Hills Amateur Radio Group: Reviving the Airwaves in Perth’s Hinterland

Nestled in the lush hills of Lesmurdie, just 30 minutes from Perth’s CBD, the Hills Amateur Radio Group (HARG) has been a cornerstone of Western Australia’s amateur radio community for nearly four decades. Rejuvenated by a passionate team of enthusiasts, this club—operating under callsign VK6AHR—combines vintage radio charm with modern technical prowess, offering stunning views and even better signals from its elevated perch in the Darling Ranges.

A Club Reinvigorated

Since its 1983 founding, HARG has undergone a renaissance, with recent upgrades including:
• Enhanced antenna systems for superior HF/VHF performance
• Expanded club shack with state-of-the-art equipment
• APRS digipeater (VK6AHR-3) tracking real-time radio traffic across WA
• Twice-monthly gatherings blending technical work with social camaraderie

"We’ve rebuilt this club to honor its legacy while embracing new tech," says President Brock VK6VBC. "Our location lets us punch signals across the continent—and sometimes beyond."

Regular Gatherings With Purpose

HARG meets at the Paxhill Guide Hall:
🗓 2nd Saturday Monthly: Hands-on activity day (antenna builds, DX expeditions)
🗓 Last Saturday Monthly: Formal meeting + technical sessions
⏰ 1:00pm doors open / 2:00pm start
📍 Cnr Sanderson & Brady Roads, Lesmurdie

Recent activities have featured:
• DXpeditions targeting rare international contacts
• APRS workshops leveraging their digipeater (viewable at aprs.fi)
• Vintage radio restoration projects

Training Through Partnership

While HARG focuses on practical operations, they recommend:
✅ Ham College (hamcollege.com.au) for licensing courses
✅ Mentorship programs for new members
✅ On-air skill-building during activity days

Join the Hills Radio Community

Enthusiasts can:
1️⃣ Attend a Saturday session (no prior experience needed)
2️⃣ Experiment with APRS tracking and digital modes
3️⃣ Help maintain WA’s vital radio infrastructure

Contact:
📧 Secretary Bruce VK6XZ (via HARG website)
📍 Paxhill Guide Hall, Lesmurdie (Check website for seasonal updates)

In an age of fleeting digital connections, HARG offers something enduring—the thrill of making contact across vast distances using skill and technology.

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[Did You Know?]
HARG’s APRS digipeater provides coverage from Perth’s suburbs deep into WA’s Goldfields region. Their hilltop location (300m+ elevation) allows VHF contacts over 500km—perfect for tracking adventurers in remote areas.