Eastern Connections, Mountain Views: The Eastern & Mountain District Radio Club - A Hub of Innovation

The Eastern & Mountain District Radio Club Inc. (EMDRC), proudly operating under the callsigns VK3ER, VK3BNW, VJ3E, and the vital repeater VK3REC, has been a cornerstone of amateur radio in Melbourne's eastern suburbs and beyond for many years. From its early days fueled by enthusiasm and a shared interest, the club has evolved into an incorporated body, guided by an annually elected committee, offering a diverse range of activities and functions for the mutual enjoyment of its members.

Today, the Main Meetings, a highlight of the club calendar featuring excellent guest speakers, are held at the Clubrooms in Burwood on the first Friday of each month, with the exception of December and January.

Recognising the importance of connection beyond formal meetings, EMDRC hosts a WEEKLY GET-TOGETHER at their rooms every Thursday from around 10 a.m. onwards (excluding Thursdays that fall on Christmas or Boxing Day). Prospective members are warmly invited to visit on a Thursday to explore their excellent facilities. Simultaneously, a CONCURRENT ZOOM MEETING runs from 10 a.m. on Thursdays for those unable to attend in person, ensuring inclusivity for all.

Throughout its history, EMDRC Inc. members have often been at the forefront of embracing new technologies and exploring special interests. Topics such as satellite communications, computing, enhanced data transmission, internet communications, and even High Altitude Ballooning have been regular and engaging subjects at the monthly club meetings, showcasing the club's forward-thinking approach.

The heart of the club's activities lies at the EMDRC clubrooms, located at 13a McCubbin Street, Burwood. Situated in the RF-quiet suburban backstreets, these clubrooms provide an ideal location for a wide array of club activities, boasting a large first-floor meeting hall and dedicated EMDRC rooms on the ground floor. To ensure accessibility for all members, a Zoom session runs in parallel with the in-person meetings, with access details available on the club website (https://www.emdrc.com.au). Recordings of some Zoom presentations are also hosted on YouTube.com after the meetings, allowing members to catch up on missed sessions.

A significant contribution of EMDRC members has been the establishment and ongoing maintenance of the VHF voice repeater VK3REC, serving amateurs particularly in the eastern suburbs and hill districts. This vital repeater now supports both Analogue and Digital (Fusion) modes, catering to a wider range of equipment and preferences.

Many club members actively participate in the various contests sponsored by the Wireless Institute of Australia and kindred international organisations, showcasing their operating skills and competitive spirit. Annual weekend "pilgrimages" are made to selected locations from which the club station VK3ER is activated in contest mode. Club station VK3ER also hosts a regular club radio net on the 2-meter band, a tradition spanning many years. To further encourage contacts among its members, the club sponsors the prestigious Southern Cross Award, with its unique certificates proudly displayed in ham shacks around the world.

While primarily serving the eastern side of Melbourne and the Dandenong Ranges, EMDRC's membership, currently exceeding 270, draws from a wide geographical area, including regional Victoria, interstate, and even overseas, highlighting the club's welcoming and inclusive nature. The ready assistance and encouragement freely given to new members, particularly beginners, fosters a strong sense of community and pride in belonging to the EMDRC Inc.

EMDRC is committed to fostering the growth of amateur radio through its training programs. The club runs Foundation and upgrade courses to Standard/Advanced levels, subject to demand, catering to students of all ages. Typically, there are 2-3 Foundation courses and 1 upgrade course per year. Those interested in more information are encouraged to complete the Contact Form on their website. Currently, an Advance and Standard Licence Course is being offered, with details available on the dedicated "Advance and Standard Licence Courses" page on their website. Interested individuals can complete the Contact Form on that page for more information or to register their interest.

For general enquiries, individuals can complete the Contact Form on the club website (https://www.emdrc.com.au). While specific phone numbers for the committee are not listed, the Secretary can be contacted via the Contact Form.

The dedicated committee members currently leading the Eastern & Mountain District Radio Club include President Martin Phillip VK3TMP, Secretary David Williams VK3RU, and Treasurer Peter Forbes VK3QI, all contactable via the Contact Form on the club website.

The Eastern & Mountain District Radio Club continues to be a vibrant and innovative force in the Victorian amateur radio community, connecting enthusiasts, embracing new technologies, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among its diverse membership.