The month of June 2023 sees the centenary celebration of organised amateur radio in Tasmania.
There are a huge number of activities happening throughout the month of June and beyond. These include:
- Operation of the Special Centenary callsign – VK7WIA
- Any Amateur Radio Operator with a VK7 callsign and based in Tasmania can apply to operate the special event callsign for a short period in the month of June.
- Watch this space for the link to the rostering and logging system that will be come available very soon.
- Contact person for the operation of the VK7WIA callsign is Reg Emmett VK7KK – [email protected]
Trevor obtained the call 7AA in 1922. When international communication became possible, it became necessary to add letters to identify the countries, hence the “A” for Australia.
- Special QSL cards will be available as a physical card or an electronic card via LOTW.
Hobart Radio Research Club QSL Card (circa 1930s)
- Special Centenary Award Certificate will be available for those amateurs who meet the following centenary award conditions:
- At least one RF phone contact;
- 10 Contacts with VK7WIA within VK/ZL
- 5 Contacts with VK7WIA outside VK/ZL
- There will be special Tassie Devil Award – Centenary Endorsements available
Bill Nicholas, VK7WR, won the hidden transmitter hunt at the Field Day in Hobart in 1935.
- Open Days held around the State – amateur radio historic and working displays open to the public:
- SOUTH – Saturday June 10th – Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania Inc – Queens Domain Clubrooms, Hobart
- Contact Rod Finlayson VK7TRF – [email protected]
- NORTH – Saturday June 17th – Northern Tasmanian Amateur Radio Club Inc. – Scout Hall Archer St, Rocherlea, Launceston
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- Contact Peter Dowde VK7PD – [email protected]
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- NORTH WEST – Saturday June 24th – North West Tasmania Amateur Radio Club Inc. – Scout Hall Alexandra Road Ulverstone
- Contact Eric van de Neut VK7EV – [email protected]
- SOUTH – Saturday June 10th – Radio and Electronics Association of Southern Tasmania Inc – Queens Domain Clubrooms, Hobart
- Media Opportunities to promote amateur Radio to the general public.
- Contact person is Reg Emmett VK7KK – [email protected]
- Amateur Radio Magazine will have features on VK7 History starting in the May/June edition with a history of amateur radio in Tasmania (VK7).
- WIA National News Broadcast will be coming from VK7 on the 18th June 2023.
- And many more activities – watch this space.
This event is support by our national representative body the Wireless Institute of Australia.
Some of the amateurs at an exhibition in Launceston.
The VK7 Centenary is:
- Justin Giles-Clark VK7TW
- Reg Emmett VK7KK
- Rod Finlayson VK7TRF
- Peter Dowde VK7PD
- Eric Van De Neut VK7EV
- Mike Jenner VK7FB
- Linda Luther VK7QP
- Phil Corby VK7ZAX
Committee contact email is: [email protected]
Len Crooks VK7BQ in his Shack in May 1969.