Clarence Valley Amateur Radio Group: Keeping the Northern Rivers Connected

In the lush hinterland behind Grafton, the Clarence Valley Amateur Radio Group (CVARG) maintains a proud tradition of community-focused radio operation. With the historic callsign VK2GF and a membership spanning from coastal Yamba to the hinterland, this tight-knit group proves amateur radio remains vital in regional Australia.

Monthly Meetups With Country Charm

Unlike formal city clubs, CVARG keeps it relaxed with:
• BYO luncheons on the 2nd Saturday monthly
• Braunstone Hall gatherings (11:30am start)
• Flexible approach - "Always call first" advised

"We're more about camaraderie than strict protocols," says President Bill Randall VK2XDS. "Some members drive 90 minutes just for the company and a sandwich."

Lighthouse On-Air Events & Field Days

The group shines in annual special events:
🏆 John Moyle Memorial Field Day operations
🗼 International Lighthouse Weekend at Yamba Lighthouse
🌊 Maritime mobile operations along the Clarence River

"Our lighthouse activation gets attention worldwide," notes Secretary Shane Solway VK2SQL. "It combines our love of radio with promoting local landmarks."

Accessible Licensing for the Valley

With three accredited assessors, the club offers:
✅ Foundation license training tailored to beginners
✅ One-on-one mentoring approach
✅ Practical emergency comms focus

"After floods knocked out phones and internet, many locals saw the value of radio," explains training coordinator Tony Smith VK2VL.

Join the Northern Rivers Airwaves

Prospective members can:
1️⃣ Message via their Facebook group
2️⃣ Attend a monthly BYO luncheon
3️⃣ Participate in special event operations

Contact:
📞 0414 999 861 (President) / 0428 764 053 (Training)
📍 Braunstone Hall, 9 Braunstone Rd (Monthly meets)

In a region regularly impacted by natural disasters, CVARG members stand ready with their radios - proving that sometimes the oldest technology is the most reliable.

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[Did You Know?]
The club's VK2GF callsign dates back to the early days of amateur radio in Australia, making it one of the oldest still active in regional NSW. Their Facebook group serves as a modern complement to traditional radio nets.