harmonising band planning worldwide. Each proposal for change is publicised and any input is welcome. The WIA committees appreciate all views, and work collaboratively to achieve the best outcome for all.

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