Brisbane's Airwaves Alive: The Brisbane Amateur Radio Club Tunes In

Rochedale, Queensland - In the sprawling suburbs south of Brisbane, amidst the youthful energy of the Rochedale Scouts complex, a different kind of exploration takes flight. The Brisbane Amateur Radio Club (BARC), identified by its callsign VK4BA, has been a steadfast presence on the local airwaves since its inception in 1977. Nestled within the Scouts' grounds, directly opposite the imposing Optus tower and its associated infrastructure, BARC offers a tangible link to the world of amateur radio, electronics, and the enduring human desire to connect.

BARC's clubhouse, a hub of activity for enthusiasts, welcomes visitors to its meetings, fostering a sense of community and shared learning. For those wishing to formally join this established society, a modest annual fee of $45.00 grants access to a wealth of knowledge and camaraderie.

The club's meeting schedule reflects a hybrid approach to engagement in this increasingly digital age. Social Meetings, offering face-to-face interaction, are held at their "shack" in Rochedale on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, commencing at 1:00 pm. Complementing these in-person gatherings are weekly membership meetings conducted online via Zoom every Thursday, ensuring accessibility for members across the Brisbane metropolitan area and beyond. For the more formal aspects of club governance, monthly business meetings are held and their schedules are announced on the club's website and during the Thursday night Zoom sessions, ensuring transparency and keeping members informed.

BARC's presence on the airwaves is significant, with a diverse array of club nets catering to various interests and modes:

• Monday: 8 AM FM on 147.925 MHz; 7 PM DMR on FreeDMR TG 5050; 8 PM SSB on 3.630 MHz.
• Wednesday: 8 AM FM on 147.925 MHz; 8 PM via the VK4RMC repeater on 439.975 MHz.
• Friday: 8 AM FM on 147.925 MHz; 8 PM via the VK4RMC repeater on 439.975 MHz.
• Sunday: 8 PM via the VK4RBX repeater on 53.925 MHz (6 meters).

BARC extends a warm invitation to all licensed amateur radio operators to join any of their nets, encouraging newcomers to introduce themselves and participate. These nets serve as a valuable blend of social interaction and technical discourse, offering an excellent avenue for learning and skill development within the hobby.

Beyond the regular airwave activity, BARC proudly supports the scouting movement through the annual Jamboree On The Air (JOTA) and Jamboree On The Internet (JOTI) events. The club enthusiastically introduces youngsters to the world of ham radio through hands-on activities, nurturing the next generation of radio enthusiasts.

For those seeking to obtain or upgrade their amateur radio licenses, BARC boasts two ACMA-accredited assessors within its ranks, providing invaluable support to its members. While the club itself doesn't run on-site courses, they recommend the Radio and Electronics School as a reputable provider of training courses for Foundation, Standard, and Advanced licenses at reasonable prices. Furthermore, BARC's knowledgeable members are readily available to assist learners in understanding key concepts as they navigate their chosen course material. Assessments are conducted on an as-needed basis, with the club working collaboratively with individuals to schedule them conveniently.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the Brisbane Amateur Radio Club stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of direct radio communication and the spirit of technical exploration. By fostering a vibrant community, embracing both traditional and modern communication modes, and actively supporting the next generation of enthusiasts, BARC ensures that the airwaves around Brisbane continue to resonate with the voices of amateur radio.