Connecting Gippsland: The Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club - A Legacy of Learning and Camaraderie

Active since 1977, the Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club (GGREC), proudly known by its callsign VK3BJA, boasts a rich history deeply rooted in experimentation, continuous learning, and engaging social events for its members across the Gippsland region.

The club fosters connection through its regular bi-monthly meetings:

• On the First Friday of each month, members gather at their Club room, conveniently located behind the Guide Hall off Grant Street (approximately 100 meters from Sladen Street) from around 7:30 pm. This "Prac Night" offers a relaxed environment for training sessions, hands-on construction projects, and casual catch-ups among fellow enthusiasts.
• On the Third Friday of each month (with the exception of December), a larger general meeting takes place within the Guide Hall itself. These meetings typically feature a guest speaker or an engaging demonstration on a topic of interest to the club's diverse membership.

Beyond their regular meetings, GGREC actively participates in significant amateur radio events such as Jamboree on the Air/Internet (JOTA/JOTI) and various Field Day activities, fostering both local and global connections within the hobby.

A valuable resource for its members, the club station VK3BJA is accessible 24/7, providing a platform for experimentation, communication, and skill development at any time.

For those interested in pursuing an Amateur Radio License, GGREC advises contacting the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) or Amateur Radio Victoria (ARV) for comprehensive information regarding training courses and assessment procedures.

While the club itself does not currently list upcoming courses or assessments, Graeme Brown VK3BXG (member number 3-047) serves as a point of contact within the club for training-related enquiries and can be reached at 03 5625 1532.

The Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club can be contacted via their postal address: C/O 408 Old Sale Road, Drouin West Victoria 3818, or through their website: http://www.ggrec.org.au. For direct phone contact, the President is the primary point of contact.

The dedicated individuals currently leading the GGREC committee include President Fred Reid VK3FWR (0407 289 777), Secretary Klaus Illhardt VK3IU (0490 258 029), and Treasurer Bruce VK3BRW (contactable via email through their website).

With a long and active history, the Gippsland Gate Radio & Electronics Club continues to be a vital hub for amateur radio enthusiasts in the Gippsland region, fostering a strong community built on shared learning, experimentation, and the joy of radio communication.