Centenary of Organised Amateur Radio in Tasmania

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]
1922 7AA QSL Card

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)

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 held in conjunction with the WIA Federal Convention in Hobart in 1935.

Bill Nicholas, VK7WR, won the hidden transmitter hunt at the Field Day in Hobart in 1935.

  • Media Opportunities to promote amateur Radio to the general public.
  • 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.

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.

Len Crooks VK7BQ in his Shack in May 1969.