Connecting the Vast Orana Region: The Orana Region Amateur Radio Club Embraces the Digital Age

Formed in 1981, the Orana Region Amateur Radio Club serves a significant expanse of New South Wales, drawing members from Parkes in the south to Cobar in the west, Coonabarabran in the north, and Wellington in the east. Adapting to modern communication, the club now primarily conducts its meetings via Zoom, complemented by occasional in-person get-togethers near Dubbo, ensuring connection across their geographically diverse membership.

The club takes pride in its upgraded repeater network, reporting 100% operational status across all sites. The accompanying image showcases their radio repeater, VK2RCC, situated in the picturesque Warrumbungle Range near Coonabarabran, a vital link in their communication infrastructure.

The Orana Region Amateur Radio Club maintains active on-air presence through its weekly nets. Members convene for an 80-meter net every Monday night from 8 pm to 9 pm on 3.680 MHz. Additionally, a 2-meter net operates on Wednesday nights at 8 pm on 146.800 MHz, utilizing the VK2RCC repeater which now requires a 91.5 Hz CTCSS input tone.

The club diligently maintains the following repeaters across the Orana region:

• Condobolin, Boona Mt: 146.900 MHz with a -600 kHz offset (VK2RRT)
• Dubbo: 146.725 MHz with a -600 kHz offset (VK2RCD), currently featuring EchoLink functionality on node 973817.
• Coonabarabran, Mt Cenn Cruaich: 146.800 MHz with a -600 kHz offset (VK2RCC), now requiring a 91.5 Hz CTCSS input tone.
• Dubbo: 439.950 MHz with a -5 MHz offset (VK2RDD), currently operating in DMR mode only.

The club warmly welcomes contributions towards the ongoing costs of maintaining their vital repeater network. Interested individuals can contact their treasurer for details regarding these expenses.

For those interested in obtaining their amateur radio license, the Orana Region Amateur Radio Club is once again able to conduct assessments. Prospective candidates are encouraged to get in touch with Brett for further information.

Brett Barbary serves as the club's training course coordinator and can be contacted via email. Brett also holds the position of President and can be reached at 0428 999 927 or via email. Secretary Andrew Tucker can be contacted via email, and Treasurer Fiona Barbary can be reached at 0408 464 287.

The Orana Region Amateur Radio Club effectively connects a vast and diverse area of New South Wales, embracing both traditional on-air nets and modern digital communication through their well-maintained repeater network and online meetings.