Central Queensland's Connected Voice: The Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club

Moranbah, Queensland - Spanning the vast expanse of Central Queensland, the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club (VK4 WCH) has been a unifying force for radio enthusiasts since its inception in 1988. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2018, the club boasts a dedicated membership drawn from across Queensland, bound by a shared passion for amateur radio and a commitment to regional connectivity.

A pioneering spirit defines the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club. They proudly hold the distinction of being the first club to link three voice repeaters in the early 1990s. This dedication to expanding communication infrastructure has continued, and the club now maintains an impressive network of ten linked voice repeaters strategically positioned across Central Queensland. This network also features a fixed link to a South East Queensland repeater near Ipswich, further extending their reach. While their IRLP Node # 6037 was offline in 2020, the club's commitment to interconnected communication remains strong.

Recognizing the importance of mobile communication, the club is also actively establishing an APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) network on 145.175 MHz, aiming to provide comprehensive mobile coverage across Central Queensland.

For those seeking the latest updates and community interaction, the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club Inc. now has a vibrant presence on Facebook.

The cornerstone of the club's extensive voice repeater system, which previously offered IRLP Node # 6037 access, includes:

• 146.800 MHz: VK4RMP Midge Point & Proserpine
• 146.825 MHz: VK4RSP Springsure (covering Rolleston, Emerald & Gemfields)
• 146.875 MHz: VK4RAS Moranbah, Mackay
• 146.925 MHz: VK4RHR Hodgson Range (near Dysart & Clermont, covering Capella & Tieri)
• 146.950 MHz: VK4RBD Blackdown Tableland (at Blackwater, covering Emerald to Duaringa & south to Biloela & Moura)
• 146.975 MHz: VK4RRR Mt Seaview (near Nebo, covering Glenden, Moranbah to Mackay & south to Dysart)
• 147.050 MHz (+ offset): VK4REP Middlemount (South towards Blackwater and North towards Dysart)
• 147.375 MHz (+ offset): VK4RGA Gladstone area (Gladstone Amateur Radio Club)
• 147.175 MHz (+ offset): VK4RDL St Lawrence (Bruce HWY Coverage by VK4RM)
• 438.225 MHz: VK4RAR Rockhampton area (Radar Radio Club)
• 439.625 MHz (91.5Hz tone required): VK4RSA Sarina, Mackay and coastal areas
• 439.325 MHz (91.5Hz tone required): VK4RAI Ipswich and Brisbane Valley area
• 438.500 MHz: VK4RHR Also on Hodgson Range (covering Dysart, Clermont, Capella, Tieri & Gem Fields)

The club also operates a D-Star repeater on 146.6375 MHz (VK4RBD C), which is typically connected to the DCS 389q Reflector, located on the Blackdown Tableland at Blackwater and covering Emerald to Duaringa & south to Biloela & Moura.

The Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club hosts a weekly club radio net on 3.618 MHz every Friday at 19:30 Queensland time.

For those interested in connecting with the club, their website (https://charc.org.au) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/632669076759173) serve as key communication channels. Email inquiries can be directed to secretary@charc.org.au. Members can also make contact with committee members via the repeater network.

Membership in the Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club is affordably priced at $20.00 per year for individual membership and $25.00 per year for couple or dual membership.

The dedicated committee for 2024-2025 includes President Steve Wood VK4SM, Vice President Glen Wyper VK4VGW, Secretary Joseph Knauth VK4JLK, Treasurer John Moynihan VK4FJM, and Committee Members Greg Weir VK4GDW, Robert Lee VK4CWL, Keith Flesser VK4XK, and Alistair Dixon VK4ARD. The club also recognizes its Ex Officio members, including Technical Officer Steven Wood VK4SM, Assistant Technical Officer Alister Dixon VK4ARD, Event Co-ordinator Helen Wood VK4FHEL, Publicity Officer Gavin Reibelt VK4ZZ, and Club Net Controller Colin Brooks VK4MCC, as well as Life Members Mel Lees VK4ML, Richie Chapel VK4RR, David Wilson VK4UN, and Harry Cox VK4LE.

The Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club remains a vital link for amateur radio enthusiasts across a significant portion of Queensland, fostering connection through their extensive repeater network and a strong sense of community.

For those interested in training and assessment, Clive Sait serves as the club's coordinator and can be contacted at 0429 632 815.

The Central Highlands Amateur Radio Club can be reached at PO BOX 309, Moranbah QLD 4744, via their website (https://charc.org.au), or by phone at 0467 226 320.

The current committee members can be contacted as follows: President Steve Wood VK4SM (0408 391 727), Secretary Joseph Knauth VK4JLK (0467 226 320), and Treasurer John Moynihan VK4FJM (0407 165 795).