Hervey Bay's Friendly Waves: Connecting the Fraser Coast

Hervey Bay's Friendly Waves: Connecting the Fraser Coast

Pialba, Hervey Bay, Queensland - Welcoming enthusiasts to the Fraser Coast region, the Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Inc. (VK4CHB) provides a friendly and active hub for amateur radio operators. Their commitment to the hobby is evident in their repeater infrastructure, on-air activities, and dedication to supporting new and experienced members alike.   

 

The club operates a Yaesu DR-2X Fusion C4FM Digital/Analog FM repeater (VK4RHB) located along River Heads Road, co-sited with the commercial KIX FM transmitter. This versatile repeater operates in AMS mode, automatically switching between Digital and Analog FM depending on the incoming signal. Analog FM users experiencing static may find the repeater in Digital mode; pressing their PTT will switch it back to Analog FM. The club welcomes coverage reports on this repeater (146.650 MHz, -ve offset).   

 

The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club maintains a comprehensive website at http://hbarc.org.au, expertly managed by their webmaster Dave VK4DP, who can be contacted via the contact form on the site. The website also features a link to the club's Facebook page and their QRZ.com page (http://www.qrz.com/db/VK4CHB/?dxc=1).

The club fosters a strong sense of community through regular informal gatherings. Every Saturday morning from 0900 EST, members enjoy a "rag chew, eyeball, drink coffee/tea" session at the club room.   

 

The Club's monthly meeting is typically held on the 3rd Saturday of each month, starting at 0930 EST at their club room, located at the back of the SES complex at 103 Old Maryborough Road, Pialba. A BBQ often follows the meeting. Visitors are kindly requested to park outside the SES complex in the front carpark or on the street, ensuring clear access for SES personnel. Newcomers are always warmly welcomed.   

 

The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Inc. actively participates on the HF bands with their Thursday night net, now starting later at 08:00 pm EST on 3.615MHz. All operators are encouraged to join this popular net.   

 

Adding to their on-air activities is a 160-meter net held on Wednesday nights, also starting at 08:00 EST on 1.848 MHz. Initiated by Terry VK4HQ (or VK8TM, depending on his location), this net has become an engaging exploration of propagation and low-frequency antenna construction. Check-ins are welcomed from anyone who can hear them.   

 

The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Inc. meets every Saturday morning in their meeting room at the back of the Hervey Bay SES compound at 103 Old Maryborough Road in Pialba. Members and visitors are reminded to park thoughtfully, avoiding any obstruction of the front building roller door or the side lane of the SES compound to ensure emergency access for SES personnel.   

 

The club provides training advice and assessment for individuals seeking to obtain their amateur radio license, from Foundation to Advanced levels. While they don't currently run formal courses, they are committed to engaging with and assisting anyone who contacts them, offering study advice and support. Prospective licensees are encouraged to reach out or visit on a Saturday morning to meet club members in person.   

 

Key contact persons for training and assessment are Wayne VK4EU (mobile 0419 730 758, email vk4eu@optusnet.com.au), Dave VK4DP (phone 0427 003 787), and Steve VK4QQ (phone 0438 269 574, email streakes@outlook.com). Wayne and Steve are qualified Australian Maritime College Assessors and can conduct the necessary assessments. Further details regarding training can be found on the club's website under the "Training" section. Wayne Staples VK4EU serves as the club's training course coordinator.   

 

The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Inc. can be contacted at PO Box 829, Pialba Queensland 4655, via their website (http://hbarc.org.au), or by phone at 0419 730 758.

The dedicated committee members leading the club include President Wayne Staples VK4EU (0419 730 758), Secretary Wade Millwood VK4WM (07 4124 6253), and Treasurer Sue Stephenson VK4OW (07 4124 4764).   

 

The Hervey Bay Amateur Radio Club Inc. offers a welcoming and active environment for amateur radio enthusiasts on the Fraser Coast. With their versatile repeater, regular meetings, engaging on-air nets, and commitment to training, they provide a valuable resource for both seasoned operators and those new to the hobby.