Great Lakes Radio Club: Keeping the Mid-North Coast Connected

In the picturesque coastal region of Forster-Tuncurry, the Great Lakes Radio Club (GLRC) has been bridging distances since 1988. More than just a hobbyist group, this tight-knit collective of radio enthusiasts serves as both a social hub and vital communications resource for NSW's mid-north coast.

A Club for All Modes

GLRC maintains cutting-edge infrastructure that belies its relaxed coastal vibe:

• VK2RGL repeater (147.1MHz) with unique C4FM digital gateway capability

• DMR repeater linked to the statewide RadNet system

• Publicly accessible HF KiwiSDR (vk2aak.ddns.net:8073) for global listening

"We've embraced new digital modes while keeping traditional FM alive," says President Shayne McBride VK2XUV. "Our repeaters see everything from casual chats to emergency practice drills."

Monthly Meets & Weekly Nets

The club gathers on the last Tuesday of each month (except December) at the Great Lakes FM community radio studios in Tuncurry - a fitting location that underscores their commitment to local communications.

Every Monday at 7pm, operators near and far join the club's net on the VK2RGL repeater, accessible worldwide via EchoLink (VK2RGL-R). "We've had check-ins from across Australia and even overseas," notes Secretary Andy Keir VK2UE.

Licensing Without Lectures

Unlike big city clubs, GLRC takes a personalised approach to licensing:
✔ One-on-one mentoring for Foundation candidates
✔ Flexible assessments for all license grades
✔ ACMA-accredited examiners on hand

"We match your learning style - whether you prefer textbooks, hands-on practice, or online resources," explains Keir, the club's assessment coordinator.

Community Through Radio

Beyond technical pursuits, the club:
• Supports local emergency communications
• Maintains repeaters critical for coastal coverage
• Welcomes visitors to monthly meetings

Contact:
📞 0490 263 828
🌐 glrc.org.au
📻 Monday nets 7pm on 147.1MHz (CTCSS 91.5Hz)
📍 Great Lakes FM, 16 Douglas Ave, Tuncurry (Monthly meets)

In an era of spotty mobile coverage, GLRC proves radio remains the most reliable connection along the beautiful but isolated mid-north coast.

—
Follow The Australian for more stories about regional technology initiatives.

[Did You Know?]
The club's DMR repeater connects to 40+ other systems across NSW, allowing members to chat from Forster to Broken Hill with a handheld radio.