Bridging the Divide: The Border Ranges Amateurs Tune In Across State Lines

Stanthorpe, Queensland & NSW Border - Where the Granite Belt of Queensland meets the rugged landscapes of northern New South Wales, a unique fellowship thrives, transcending state boundaries through the invisible threads of radio waves. The Border Ranges Amateur Radio Club Inc. (BRARC), established in 2009, draws its membership from the interconnected towns of Warwick, Stanthorpe, and Tenterfield, along with the sprawling rural hinterlands of both southern Queensland and northern NSW. This cross-border camaraderie underscores the unifying power of a shared passion for amateur radio.

The club's physical anchor lies in Stanthorpe, at their clubhouse nestled within Eduardo Verri Park, a stone's throw from the southern artery leading out of town. This leased space, courtesy of the Southern Downs Regional Council, serves as the focal point for their activities and gatherings.

BRARC's commitment to regional connectivity is vividly demonstrated through its strategically positioned repeater network. Spanning the terrain are VK2RAP atop Acacia Plateau (147.275 MHz +600, tone 123 Hz), VK4RMM in Stanthorpe itself (147.125 MHz +600, tone 123 Hz), and the fully solar-powered VK2RMM in Tenterfield (147.375 MHz +600, tone 123 Hz). Crucially, these repeaters are seamlessly linked via a 70 cm band, meaning a transmission to one echoes across the entire network. Furthermore, the global reach of IRLP and Echolink is accessible from any of these nodes, extending their communicative horizons. For travellers along the New England Highway, both Acacia Plateau and Tenterfield host APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) repeaters, providing real-time location and information services.

The rhythm of BRARC's community is set by its monthly meetings, held on the first Saturday of each month at the Stanthorpe clubhouse. These gatherings are a blend of social interaction and club business. Proceedings invariably commence at midday with a convivial "bring your own food" BBQ, warmly welcoming guests into their fold. As the aroma of grilled fare dissipates, the formal meeting begins at 1:00 pm AEST, typically revolving around "radio chatter" – the exchange of technical insights and operating experiences – and updates on upcoming club events. Any deviation from this routine is promptly communicated to the membership via email and the club's website.

Beyond their regular meetings and on-air presence, BRARC actively engages with the wider community. A significant contribution to date has been providing crucial radio communications for several annual community motorcycle rides in the region, including the Greenlands Bike Ride and the challenging Granite and Gravel Bike Ride, which sees mountain bike and electric hybrid racers traverse a demanding 100km course around Tenterfield in northern NSW. Demonstrating their community-minded spirit, BRARC members are eager to lend their radio communication expertise and any other assistance required for other local events, with the President serving as the primary point of contact for such collaborations.

For those aspiring to join the ranks of licensed amateur radio operators, BRARC offers training and assessment for all licence classes – Foundation, Standard, and Advanced. Aspiring hams are encouraged to reach out to their trainer via the "Contact BRARC" page on the club's website, with a response time typically within 48 hours. Recognizing that individual learning paces vary, courses are tailored to meet specific needs, ensuring the best possible results for each trainee. The Club Learning Organiser can also be contacted through the website for personalized training arrangements.

In a region defined by its rugged beauty and close-knit communities straddling a state border, the Border Ranges Amateur Radio Club Inc. serves as a vital link, connecting enthusiasts through the shared language of radio waves and a commitment to both technical exploration and community engagement. Their cross-border network and welcoming ethos exemplify the enduring spirit of amateur radio in bridging geographical and administrative divides.